Capital of central Europe and a fervent eye-witness of European history, Budapest is the "Pearl of the Danube", the poetic nickname given to it in guidebooks. More than a jewel, it offers an invitation to the East, a continuous spectacle of unfaltering cultural refinement, monuments, palaces, baths and gastronomic specialties.
The Haussmann style combines with that of the Art Nouveau of the Secession, while neo-Gothic rubs shoulders with modern and baroque. Whether you're passionate about architecture or something of a novice, Budapest will leave its mark on you, with buildings as majestic as Matthias Church. Neo Gothic in style, it offers visitors a fairytale setting with its imposing tower and its roof made up of geometric patterns. In a quite different style, the Fishermen's Bastion transports the traveler to another era. Offering a green view of the city, this unique place astonishes with its white stone walls, turrets and ramparts, all giving it the feel of a fairytale citadel. It's highly symbolic for all of Budapest's inhabitants and the perfect place to enjoy a break away from it all, in the heart of Buda.
This area which is accessed most notably from Chain Bridge, the oldest bridge in Budapest, connects the Pest side to the Royal Palace of Buda. Once you have entered beneath its two monumental arches and are standing in front of its two massive lions, take a detour to the famous Szechenyi baths for an unforgettable experience. No trip to Budapest, and indeed no visit of Hungary, can be complete without a detour to these spectacular baths. As its visitors gaze in wonderment, the steam from the hot water mingles with the baroque facades and arches, creating a highly magical atmosphere.
