Hungary's vibrant capital, Budapest, is brimming with cultural and leisure attractions. Straddling the river Danube and set against a backdrop of natural beauty and stunning architecture, it's the perfect spot for a fun-filled family holiday or a romantic getaway. And when you get tired of sightseeing, you can relax and revive yourself in one of its healing thermal baths and natural spas.
For a family
You'll find plenty of choices for young children and teenagers. Here's our pick of what will keep you and your family busy.
Magical memories
Children and adults will adore the marionette and puppet shows at the Budapest Puppet Theatre. The performances, based on popular fables and fairy tales, are in Hungarian, but the kids will still be spellbound. There are occasional evening folk performances for grown ups, too.
Scenic route
Thomas the Tank Engine fans will love chugging through the leafy green hills high above the city onboard the Children's Railway. The 11km narrow gauge line was constructed by socialist Scouts and is still staffed almost entirely by schoolchildren. Older trains, including two amazing steam engines, run most weekends.
Island oasis
If the kids have any energy left, Margaret Island - a lush, traffic-free park in the middle of the Danube - has plenty to entertain them. Medieval ruins, a small zoo, a game reserve, a music fountain and swimming pools are just some of the attractions you'll find here. Pedal-pushing families can hire bikes or hire a Bringohinto, a large pedal-powered carriage that will accommodate everyone. And when it comes to refueling, take advantage of the local prices, a can of coke will cost you about 50p.
For couples
If the weather's good, exploring Budapest on foot and sampling the outdoor cafe culture will be a holiday highlight in itself. The city is full of breathtaking buildings, parks, castles, palaces and bridges (there are nine crisscrossing the Danube), many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Historic charm
Cross the Chain Bridge - Budapest's oldest bridge - and you arrive in the Castle District - a real-life fantasy of crooked streets leading to the fairy tale Buda Castle. The Fisherman's Bastion with white-stone turrets, parapets and climbing stairways offers a fabulous view over the city and nearby is Matthias Church, with its psychedelic contrasting mosaic roof. If walking isn't your thing, but you still want to explore the sights, hop-on-hop-off bus tours run daily.
Sweet stop
When your sugar levels drop, make a beeline for one of Budapest's elegant pâtisseries. Look out for dobos torta, a layered chocolate and cream cake and beigli, a rolled pastry filled with poppy seeds, ground walnuts and apricot - and always ask for two forks! For a classic treat, head to the city's oldest coffee house, Ruszwurm, in the Castle District and indulge yourself with an afternoon tea.
River views
One of the best ways to see this regal city is by boat. Legenda cruises operate day and evening trips along the Danube with panoramic views, soft drinks, bubbly and multi-lingual tour guides. Tickets start at about £12 for a day cruise and £16 for an evening cruise. For true romantics, the candlelit dinner cruise is just the thing.
Spa time
Over 100 natural thermal springs surface in Budapest, making it a haven for spa lovers. The warm healing waters have been a constant attraction from antiquity to present day and are great for anyone wanting to cure an old back ache or simply relax. If you're looking for somewhere to spa and sleep, the Danubius Health Spa Resort, on peaceful Margaret Island, is the ideal destination for all. Just 10 minutes from the city centre, this green oasis is the perfect getaway.
Spend your days between the outdoor sun-bathed pool and indoor thermal baths filled with mineral-rich healing waters. Adults can enjoy a variety of beauty treatments, from relaxing facials to wellness treatments including a tranquil salt cave. Kids have everything they need to keep busy from tennis courts, rowing boats and bicycles to pools and lidos.
Getting there
Malev Hungarian Airlines fly to Budapest from London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Return flights from London start from £90.
The local currency is the Hungarian forint, and it's around 290 forints to the pound.
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