Budapest, Hungary

Answer 1

Budapest, located on either side of the romantic Danube River, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. With the hills of Buda on the west side and the start of the Great Plain on the east, Hungary’s capital is brimming with attractions for families and couples alike. Budapest is filled with attractions for people of all ages.

History buffs will enjoy learning about Hungary’s history starting around the early 9th century, architectural enthusiasts will astound in the city’s baroque, art nouveau and neo-classical buildings while couples will revel in romantic walks along the Danube. Everyone will enjoy exploring Margaret Island in the heart of Budapest. This small island has medieval ruins to explore, romantic walkways, a zoo and a musical fountain. Explore the island on foot or take a ride in a Bringo Cart. Visitors can also rent bicycles, roller blades, electric cars and motor scooters. Cool off at one of the islands many pools and beaches, enjoy a 5-star meal at one of the island’s restaurants or sit back with an ice cream cone.

The arts are highly revered in Hungary with more than 100 museums in Budapest alone. Topping the list is Budapest’s Museum of Fine Arts. This museum is home to a collection of over 3000 paintings from the Old Masters including Raphael, Goya, Poussin, Correggio, El Greco, Joos Van Cleve and Rembrandt. The Hungarian National Museum has a permanent exhibit entitled, History of Hungary, which shows visitors the growth of Hungary from 400,000 BC to the 1990’s. Even children will enjoy the Children’s Railway Museum where visitors can drive a locomotive.

Museums are not the only thing Hungarians are known for when it comes to the arts. Some say that Magyars (what Hungarians call themselves, sounds like “Mujars”) are born with an instrument in hand. Music is big in Budapest where Hungarian Gypsy music is played on street corners while productions such as Carmen and Don Giovanni play at the Opera House of Budapest. This neo-Renaissance building opened in 1884. Concert halls in Budapest have also hosted such diverse artists as The Rolling Stones, Madonna and Lady Gaga.

Dining in Budapest is like no other. From romantic restaurants along the Danube and Vaci Utca (Vaci Street) to family-friendly restaurants and cafés all over the city there is a restaurant to suit all tastes. Magyar food is, simply put, delicious. Try national specialties like Csirke Paprikas (Chicken with sweet paprika sauce), Porkolt (pork or beef sautéed in oil with sweet paprika and onions and served with home made dumplings) and Toltott Kaposzta (stuffed cabbage). Leave room for decadent desserts such as Szilvas Gomboc (plum dumplings) and palacsinta (thin pancakes sort of like crepes but more flavorful).

Budapest is for families, lovers and anyone else. Midnight strolls across the Chain Bridge with the sweet strains of a violin in the background, beaches, pools and thermals for everyone, underground labyrinths to explore and Medieval Budapest at Castle Hill are just a few more of the attractions in Budapest.

Answer 2

Located on both sides of the Danube River, Budapest is a land of adventure. Hungary’s capital offers beautiful architecture, ancient castles and mouth-watering food.

Margaret Island is an oasis in the middle of the Danube. This tiny island has medieval ruins, romantic walkways, a zoo and a musical fountain. Explore Margaret Island on foot or in a Bringo Cart. Visitors can also rent bicycles and roller blades. Try one of the pools, visit the beach, eat a 5-star meal or have a specialty ice cream such as megy (sour cherry).

Budapest’s thermal baths are a luxurious experience. The indoor Gellert Baths, Art Nouveau 1912, take guests back to the Ottoman Empire with their sheer grandness. Szechenyi Baths, 1913 Neo Baroque, offer outdoor beaches and are Europe’s largest medicinal baths.

Midnight strolls on the Danube, the sweet strains of a violin and friendly people are all part of what make Budapest, Hungary, one of the most unforgettable cities in the world.