TRAVEL GUIDE: HUNGARY

Welcome to one of the newest members of the European Union and the country that gave us Liszt, Bartók, Nobel Prize-winning writer Imre Kertész and goulash. Throughout the Republic of Hungary you can check out the historic, such as Heroes' Square, join the crowd at Pécs' bustling Main Square or learn more about such village customs as watering at Easter (which doesn't involve plants at all, but boys watering girls in a ritualistic attempt to make the girls bloom throughout the year). The capital city Budapest is the new Prague—or so they say. The City of Spas is even less expensive and with fewer ex-pats than its Czech counterpart. It's also the site of the Buda Castle, the National Museum, Bauhaus architecture, a major stretch of the Danube River and allegedly more shopping centers than any other city in Europe.

INSIDE BUDAPEST Budapest in a Nutshell From Budapest's famous thermal baths to majestic royal palaces, historic landmarks and even outdoor marketplaces immersed in paprika we tour the city known as the Paris of the East.

FEATURED HOTEL Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest The Gresham Palace, was originally built as the 1906 home of a British life insurance company, when the Art Nouveau movement was at its height. It was, and still is, a world of graceful curves and arches, rich with stone carvings and hand-crafted ceramics.

GAYOT BLOG The Paris of the East? With beautiful boulevards, green parks and impressive landmarks like the Gresham Palace, it's no wonder that we're calling Budapest the "Paris on the Danube." Read more of our Blog

BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDE Budapest This city is not just a tourist destination, but an attraction for investors from around the globe who have their sights on construction and production opportunities. When you're in Budapest on business, find out where to stay, where to take clients to dinner, and what to do after the day is over.

72-HOUR VACATION Budapest: Glamour on the Danube Hungary's capital city, perhaps the most glamorous of Eastern European cities, is located on the bank of the river Danube. The hub of political, cultural and industrial activities, Budapest attracts visitors from all over the world who come to experience the "Pearl of the Danube."

THERMAL BUBBLES OF BUDAPEST Danubius Health Spa Resorts The Danubius Health Spa Resorts not only offer extravagant baths to indulge in, but they come at a minimal cost. From the neo-Baroque Széchenyi complex to amazing aquatic facilities, there's no question why this Eastern European metropolis has gotten a reputation as the medicinal "Bathing City." More spa features

BEST SPAS IN THE WORLD Kempinski Spa Here's our list of the best spas all over the globe, such as Budapest's Kempinski Spa, pictured. Check out the best of what Hungary and countries all over have to offer when it comes to places for massages, facials, wraps and more.

* Banner images courtesy of The Photo Archive of the Hungarian National Tourist Office.

Visit the official website of Hungary

Guides for other parts of the world

(Updated: 04/15/10 AR)