A Glimpse into History
Budapest is located in an area with a high occurrence of thermal springs. Due to this, the location was settled as early as the first century BC by the Celtic tribe.
The Romans, appreciating the beneficial effects of these springs, established a military base here in 89 AD. The base was aptly named – Aquincum.
The place gradually developed, eventually housing an incredible twenty thousand inhabitants. To cross the Danube and reach the opposite bank to the settlement of Contra Aquincum, a wooden bridge was constructed.
The Hungarians as a nation occupied this area only in the tenth century AD. Under the leadership of Prince Arpád, the entire region began to flourish, benefiting both cities – Buda and the neighboring Pest.
The Budapest we know today was established in 1873 when three separate cities merged: the aforementioned Buda, Pest, and Old Buda. From this, Budapest derived its name.
Must-See Attractions
If you visit modern Budapest today, dozens of historical landmarks and unique experiences await you. Among the most popular are the aforementioned thermal baths and Hungarian cuisine with its delicacies paired with white wine.
However, we have prepared a taste of something that might be easily overlooked, yet is worth visiting in Budapest.
Budapest Zoo
Our first recommendation is the Budapest Zoo. Opened in 1866, it is among the oldest zoological gardens in the world. Nearly 11 hectares await you, filled with animals from all over the globe.
Miniversum
If you are enthusiasts of railway models and historical buildings, don't miss the interactive exhibition with train models and landmarks from Hungary, Germany, and Austria. This experience will truly take your breath away, as well as that of your children.
City Park Városliget
Our final suggestion is the large Budapest park, Városliget. Recently, two exceptional buildings were opened within it.
The first is the Ethnography Museum, and the second is the House of Hungarian Music. The former building is shaped like a cradle and, as it's partially embedded in the ground, you can comfortably climb its roof to the very top of the museum.