Budapest

Budapest is the capital and largest city of Hungary, situated in the central part of the country along the Danube River. The city sits on opposite banks of the river, with Buda on the west and Pest on the east, linked by several bridges including the Széchenyi Chain Bridge.

Budapest was formed in 1873 through the unification of three historic towns: Buda, Pest and Óbuda. The present-day metropolis traces its roots to Roman-era Aquincum, medieval fortifications, and centuries under Ottoman and Austro-Habsburg rule. It grew rapidly in the 19th century as a European capital of culture and industry.

The Danube's banks, the Buda Castle Quarter, Andrássy Avenue and related areas constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city includes historic districts such as the Castle District and the central inner city, with landmarks like the Parliament Building, Fisherman's Bastion and Heroes' Square.

Budapest is known for its thermal baths and architectural variety, including the Széchenyi and Gellért baths, as well as the Hungarian State Opera House and the Dohány Street Synagogue.

The city proper has about 1.7 million residents, while the Budapest metropolitan area is home to roughly 3 million people. The economy relies on services, finance, education and tourism, with a growing tech sector and research institutions.

Budapest has a dense public transport network, including four metro lines, extensive tram routes and buses. The city is served by Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, and acts as a major regional hub for Central Europe.