City Break to Budapest

Anyone who has been to Budapest will know exactly what makes it one of Europe's best-loved city break destinations; you are really getting two cities for the price of one. Bisected by the mighty Danube the city has something of a split personality. On the west side of the river is historic Buda; the ancient heart of the capital. On the east side is industrious Pest; defined by handsome boulevards and the familiar sights and sounds of European commerce.

Each side of the Danube has its own temptations: To the west hilly Buda corrals together some of the city's finest monuments with the Roman ruins at buda providing the obvious historical starting point. For a lesson in medieval architecture wander the cat's cradle of narrow streets that surround the picturesque castle district. Keep an eye open for the Fisherman's Bastion; a group of seven towers that symbolise each of the seven Magyar tribes that founded the nation.

On the east bank of the Danube is low-lying Pest; the capital's business and administrative centre and the country's economic powerhouse. Besides the impressive neo-Gothic Parliament building you will find an impressive collection of department stores, boutiques and markets selling everything from antiquarian books to lace tablecloths. However, it is after dark that Pest really comes into its own; when the myriad of bars and all-night clubs begin to wake up.

Budapest is a pedestrian-friendly city and most of the sights can be easily reached on foot. However, if you fancy something different then head for Margaret Island and hire a bringo; the Hungarian interpretation of a tandem bicycle.

After an afternoon in the saddle there is no better way to unwind than in one of the city's fabled public baths. There are more than thirty thermal springs scattered throughout the city, but they don't come any grander than the stunning art nouveau spa in the Gell