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With its multifarious and often embittered history, incredible
architecture and rich cultural heritage, Hungary's capital deserves its
reputation as the 'Paris of Eastern Europe'. It has a complex identity,
somewhere between Western luxury and simple traditions.
Budapest's highlights include a cruise along the Danube, strolling along
the riverfront or across romantic bridges, browsing through antique
bookshops and jewellery stores, or 'taking the waters' at one of the city's
many spas. The city is well laid-out, rarely confusing, and ideal for
walking.
 Although a long day trip from Budapest (128km/80mi), Eger warrants a
visit. It's a beautifully preserved baroque town, with a relaxed,
Mediterranean feel. It's flanked by two of the Northern Uplands' splendid
ranges of hills and is also home to the celebrated Egri Bikavér (Eger Bull's
Blood) wine.
Hungarians like to visit Eger because it was here that their ancestors
fended off the Turks for the first time during the 170 years of Turkish
occupation. The city has something interesting around every corner and is
close to traffic in the centre, making it perfect for negotiating on foot.
This oblong lake is one of the largest in Europe. Often called 'the
nation's playground,' Balaton is divided into the south shore, one long
resort of high-rise hotels and minuscule beaches, and the less glitzy north
shore, offering more historical towns and sights, mountain trails and better
wines.
Dominating the south is Siófok, the largest of Balaton's resorts, a
Dionysian place of eating, drinking, swimming, sunbathing and the like. The
north's oldest and most popular resort is Balantonfüred, a sophisticated,
yet peaceful place with a bohemian feel. Balaton is 100km (62mi) from
Budapest.
Pécs
Lying equidistant from the Danube and the Dráva rivers in Southern
Transdanubia, Pécs is one of the most interesting cities in Hungary. Blessed
with a mild climate, it has an illustrious past, superb museums and some of
the finest Turkish monuments in the country.
Music, opera, ballet, and Hungary's best leatherwork are some of the
cultural gems of the city. Its symbol is the Mosque Church, the largest
building from the Turkish occupation still standing in Hungary. The square
mosque, with an octagonal green copper dome, was built in the mid-16th
century.
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Gresham
Palace A Four Seasons Hotel Budapest
