Left : The Szechenyi Baths |
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in Budapest ’ s main Varosliget |
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park is the largest in the |
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Hungarian capital |
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elevator ride to the top of the 300ft UFO tower ( built to resemble an unidentified flying object ) next to the river . On a clear day you can see for more than 60 miles .
BUDAPEST
Divided in two by the Danube , the Hungarian capital is a city of two very distinct halves . The quieter , hilly Buda side is topped by the impressive castle and palace complex , which dates back to the 13th century and is now home to several museums including the Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest Historical Museum . To save walking , take the funicular railway to the top and then wander through charming cobbled streets lined with medieval shops and houses . On the busier Pest bank , the main downtown area , there are grand sights such as the parliament building , opera house and statue-lined Heroes Square , plus fantastic shopping streets , such as Andrassy Avenue , Budapest ’ s grand central boulevard . Attractions along
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the riverbank include the Great Market , next to Liberty Bridge , which is a good place to pick up paprika , honey , embroidery and folk art . Just south of the parliament is Shoes on the Danube , a poignant memorial to Jews who were shot beside the river during the Second World War .
A fun way of getting around is the easy-to-navigate metro system , the first in mainland Europe . Don ’ t forget to bring your swimsuit as Budapest has more hot thermal springs than any other capital city . Szechenyi is the largest , with 15 indoor baths and three extravagant outdoor pools , and Gellert — built in 1918 in the Art Nouveau style — has wonderful architecture including stained glass windows and tall columns . As you ’ ll be docked overnight , be sure to check out one of Budapest ’ s ruin bars that have sprung up inside derelict buildings . One of the biggest and most popular is Szimpla Kert in the Jewish Quarter , next to the colourful Karavan street food court .
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BOOK IT NOW
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Book this exact itinerary and cruise along the peaceful River Danube through Germany , Austria , Slovakia and Hungary . Avalon Waterways ’ eight-day Danube Dreams sailing stops at some of Central Europe ’ s most splendid capitals and charming towns . Departs Vilshofen , Germany on May 23 , 2024 .
CALL US
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Contact our agency to book your cruise vacation .
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image : alamy . illustration : lis watkins |
64 • pos t c a rds |