Budapest is an elegant city in its architecture and landscape. It has a variety of bars and restaurants providing good sized portions of wholesome food. The River Danube separates Buda from Pest. Pest is relatively flat and includes the commercial areas of the city. The land rises steeply on the Buda side which includes much of interest.

Budapest is served by a number of budget airlines making it an economical destination.

Danube river boat trips operate from the Pest side of the river and pass many of the cities attractions before arriving at Margaret Island. Here you can stay awhile before returning on another boat. The island itself is an area of parkland, woods and sports and leisure facilities including a swimming pool, tennis courts and an athletics track.

A major attraction by the river on the Pest side is the Hungarian Parliament Building, built in the Gothic style and opened in 1896.

The Castle District on the Buda side of the river Danube is not to be missed. Visit the Castle District during the day to admire the architecture and by night, when the area is bustling, for the views over the river.

In 1944 the Nazis made their last stand at the Royal Palace, which was destroyed and rebuild during the 1950’s. The Royal Palace is now a complex of museums and galleries including arts, history and natural history.

Matthias Church is the dominant building in Holy Trinity Square. On the river side of the square is the Fishermans Bastion with five turrets and walls offering a breathtaking  view of the Danube and the Pest side of the city.

Places to visit  in the Castle District include the Jewish Prayer House, the Jewish Museum, the Music History Museum, the Military History Museum, the Telephone Museum, and a network of caves and underground passages that is the Labyrinth of Buda Castle – there is something for every taste and interest.

The Castle District can be reached from the Pest side by crossing the Chain Bridge and the funicular railway to the top of the valley side.

Andrassy Avenue is a World Heritage Site which runs from Deak Ferenc Ter to Heroes Square. The Metro line that runs below it is the oldest metro in Europe and a World Heritage Site in its own right.

Heroes Square (Hosok Ter), one of the main squares in Budapest features statues of Hungarian heroes from Medieval times onwards. Aside the square are the Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of Art, beyond it is the City Park which includes among other things Budapest Zoo, Transport Museum, Vajdahunyad Castle and a swimming pool and spa.