Late afternoon we have arrived in Budapest – the capital city of Hungary. It has something for everyone – from dramatic history and flamboyant architecture to healing thermal waters and a nightlife that is unrivaled in Eastern and Central Europe. Architecturally, the city is a treasure trove, with enough baroque, neoclassical, eclectic, and art nouveau buildings to satisfy everyone. Most buildings were built during the capital’s ‘golden age’ in the late 19th century. There’s a lot more to Hungarian food than goulash, and it remains one of the most sophisticated styles of cooking in Eastern and Central Europe. We tasted also Hungary’s excellent wines – from Eger’s complex reds and Somló’s flinty whites to honey-sweet Tokaj. Budapest is blessed with an abundance of hot springs. As a result, ‘taking the waters’ has been an experience here since the time of the Romans. The array of bathhouses is generous – you can choose from Turkish-era, art nouveau, and modern establishments.
