---

---

Affectionately know as the "Queen of the Danube", Budapest is the cultural and commercial heart of Hungary. It is a city of two halves, one home to a hilltop citadel and the cobblestone Castle District, the other brimming with theatres, clubs and swish shopping streets such as Vaciutca. Few cities in the world can match its astonishing grandeur. Culture Gentle and relaxing yet vibrant and vivacious, Budapest's charm lies in its mix of cosmopolitan chic and patrician elegance. It boasts an almost bewildering array of architectural styles, many of them best viewed from the nine bridges which straddle the danube. Architecture For views of the Citadella, stand on top of Gellert-hegy hill. Take a promenade down Andrassy ut, enjoy a dip in one of the many thermal baths and marvel at the baroque splendour of Matthias Church. Visit the Budavari Palota Royal Palace and unwind on Margaret Island in the middle of the river. Music Hungary is the world-renowned for its superb standard of music, thanks to its great composers such as Franz Liszt and Bela Bartok. As you would expect, some of the finest musicians come from all four corners of the globe to play in Budapest's many music halls - including the State Opera House, Franz Liszt Academy of Music and the Congress Centre.