When in Budapest
Regarded as one of Europe's most attractive cities, Budapest offers a visual feast of architectural and natural beauty. Laid out across the banks of the River Danube, the city is affectionately known as the Queen of the Danube. The castle district, River Danube embankments and Andrassy have even been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, putting the stunning city in the same league as the Taj Mahal and Pyramids.
Settlements have developed around this spot on the River Danube since ancient times, with the area first settled by the Celts and then the Romans. Over time, three towns grew up along the banks, Buda and Obuda on the right bank and Pest on the left. These were unified as a single city in 1873, when many of Budapest's main boulevards were laid down. It is now the seventh largest city in the European Union and is home to around 1.7 million inhabitants.
Budapest is often known as the City of Spas in reference to the large number of thermal and medicinal spas below its streets. The role these played in shaping the city's history is still evident, for example in the traditional Turkish baths that are left as a relic from the Ottoman Empire. The waters also formed an extensive network of caves under the city. Many of Budapest's 200 caves are accessible to tourists and the subterranean attraction can be a popular retreat from the heat of the summer months.
When it comes to shopping, Budapest is proof that what goes around, comes around. The city was famed for its opulent markets halls years ago but its reputation as a decadent commercial centre suffered somewhat under communism. Since Soviet withdrawal, however, Budapest has been re-establishing itself as a "Mecca" for shoppers, offering a wealth of massive malls and more traditional small shops.
The West End City Centre is one of the largest shopping areas, also attracting the less materialistic with its beautiful architecture. Tourists should also explore the maze of small shops in the city selling traditional luxury goods, ranging from Wagner manuscripts, antique clocks and pipes and tobacco. Budapest's market halls are also a sight-seeing attraction in their own right, with the Ecseri Flea Market regarded as the most interesting. Popular with both local Hungarians and tourists, it covers four acres with a wealth of stalls and, being open seven days a week, can cater for even the most compulsive shoppers. The Budapest Flea Market is also popular among visitors in search of the "real" Budapest. Open, Saturday and Sundays, the market is more humble and traditional and tourists should not be surprised to find local Hungarians selling their own possessions for quick cash.
Budapest is easily accessible for international visitors, catering for both air and rail travel. Budapest International Airport lies about ten miles south of the city centre and is a popular choice with holidaymakers, especially those just visiting the city on a short getaway. There are also three large railway stations in the city, the eastern, western and southern, all of which cater for both international travel and rail routes around Hungary. Sadly, however, travellers can no longer visit Budapest on the Orient Express as the service stopped in 2001. Once in the city, an impressive Metro system ferries both residents and visitors around efficiently. The second oldest subway system in Europe, the original Yellow Line has also been restored to its original condition and now operates as a historical attraction for tourists.
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