Things to do in Budapest

Variously named the “Pearl of the Danube,” “Queen of the Danube” and “City of a Thousand Moods,” Budapest is situated on the banks of the “Beautiful Blue” Danube. This legendary river adds a distinctive picturesque quality to Budapest, curling around islands as it cuts through the city. On the right bank of the Danube lies hill-covered Buda, a part of the city that is home to many historic relics, museums and hundreds of villas with lovely gardens. On the left bank, Pest accommodates most official office and business buildings and, in outlying districts, large industrial enterprises.

The three towns – Buda, Obuda and Pest – originally developed separately and finally merged under the name of Budapest in 1872. Industry and commerce then flourished. Construction began to boom, with the building of Budapest’s Parliament Building, Opera House, the City Park Museums and the first underground railway system on the continent.

In their love of freedom, the Hungarians have a long and passionate history. The area known today as Hungary has been variously occupied by Germanic tribes, Magyars, Huns, Nazis, Soviets, Communists and, of course, the Austrians. Perhaps it is this uniquely varied legacy that accounts for the rich folklore and folk culture of the Hungarian people. Today, Hungary enjoys brisk commercial and political exchange. With the literal abandonment of the “Iron Curtain,” the country has opened its doors and visitors from both the East and the West are sure to receive a warm Hungarian welcome.