Budapest is oft overlooked for its more showier neighbours, Prague and Vienna, but this Central European city can offer at least as much as they can, for better value and with less overcrowding. The city packs the big guns in terms of magical architecture, filling and tasty food, swinging nightlife and its own unique selling points, its underground caves and steamy bath houses. To holiday in Budapest is to be surrounded by history, and at the same time welcomed by a youthful and modern city. Below are a few suggestions for your Budapest adventure:

On the River

Budapest is actually two cities, Buda and Pest, that grew up on either side of the mighty Danube river. The two sides are linked by a series of massive bridges including the architecturally famous Szechenyi chain bridge, the first bridge to connect Buda with Pest. These and other wonderful buildings on the banks are best viewed on a leisurely cruise down the river, or if you are feeling more athletic, by canoe-ing or kayaking down the Danube. The islands on the Danube are great places to visit; Margaret Island is a leafy and picturesque public garden, and Old Buda Island is the site of the annual Sziget festival, one of the best music festivals in Europe.

Get around

While Budapest is just the right size to facilitate walking around the city, there are many other fun ways of traversing the historic streets. The most common of these is to hire a bicycle from one of the many providers; cycling along the banks of the Danube or across one of the city’s handsome bridges is just the right mix of enjoyment and exercise. Other exciting ways of getting around include horse-drawn carriages, segway tours and open-top buses.

Novel experiences

Budapest presents some attractions that are refreshingly different to the normal routine of sightseeing and dining on a European city break. Other cities may offer thermal spas or cave exploration, but Budapest has the best of both. The city has the largest and the most varied range of thermal spas in Europe, offering a delightful chance for relaxation and new experiences. Try hopping straight from a boiling 36 degree bath to a freezing 18 degree pool at the Szechenyi complex, the largest medicinal bath in Europe. Exploring the subterranean world of Budapest’s caves is another novel experience – under the streets of the capital lie strange rock formations, crystals and cavernous tunnels waiting to be discovered.

Budapest is exploding with personality, and its festivals, museums and nightclubs are leading the way for culture of Hungary and Central Europe. Grab a cheap Budapest City Break and make this year the year you visit, and fall in love with the unforgettable ‘pearl of the Danube’!

Thanks to mdid for the photo from Flickr!