Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Hungary / Budapest
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| | | European city of culture |  | Why go on holiday to Budapest?
Budapest, straddling a gentle curve in the Danube, is one of Europe's most beautiful cities. Broad avenues, leafy parks and the harmonious blend of different architectural styles make it a city to explore on foot.
The Castle District has been the centre of Budapest since the Middle Ages, housing the Old Town and the Royal Palace.
As well as the visual splendour there's a lively cafe culture and great theatre, opera and galleries.
How much does it cost?
City breaks to Budapest start at about £300 for two nights. Scheduled return flights can be as little as £180 in low season, rising to £250 in the summer. A night in a three-star hotel costs about £65 for a double room. All prices can vary so look out for bargains.
The largest campsite is Romai Camping, near Romaifurdo station to the north of the city. There are a couple of more conveniently positioned sites at the foot of the Buda hills, but space is limited.
If you want to stay in a hostel, Hostelling International (HN) has an office at Keleti station. They will make bookings for you.
When should I go?
Hungarian summers are long and warm, if a little wet at the outset, and temperatures range from 10-26C (50-80F). Resorts get extremely crowded in July and August.
Spring is glorious, as is autumn in the hilly regions outside the city. In winter time the temperature drops to -6C-10C (20F-50F).
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| | | Relaxing Turkish baths |  | What should I do when I'm there?
Budapest, with its fantastic architecture and picturesque setting, is the perfect city to see on foot.
The old town is full of attractive, painted streets and churches as well as the famous Fisherman's Bastion. It has great city views and is dominated by statues and seven turrets.
Just below the Old Town is the Royal Palace, home to several museums and the National Gallery. Obuda is a fascinating part of the city, with Roman ruins and museums.
How can I take the weight off my feet?
Rent a bike from Margaret Island and cycle around the islands and hills of Budapest - it's a great way to see the city's natural glories.
Alternatively treat yourself to a thermal bath. There are loads to choose from, a legacy of the period of Turkish occupation. The older, original Turkish ones are the most interesting. Note that some baths become gay venues on male-only days.
Swimmers will love the city, there are dozens of good indoor and outdoor pools. Take a bathing cap as they're often compulsory.
Is it good for exploring Eastern Europe?
It certainly is. Due to the recent Soviet influence, Hungary has very good rail and road connections to other former Eastern Bloc nations. You can get a train direct to Moscow, hop across to Romania, Poland, Slovakia or Bulgaria.
As the most Westernised and comfortable of Eastern European countries, Hungary makes a splendid base for forays into the old Iron Curtain states.
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| | | Stock up on caviar | | Where's good for nightlife?
There's a dizzying range of pubs and bars, and a multitude of clubs - popular ones are Bahnhof and the HullyGully.
If your tastes tend to the more cultural, there are a couple of dozen cinemas showing English language films (with Hungarian subtitles).
It's worth a visit to the State Opera House to check out the amazingly opulent interior alone (the singing's not bad either!). There's plenty of theatre and classical music most nights, plus rock and pop.
Get information from the free, bilingual publications Programme and Budapest Panorama.
What's the food like?
Budapest really has everything for foodies, including all the fast-food chains. Of these, try Hungarian Paprika - at least it's Hungarian. Cheap self-service restaurants once ruled but are becoming rarer, though good ones can still be found.
Pizza took Budapest by storm in the early '90s, but now Middle Eastern food is challenging dough-based domination.
Traditional Hungarian food is substantial, consisting of vast portions of pork and beef, preferably cooked with cream or goose fat aplenty.
What should I buy?
Forget the poverty of Eastern Bloc days, Hungarian shops have plenty of goods to interest visitors. Traditional craft gifts tend to be a bit junky in the capital, but there are other things to look out for.
Goosedown pillows and duvets are quality bargains, as are many of the foodstuffs on offer.
Goose liver, caviar, salamis and strange varieties of paprika are easier to come by than elsewhere, and some of the wines are terrific quality at rock bottom prices.
CDs of gypsy music and some classical are also good.
What is there for children to do?
Not a lot - two of the best attractions are not open during the summer, the Budapest puppet theatre and the Grand Circus.
Tourist office
Hungarian National Tourist Office, 46 Eaton Place, London SW1X 8AL. Tel. 020 7823 1055.
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| | Available rental properties in Budapest |
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