With its multifarious and often embittered history, incredible architecture and rich cultural heritage, Hungary's capital deserves its reputation as the 'Paris of Central Europe'. It has a complex identity, somewhere between Western luxury and simple traditions.The city straddles a gentle curve in the Danube. It has broad avenues, leafy parks and elaborate bathhouses. It also has a turn-of-the-century feel to it, for it was then - during the industrial boom and the capital's heyday - that most of the city was built.

When to go...
Budapest averages 2000 hours of sunshine a year, among the highest in Europe . Although we're not sure who measured this, it means there are opportunities to visit Budapest throughout the year in reasonably fine weather and avoid the madness and expense of Europe 's high season. Both spring and autumn are glorious in Budapest , with plenty to see and do, and the winter cold doesn't really hit until mid-December when many museums and tourist sights close. However, even in winter there are occasionally spectacular blue skies. Summer can be hot and lazy, perfect for soaking up a Dreher (Hungary 's local beer) at a hip outdoor cafe or any of the myriad festivals occurring around town. Content provided by Lonely Planet Guide