Budapest is millennium old and there are signs of it throughout the city. Budapest (pronounced budapesh-t) is actually an amalgamation of two cities; Buda and Pest. The two cities separated by the Danube became one in 1873. In the late 1800's and early 1900's Budapest rebuilt it self and modernized. Subways, Grand avenues and a semi-circular grid were part of the grand urban European development plans common in the era. Budapest was a world class city and a cultural powerhouse for centuries. Budapest gave Paris a run for it's money.
The language also sets Hungary apart from the rest of Europe. It is neither Germanic, Romance or Slavic based. Magyar is closer to Finnish and Korean in its roots. A very complicated language that if a traveller tries to use Hungarian's take them to heart. Russian was required in schools during Soviet rule. English was a language that had to be requested to study. It was a very popular request. Most educated Hungarian's can and will speak a smidge of English and can't wait to use it. Especially in a bar. Budapest has bars everywhere. Apartments are generally not conducive for entertaining so bars and coffee houses are the centers of socializing. There are also the Baths. Budapest is built on a series of hot springs and since the times of the Pasha, 1,500 years ago there have been spas and Baths in Budapest. Night life is vibrant and always evolving.
Budapest and Hungary are a must see when doing Europe circut. Cheaper and more fun than most European cities Budapest is a treat to all the senses. Eat on the street and drink in the beer bars and remember to say Köszönöm szépen or Thank You.
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