Of all Hungary’s attributes, it is Budapest that calls loudest: musical, lively and historic. Divided by the River Danube, both sides of the capital city – one named Buda and the other older side, Pest – are filled with spectacular 13th-century churches, landmarks and fascinating architectural wonders that have contended centuries of destruction since Mongolian invaders withdrew in 1242.
Cruise the Danube and wander cobbled streets up to the medieval and Baroque royal castle by day, and enjoy concerts in the magnificent St. Stephen’s Basilica in the evening – or simply drive to its hilltop to admire the handsome city below. Bratislava, Kraków and Vienna are all less than half a day away, meaning that while this country is landlocked, your stay in central Europe offers opportune freedom to roam.
