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