Budapest is a city that’s alive and bursting with energy again after the long, enforced slumber of the Communist years. Since the Iron Curtain finally rusted away Budapest has been moving up through the gears – well it does have a Formula One Grand Prix nowadays – and into an exciting city. On the social scene there’s a phenomenon called “Ruin Bars” which are opened at low cost in older, less polished surroundings but offering a lively nightlife. Let’s not forget the big, set-piece tourist sights though – that marvellously ornate Parliament building… fine Art Nouveau architecture … and relaxing boat trips on the Danube. They are all in this guide to the centre of the Pest side of Budapest made by travel journalist Tim Richards and helped by Eszter…

Photo Budapest Parliament Building on the Danube by Styli Camateros is licensed under  CC BY-SA 4.0

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is one of the most rewarding and inexpensive cities in Europe. It positively delights in its location on the banks of the wide River Danube. There are historic parts high above Buda - and a wealth of Art Nouveau or “Secession” architecture and urban buzz in Pest and the city is alive after decades of stultifying Communism. I’ve created three walking guides and this first one is out along the imposing Andrassy Avenue to the City Park. You can walk all three kilometres if you want – or there’s Metro Line One – the Millenium Line – which runs straight along Andrassy Avenue… You can start from Budapest’s main transport hub, Erzebet Square…

Credits
Audio tour developed by "HeartBeat Guides" and powered by IZI.travel
Image The Millennium Monument in Heroes' Square, Budapest, Hungary by Paul Mannix