Some fall in love with the city at first sight, others are won over only after a longer period of discovery; but all agree that it is one of the most beautiful locations in the world.

The metropolis with a population of approx. two million is bisected by the mighty flow of the Danube with hills and valleys on the Buda side and the flat, low-lying Pest on the other. The riverside panorama has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

The World Heritage site consists of the area on the Buda side between the buildings of the University of Technology and the Lánchíd (Chain bridge), including the Gellért spa baths, the Freedom Statute (Szabadság szobor) and the Citadel (Citadella) on Gellért Hill, and the buildings of the Buda Castle. On the Pest side the area includes the Parliament building, Roosevelt tér at the Pest end of the Lánchíd, together with the Hungarian Academy of Science (Magyar Tudományos Akadémia) and the Gresham palace. The four bridges over the Danube in this area are also a part of the World Heritage site. 

Some interesting facts about Budapest:

• Although initially inhabited fifty thousand years ago, it has only had its present name for a mere 135 years. Prior to 1873, Óbuda, Buda and Pest were separate towns.
• Under its hills there is a system of caves with thermal waters gushing from 80 thermal springs which supply 12 spas with 70 million litres of water daily.
• It's monuments include 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheatres, 400-year-old Turkish baths and unique Hungarian Art Nouveau buildings from the 19th century. The cityscape owes its uniform appearance to the elegant mansions erected in Eclectic style in the early 20th century.
• The transport system also has some interesting features. The first underground railway of Europe has been connecting the downtown with the City Park for over 100 years. In the Buda hills you will find the world's third hill railway and a narrow-gauge forest railway operated by children.
• Lovers of culture are spoilt for choice with 237 monuments, 223 museums and galleries, 35 theatres, 90 cinemas, 2 opera houses and 12 concert halls. Around 200 excursion destinations offer a wide variety of things to do. Throughout the 365 days of the year, travel agencies organise walks and sightseeing tours by coach and boat, tailored to individual requirements.