With the Danube River as its pulse, Budapest beats to a rhythm of indomitable spirit cloaked in beauty and charm.  And no wonder. The Hungarian capital is exquisitely laid out on both sides of the Danube, claiming one of the most spectacular, panoramic views in all of Europe. You can bear witness from the Buda side of the river, on Castle Hill. From here, the  Parliament and the Chain Bridge can be seen awash in golden light every evening. Their repection on the Danube, combined with the dotted lights of Pest, are simply awe-inspiring. So are the buildings of Castle Hill: the neo-Gothic Matthias Church, surrounded by quaintly restored medieval homes on cobblestone streets; the imposing Royal Palace, which houses the National Gallery and its precious works of art; and the turreted Fisherman's Bastion that rounds it all off.

A light stroll through the sights of Buda is perfectly complemented by darting through the bustle of Pest. The glittering Váci utca (street) offers up some of the best shops in the city. Office buildings shopping mails and supermarkets are set in perfect harmony with the elegant St. Stephen's Basilica, as well as the sprawling Heroes' Square, bordered by the neo-Classical Museum of Fine Arts. 

For relaxation, Budapest offers the best! Such as the venerable Café Gerbeaud and Café New York, grand icons of the days when the Habsburgs ruled the Austro-Hungarian Empire. And of course the selection of fine restaurants is unbeatable. Beginning with the international  classic, Gundel, to the quaint local establishments. Perhaps the ultimate haven is Margaret lsland, a sanctuary of forest, flower beds, manicured lawns and sports facilities in the middle of the Danube.

No matter what you do by day, you should always be ready for Budapest by night: the Opera, concerts at the Vigadó, theater, casinos - the possibilities are endless.

You will easily see why Budapest captures the imagination - yours, the city's 2,1 million residents and, in fact, the entire world's.

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