Budapest is one of the largest and most populated cities in the European Union. The city is the capital of
Hungary as well as its most populated city. A city and a county at the same time, the metropolitan area of Budapest is conveniently located on the west banks of the Danube River. Being an Alpha-Global city, Budapest is currently the commercial, financial, technological, educational, art, and media hub in Hungary.
The Danube River goes through Budapest, dissecting the magnificent city into two. The main bridge is the Chain Bridge, which runs across the river to connect the hilly part to the flat part of Budapest. The Chain Bridge, constructed in the nineteenth century, forms an excellent observatory point from which the beautiful Budapest landscape can be viewed. Buda Old Town is located upon the Castle Hill and can be accessed via the funicular. Within the Old Town of Buda, the rich history of Budapest way back into the Roman times has been preserved.
Within the Trinity Square is the Matthias Church that was built in the thirteenth century. It forms one of the attraction spots in Budapest. Nearby, the Fishermen's Bastion turrets stand conveniently to offer the best panoramic views over the entire magnificence of Budapest.
On the east of the Danube River, there stand the neo-Gothic Pest Parliament Buildings. Within the buildings, visitors troop to view the Holy Crown of St. Stephen as well as the right hand of the Saint that is preserved within the Saint Stephen Basilica. Close by, there is a museum in the Dohany Street Synagogue where people take to viewing unique artwork and craft pieces of all time. Within the Synagogue, visitors find a memorial center as well as a cemetery, related to the history of Budapest.
Near the Hero's Square, there is a neoclassical Hungarian State Opera House along the Grand Boulevard Andrassy Avenue, where there are two art museums with the best collection of art and craftwork, as well as numerous statues that depict the creation of the state of Hungary. Nearby, next to the City Park, the Szechenyi thermal baths are the best example of the deep-rooted mineral bathing tradition in Hungary.
The climate of Budapest borders between a humid continental climate and a humid subtropical climate. Most of the tourists to Budapest visit during summer, from
May to
September. During summer, the days are long with extended daylight hours, not forgetting that the weather is warm and pleasant. Sometimes the temperature feels very warm, but it is tolerable in most cases.
From mid-September to
October, Budapest experiences its autumn seasons, which is highly loved because of the beauty of the fall that often leaves Budapest looking beautiful and all gold-illuminated.
Another time to visit Budapest is during spring, from
March to mid-May. During this season, the weather is warm and pleasant, and the days are filled with lovely scents from the blossoming flowers in the parks and gardens around Budapest. Winters in Budapest, from
December to
February, remain relatively cold as well as reasonably snowy and may not attract as many visitors as the other seasons.
Between March and
April, Budapest holds the Budapest Spring Festival that is celebrated with music on several locations in the city. The music ranges anything from jazz to opera, and the aim is to celebrate and appreciate music genres.
Between
June and
August, the Budapest Summer Festival is held. It is celebrated with intriguing open-air opera shows that are held on the Margaret Island, and it attracts crowds from far and wide. More music is enjoyed during the Sziget Festival, an international celebration of pop and rock music on multiple stages throughout Budapest.
The Budapest St. Stephen's Day is celebrated on the 20th day of August amid beautiful varying displays of firework designs and patterns in downtown Pest. Visitors look forward to this day and celebrate it late into the night, with more music and dance afterward.
A visit to Budapest is not complete without enjoying the Budapest Wine Festival. The festival is held in September every year, and it includes wine tasting among other gastronomic events.