BUDAPEST (Hungary) 

Hungary’s capital which lies on the two banks of the Danube is the center of the country’s political, historical, cultural, commercial life, and transportation. Having more than 1.7 million people living there, and a total of 2.5 million with the suburbs included, Budapest is the ninth most populated city of the European Union. In the past 20 years the city has witnessed a huge economical and infrastructural development; foreign firms have increased their investments here creating thousands of jobs both in the capital and its catchment area. The city’s direct ancestor is Aquincum founded by the Celts. Today’s Budapest was formed in 1873 when three independent cities, Pest, Buda, and Óbuda on the banks of Danube were united.  Budapest is the only capital in the world that has thermal fountains. It’s been a spa since 1934, having the title of an international therapeutic spa since 1937. Several thermal baths and hotels exploit thermal water related possibilities. The Hungarian capital has a lot of museums and galleries introducing those interested to the Hungarian history, and also universal and European culture; theaters, an Opera house, concert halls, diverse outdoor gastronomic and wine festivals hosting visitors all year round. From spring to fall the city entices people with music festivals, open air concerts and performances, when those longing for culinary pleasures can visit more than a thousand restaurants, cafés, bars, terraces to taste not only Hungarian and international gastronomical masterpieces but also excellent Hungarian wines. The Danube promenade, the Parliament, Buda Castle, Basilica, City Park, Chain Bridge, Heroes’ Square, Buda Hill Funicular, Vörösmarty Square, Andrássy Avenue are all must-see sights for visitors while the popular downtown entertainment districts (Gozsdu Yard, Gödör (the Pit) in Erzsébet Square, Ráday Street, the vicinity of the Basilica) offer numerous exciting places and unmistakable ruin pubs for young people who want to go out and relax.