Best of Budapest

It isn’t easy to cover the best of Budapest—simply because it’s hard to say what’s best in this startlingly beautiful Hungarian capital. A good place to start is the Danube river, which divides the city in two. A guided river cruise will introduce you to Budapest’s iconic monuments on either side, including the Hungarian Parliament Building and Freedom Statue, offering glimpses into the intriguing histories of the land. Andrássy Avenue is another one of the city’s arteries, along which you will find the Hungarian State Opera House and the House of Terror Museum, which served as the former headquarters of Hungary’s fascist and communist regimes. Also engaging is Budapest’s Jewish Quarter, dotted with spectacular synagogues, chic designer shops and eclectic ruin pubs, including the charmingly original Szimpla Kert. While you’re there, don’t forget to toast to your Hungarian holiday with some pálinka!