The Hungarian capital is waiting for you to discover it
Budapest is a city of innovators and renewal. The main districts on the two banks of the river, Pest, Buda and Óbuda, all have their own character, yet they form a unity. Walking through its streets, you will discover an evolving cosmopolitan city, steeped in history, yet looking to the future - and a treasure trove for the traveller of today.
Budapest is not called the city of spas for nothing, so it's worth visiting at least one of them during your stay. Spending a few hours in the hot thermal waters and relaxing, playing a few games of party chess in the water using a Styrofoam board floating on the surface as a prop, changing pools all day is an everyday luxury that probably no Hungarian needs to be introduced to. Would you like to try it? There are plenty of options for bathing, from Rudas Baths to Széchényi Baths and Palatinus Beach.
You can discover the wonders of Budapest not only by walking around the city - you can also enjoy the most beautiful views by boat on the Danube, as Budapest's public transport is not only above and below ground, but also on the Danube. Cruising is a great way to explore the capital: see Budapest from Újpest to Csepel on the sparkling Danube, see the architectural monuments from the river, sail under all the trademark bridges of Budapest! Which will be your favourite?
In Budapest's most exclusive shopping street, you'll find shops from premium brands and better-than-best restaurants. Exploring Andrássy Avenue is a great all-day activity: the stretch between Erzsébet tér and Oktogon has the most shops and restaurants, while walking in the shade of the trees lining the street offers a myriad of shop windows, and the stretch between Oktogon and Heroes' Square is the most atmospheric walk in the city.
One of Budapest's Michelin-starred establishments is a busy, wine-centric restaurant next to the Basilica. The menu changes frequently: guests visiting the Borkonyha can enjoy dishes prepared in a modern style, with great expertise and Hungarian influences, all year round. The seasonal ingredients are sourced from the countries of the region, and the vast selection of selected wines includes many excellent Hungarian wines.
Many consider the ruin pubs to be the most attractive phenomenon in Budapest, and rightly so: hiding in the heart of the city centre and in the minimally renovated historic buildings of the Jewish quarter, the bars have a unique atmosphere. Their dilapidated interiors and creatively decorated, conceptual spaces offer something to excite all visitors - it's no coincidence that Szimpla Kert, Kuplung or Fogasház are among the most popular places to visit in Budapest.
Hungary's largest lake is one of the natural treasures that attracts the most tourists. Lake Balaton, with its fabulous surroundings, is just two hours away from the capital, but it's worth deciding which part of the 'Hungarian Sea' you want to explore: the southern shore is the country's most popular and one of the region's most popular resorts, while the picturesque northern shore is home to top-quality wines and exciting wineries.
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