Budapest Travel Guide - Budapest is the capital city of Hungary. Budapest as a short break destination is becoming more and more popular and there has been an influx of tourists to enjoy the splendour of the City. It is now fast becoming the new darling of the short city break brigade.

While Budapest is ideal as a short break destination, if you plan to spend time on visits outside Budapest, say, to the Danube Bend (a very popular trip), it is wise to spend longer and make sure to allow several full days to explore Budapest.

Budapest is in reality three cities in one. On the west side of the Danube is the hilly Buda. On the east side of the Danube is Pest and it is situated on a flat plain. Modern Budapest also incorporates the Old Buda City – Obuda – also on the west side of the Danube.

Eastern Europe Cities conjure up many images – some think of a slightly dark cities, streets lined with huge 19th Century buildings, with jewels of buildings here and there, an emphasis on cultural activities such as Opera, Classical Concerts, Ballet, etc, and this mix delivered by a reserved, polite population.

Well, that image is Budapest. The History of Budapest shows they suffered greatly over the years from invaders, thrones being overthrown, new invaders arriving, etc. Occupied during World War II, Budapest, the last two years of the War and 1945 in particular were tragic. Budapest History shows the city was heavily bombed by the Allies in 1945 and about three-quarters of the buildings were damaged and all the bridges across the Danube destroyed. More recently, the switch from Communism to Capitalism has been very painful, and most of the population came out of the changeover poorer, with a less secure future.

Look around Budapest and you can sense the history but there has been much restoration in the centre of Budapest, more is being done, and the Budapest’s former glory is beginning to shine through. It is hoped, too, that accession to the EU will also give the economy a further lift.

Get a City Map of Budapest from the start, orient yourself and have a great time sightseeing the marvellous tourist attractions.