Hungary is a crossroads at the centre of Europe and the influences of its neighbouring countries are seen everywhere. From Hapsburg grandeur to the sobriety of the communist era, architecture is one of the most striking things about this country. There are lovely medieval town centres, beautiful baroque churches and neo-classical public buildings. The capital Budapest is split in two (Buda and Pest) by the impressive Danube River. There is a mixture of quaint arty coffeehouses and traditional cafes to visit as well as a trendy riverside stretch, with riverboat rides and contemporary bars. In the summer, Lake Balaton, which plays host to huge parties and is affectionately known as the ‘nation’s playground’, is very popular.
A hidden secret is the food and drink available across Hungary. Goulash may be the most famous dish, but this doesn’t do justice to one of the most refined culinary scenes in Europe. There is also a highly regarded wine industry in the Badascony region. From the town of Eger the most famous produce is the complex Bull’s Blood wine made with thirteen varieties of grape. Visitors to Hungary will find plenty to see and do. Castle Hill is an imposing limestone plateau rising above the Danube in Budapest. Along this stretch of the river are most of the key buildings and monuments in the city. To the north are the open-air Szechenyi baths, which are immense in size and maintain a warm temperature even in winter. There is a must do boat ride on the Danube that takes in many of Hungary’s famous sights. For a more active experience, there is a cycle path along the Danube from Budapest to Vienna in Austria. Alternatively, the Cserhat Hills are shrouded in rich folk-history. The village of Holloko is particularly intriguing having been destroyed many times, but on each occasion has been faithfully restored to the original design. To visit Hungary is to unearth a treasure trove of architectural delights, culinary pleasures and historical interest, providing a wealth of memories to take back home.
