Why Budapest is The Best Place to Visit in Europe
What’s the best place to visit in Europe? This is a question that is very difficult to answer because every traveler is so different. However, if there was one city in Europe that could be described as the best place to visit, it could very well be Budapest. Often called one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, the city of Budapest encompasses the banks of the Danube (dont miss the river cruises), the Buda Castle Quarter, Heroes’ Square and the Millennium Underground Railway, which is the second oldest railway in the world. Other highlights of this fascinating city include a total of 80 geothermal springs and the third largest Parliament building. While there are certainly many amazing places to see in Europe, here are some reasons why Budapest could be considered the best.
History
Another reason to rank Budapest at the top of a list of European destinations is its fascinating history. One example, Buda Castle, was declared part of the Budapest World Heritage Site in 1987 and is the castle of the Hungarian kings dating back to1265. Not nearly as old but just as impressive historically is The Metro 1, also known as the Millennium Underground Railway or M1, the oldest line of Budapest Metro and the third-oldest underground line in the world. The line was completed on May 2 1896, the year of the millennium (the thousandth anniversary of the arrival of the Magyars) and one of these original cars is preserved at the Seashore Trolley Museum.
River Cruises
The Danube River is more than just a waterway as it is considered one of the continent’s major geographical features. This magnificent river flows through Budapest on its way to the Black Sea and, since the river is easily navigable, Budapest has historically been a major commercial port as well as a frequent port for leisure river cruises. In fact, major river cruise lines such as
Viking River Cruises bring travelers in and out of Budapest every day. The Danube also divides the city of Budapest, with Buda on the hilly west bank and Pest covering the plain on the river’s eastern side. During daytime sightseeing cruises, you will see the two parts of the city and hear stories about the charming sights along the river. In the evening, you will be enchanted as sights are illuminated. A Danube river cruise let’s you discover the art, music and history of Budapest as well as the spectacular scenery along the river’s banks.
Art & Culture
The Hungarian National Museum, established during the same time period as the British Museum and the Louvre houses a permanent exhibition about Hungary’s history. Budapest is also home to one of the most opulent opera buildings in the world, The State Opera House, of which famed composer Gustav Mahler was the director from 1888-1891. A long-established annual cultural event involving top-class artists from all over the world, The Budapest Spring Festival features a program that includes performances of ballet, music, opera, theater, and folk dance.
Mineral Baths
References to healing waters on the site which was to become the Gellért Thermal Baths can be traced back to as early as the 13th century. This bath complex, built between 1912 and 1918 houses thermal baths, which are small pools containing water from Gellért hill’s mineral hot springs. The water contains calcium, magnesium, hydrocarbonate, alkalis, chloride, sulfate, and fluoride, all said to have healing properties. The complex also includes saunas and an outdoor swimming pool. Also in Budapest is The Széchenyi Medicinal Bath which is the largest medicinal bath in Europe. Built in 1913, the baths’ water is supplied by two thermal springs
The importance of Budapest is difficult to quantify; more than two million people live in this capital city and industry, history, commerce and culture converge here. In short, Budapest is a city worthy of comparison with other great European capitals and therefore can certainly be described as the best place to visit in Europe.
