Where to go in Hungary
Places I saw and recommend in Hungary: Budapest (especially the Széchenyi Medicinal Bath), Eger, Szeged, and Kecskemét.
Buda is posher than Pest. Buda has the impressive Castle Hill, luxurious housing, and grand buildings. It was the seat of royalty and the site of an ancient fortress. Today, tourists go there to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Danube River’s many bridges, the sharp spires of the Parliament, and the city lights of Pest. Although not as regal as Buda, Pest is where most of the action is. To get there, walk down the medieval cobblestones and cross Eastern Europe’s most beautiful bridge: Széchenyi Iánchíd (Chain Bridge). Or ride Europe’s second oldest underground subway.
I didn't discover the Széchenyi Medicinal Baths in Budapest until my 3rd visit there. Now it's a mandatory that I go there every time I see Budapest. It's without a doubt the best deal and experience in the city. They have a dozen different saunas and polls at various temperatures.
The first time I went was in the winter. It's so surreal to be in a hot pool with classical architecture around while the snow is falling. It's unforgettable and the highlight of any trip to Europe.
The longest chapter in The Hidden Europe: What Eastern Europeans Can Teach Us is about Hungary. It's controversial, but thoughtful Hungarians will appreciate debating it. Read my 2004 blog post on Hungary, "Hooking up with a Hawaiian in Hungary."
Recommended reading
Read up about Hungary in Wikipedia and Hungary in the CIA Factbook.
Travel deals to Hungary
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