Budapest

A city of beautifully faded elegance

Panoramically divided by the Danube, Hungary's capital exudes faded grandeur. Comprised of busy Pest and residential Buda, the Habsburg city of grand boulevards and elegant bridges was built in the late 1800s. Subsequent conflicts and Soviet rule left this heritage to crumble. With its five-star hotels, spa baths, landmark coffeehouses and key restaurants wonderfully restored, Budapest remains fascinatingly bullet-scarred but today able to provide top-notch services. An underground counterculture and savage party scene complete the picture.