Hungary is regarded as one of the top destinations for a vacation in the world. Hungary, with its capital at Budapest is located in Central Europe.

This country has a rich history, with tales of colonialism, battles, and expansion to its credit. Today, however, it has a developed economy, with immense foreign investments being made.

The natives are mostly Hungarian, although there have been immigrants from other countries such as Germany, Ukraine and Russia who have also come into the country over the years.

The waves of cultural change that swept the world in the earlier centuries, had its impact on Hungary too, particularly in literature. Poets such as Balint Balassi, who had many medieval influences in his works, and Zrinvi, came to light during the 16th century. Often new ideas and ways of thinking were reflected in the works of poets such as Mihaly Vitez, Janos Batsanyi and so on.

A 19th century poet called Janos Arany was famed for his love ballads. Modern names who are Hungarian and have been much acclaimed are writers like Sandor Marai, Imre Kertesz and Peter Nadas. Hungarian inventors have given much to the world. Examples are Erno Rubik (the Rubik cube), Dennis Gabor (holography) and Laslo Biro (the ballpoint pen).

Besides the cuisine, Hungary is famous for its monuments, churches and historical sites. Budapest itself, is divided into two parts- Buda which has a more medieval feel, and Pest which is more commercial in nature. Gellery Hill home to the Citadella, a 19th century fort, is worth visiting.

The Royal Palace, which has many architectural styles, is home to the National Gallery. The Historical Museum of Budapest located here, has many 15th century archaeological artifacts. The Fisherman’s Bastion, built in 1905, is beautiful with white cloisters and stairways. There is a memorial to King Stephen, the founder of the nation too.

The Matthias Church is a 700 year old church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which has a multicoloured tiled roof, a Gothic spire, richly decorated altar, frescoes and other decorations. It is an important landmark here.

In Pest, one can see the Belvárosi Templom, the oldest church in Hungary, which was built in the 12th century. This is a city full of hot springs too. Esztergom, is crucial to Hungarian history, and is home to the first cathedral in the country. Hungary has much to offer a nature lover too. Do visit Heviz, which is home to the largest second largest thermal lake, and is a great place for a swim.

The Szépasszony Valley (Valley of the Pretty Woman), has many vineyards, cellars and taverns, full of historical significance. The ‘Istenes Pince’, is believed to be the oldest cellar in Hungary. Balatonfured, is an 18th century resort, on the Lake Balaton, which has many mineral baths too. Many ill people come here to get cured, from illnesses.

The combination of history and nature, makes Hungary an interesting destination for any tourist. You are sure to enjoy your stay here.

Many travellers might ask the question “Why visit Budapest?” what is so special about the capital of Hungary that one should include it in her/his travel plans.

I could tell you about how beautiful the city is and that there are numerous historic and cultural sights but I’m sure other travel guides have already listed these reasons countless times.

My husband and I have lived in Budapest for many years so we know the city inside out.

I’m sure that this makes us a bit biased towards our hometown but we are also well aware of Budapest weaknesses that tourists might want to know about when visiting the city.

We’ve also visited several cities in the neighbouring countries (Prague, Vienna, Ljubljana) so we can compare what Budapest offers to tourists to that of other central European tourist destinations.

Reasons For Visiting Budapest

Mixture of Old and Modern World

Budapest’s charm lies in the many cultural influences that affected the city during its long history. The mixture of western capitalism that has been advancing relentlessly since the change of political systems and the after effects of the more than 40 years of communist era give Budapest a strange appeal.

Thermal Baths, Medicinal Waters

You can bathe in turkish Baths (Király Bath) enjoying the centuries old architecture but you also have the option to splurge in upscale spas (Gellért, Széchenyi or in the wide range of spa and wellness hotels (Danubius health Spa Resort Margitsziget, Royal Spa in the Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal etc.

Affordable City

Budapest is still an inexpensive city compared to Prague or Vienna.

Although prices has been continuously increasing since the mid-1990-ies you can still get more for your money than in the majority Western European cities especially with the Hungarian forint being so weak.

Wide Variety of Good-Value Accommodation

There are many hotels and other types of accommodation in Budapest offering lodging to every taste and budget. You can sleep in a lavish palace hotel like the New York Palace Boscolo Hotel, the Four Seasons Gresham Palace or in a contemporay boutique hotel.

Travellers on a tight budget can choose from a wide range of Quality Hotels  both in Budapest’s city centre or in the green belt.

A good accommodation option over a hotel is staying in a fully-serviced apartment. There are many apartment rental agencies in Budapest specializing in renting out quality apartments.

Shopping

Shops, boutiques, markets abound in Budapest. The several shoping centres (Arena Plaza, WestEnd City Center, Campona) are great places to shop for designer clothes, electronics, books, jewelry, toiletries, small gifts, food stuff etc.

Plenty of Restaurants, Tasty Local Food

There are countless restaurants, inns, fast food places, international eateries in Budapest. Although the quality varies widely the city has many restaurant where you can enjoy a pleasant meal. There are streets and neighbourhoods that specialize in the restaurant and cafe business: Liszt Ferenc Square, Ráday Street.