Budapest

Budapest and surroundings

Budapest is a city of full of surprises and wonder, with its lively centre, pretty parks, majestic river, tall church spires and lavish spas. One of the most exciting cities in the world, Budapest is full of secrets, hidden spots to explore and old favourites to revisit. This is the city where being bored is not an option.

Budapest has become one of the leading destinations for medical tourism in Europe. It's not only the price of services that's so appealing in the city, but also the outstanding quality of these services. Whether you choose a world-class dentist or an excellent beauty surgeon, Budapest will offer you not only a high-class supply, but a pleasant environment for relaxation as well.

Explore beyond Budapest

There is a million of ways to explore Budapest: on foot, by bus, tram or underground, floating above the ground, on water, by bike or even by an amphibious vehicle. And what to see while you're there? You could start at the top, with the magnificent Buda Castle and Castle District. Cross the river for the most grandiose building on the Pest embankment, the House of Parliament. For sacred wonders, visit the tallest building in the city, Saint Stephen's Basilica, and one of the largest synagogues in the world, the Dohány Street Synagogue. Heroes' Square will give you a peek into the romantic past of the country, and in Memento Park you'll have a chance to enjoy a modern history lesson open-air.

For a bit of romance, stroll along the Danube promenade or head to the leafy Margaret Island. Fancy a walk along a street that's part of the World Heritage in its entirety? Andrássy Avenue is one opportunity. Lined with shady streets, bike routes and amazingly beautiful buildings it is the best way to experience the atmosphere of the lat 19th century together with the booming, modern face of the city. Prick up your ears and if you're lucky, you'll hear music flowing from the open windows of the magnificent Opera House. Don't miss out the less professional but even more creative specialities of Budapest either, the abandoned courtyards, turned into boozing hotspots: the ruin pubs.

When you're done with the must-sees, leave the main streets behind, and let the city unfold its secrets. Plenty of design shops, tiny parks, terraced cafés, and architectural treasures wait in the nooks and crannies.  

Longing for a silent place ti escape from the hustle and bustle of the city? In Szentendre, you can enjoy a Mediterranean atmosphere just 19 km from Budapest. Tis town is a real gem: a place crammed with galleries and showrooms, historic memories and the last representetives of almost exting jobs. Treat yourself by a delicious slice of cake in one of the many confectioneries (cukrászda) and have a hand-in-hand stroll along the Danube bank and the town's many cobble-covered  streets.

For a truly breathtaking view of hills and valleys, spotted with tiny villages and historical ruins, head to the Danube Bend. It's said to be one of the most amazing parts of the country where nature, culture and history meets.

In Baroque Vác you'll find a bizarre exhibition displaying the mummified folks of the town from centuries past. Visegrád is a small town where nature is part of everyday life. Its three iconic buildings, the Royal Palace, Salamon Tower and the Caster are situated almost on top of each other and offer you the chance of hiking not only through the forests but also the Middle Ages. For a journey into the culture of Hungarian Christianity, head to Esztergom and marvel at the treasures of the Basilica, the tallest building in Hungary.

Ready to explore the hills around Budapest? The closest and the most spectacular option are the Buda Hills and (the Pilis Hills further to the North) where you can admire not only how the urban landscape gives way to unspoilt nature, but also descend into the underground world of caves.  

For a truly majestic experience, treat yourself to GödöllÅ‘. Stroll around the gardens of the Royal Palace following the footsteps of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife, Queen Elisabeth of Hungary.

Source: http://budapest.gotohungary.com/budapest-and-surroundings