Budapest, the capital of Hungary and considered by many to be the "Paris of the East," is one of the most culturally important metropolises in Eastern Europe, and is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Although humans have lived here since the Stone Age, this beautiful city only formally came into being in 1872 with the amalgamation of three previously independent towns—Old Buda (Óbuda), Buda, and Pest—to become the administrative, commercial, and industrial center of Hungary.

Straddling the River Danube, Budapest is famous for its thermal springs, some of which have been used for therapeutic purposes since prehistory. In fact, Budapest has so many things to do that you'll want to spend at least a few days exploring this dynamic city. Popular attractions range from impressive architecture and poignant reminders of 20th-century history to its vibrant cultural and entertainment scene, with everything from street buskers to classical concerts in beautiful churches.