Hungary's capital straddles a gentle curve in the Danube. It's the administrative as well as the business and cultural center of Hungary, and virtually everything that happens in the country starts, finishes or is taking place here. But the beauty of Budapest is what really makes it stand apart. Its broad avenues, leafy parks and harmonious blend of architectural styles have earned it the nickname the 'Paris of Eastern Europe'.
The walled Castle District is the premier destination for visitors. It consists of two distinct parts: the Old Town, where commoners lived during medieval times; and the Royal Palace, the original site of a castle built in the 13th century. The Old Town is filled with attractively painted streets, decorative churches and the famous Fishermen's Bastion. Immediately south of the Old Town is the Royal Palace. Razed, rebuilt and redesigned over the past seven centuries, the palace houses a number of museums, including the National Gallery. The oldest and one of the most interesting parts of the city is Óbuda. The area is remarkable for its Roman ruins, and its small, quiet neighborhoods, which seem unchanged since the turn of the century. North of Óbuda is the Roman civilian town of Aquincum, which was among the most developed towns on the continent with sumptuous single-story houses, fountains and courtyards.
Budapest's other highlights include a cruise along the Danube, strolling along the riverfront or across romantic bridges, browsing through antique bookshops and jewelry stores, or 'taking the waters' at one of the city's many spas.
Budapest has an ample choice of things to do after dark - from opera, theatre, ballet and dance to rock, pop, jazz, and meat-market discos.