General information
Budapest - 'the pearl on the Danube' - is young as cities go. In 1873 the cities Buda and Pest, facing each other across the river, and their neighbor Obuda were united. The single city they formed is a hodge-podge of architectural styles and a mix of people that create an atmosphere like no other city in the world. Before the earth-shaking events of the early 1990s, Budapest was perhaps the most open of the East Bloc capitals. Just after "the change" it went through a few spasms of adjustment but it is now settling into the comfortable, self-assured role of a European cultural center. Buda on the hills, once the royal seat, is actually the younger of the two cities; Pest on the plain was settled in Roman times. Palaces and churches dot the hills of Buda while flatland Pest boasts the neo-Gothic Parliament building, delicious details of art nouveau and a number of shiny high-rise hotels. The two sides are joined by six bridges for cars, each spoken of lovingly by name. Even on the quickest of visits it is possible to hit the high points on both sides of the city. A good place to start is Castle Hill on the Buda side. The Matthias Church on the hilltop is a landmark: it was here in 1203 that the city fathers excommunicated the pope. It encompasses the styles of various centuries and boasts a rich treasury. The best place to stroll is the Vaci Utca - the lovely pedestrian zone which has been refurbished and extended from the famous Gerbeaud's Cafe all the way to the wonderful Market Hall. There are many more things to see - the City Park with the Vajdahunyad Castle (housing the Agricultural Museum), Heroes' Square dominated by the pillar of the seven ancient Hungarian tribal chieftains and surrounded by museums, the Opera House, theaters and a nice little zoo. Budapest is a spa city and it is a must to enjoy the thermal baths which are so much a part of its history and culture.

How to get there
By airplane: Ferihegy airport is 20km (15 miles) to the south-east of Budapest on the E60 road. There are two modern terminals next to each other. By car: The fastest way to Hungary is on the motorway to Vienna via Passau and Linz. Only 248 km between Vienna and Budapest. This new motorway got completed in only 1995 (border crossing Nickelsdorf/Hegyeshalom motorway M 1). By train: Information can be obtained night and day by the Austrian Federal Railway under their service number +43(0)5 1717

Sightseeing
In Budapest it is a must to visit the 2000 year old Roman ampihtheatre, the 400 year old Turkish baths, the largest Parliament House in Europe and one of the oldest subway systems on the continent. Budapest was inhabited 50 000 years ago, but has only carried this name for the last 130.Until 1872, the three cities, Buda, Pest and Obuda, were totally self-sufficient. Culturally and historically wondrous, a couple of days to enjoy the city is not enough, but if this is the case make sure you spend one of those days visiting mountainous Buda, with its romantic castle and grandiose Kings Palace. The 'Gellert' mountain, housing a fortress that overlooks the city shouldn't be missed and last but not least, the 'Gellert' monument. To escape the city, take a break in the 'Budaer' mountains or sail over to 'Margaret Island', a green oasis in the middle of Budapest. By walking through the ancient ruins of 'Aquincum' you can capture how the Romans lived over 3000 years ago. For a cultural difference, cross the Donau river to the 'Pest' side, you'll find yourself in the centre of glorious boutiques and quaint restaurants. Here you can easily spend the day sipping coffee in a sidewalk cafe, enjoying the flair of this extraordinary city. An excursion into the Budapest forest, a visit to the zoo or to the largest health resort found in Europe, 'Bad Szechenyi', is also an absolute must. You can never have too much time in Budapest!