Hungary

Hungary... Hungary shares borders with the Slovak Republic, Ukraine, Romania, Croatia, Serbia, Austria and Slovenia. To venture outside the capital is to travel through plains, resort-lined lakes, Baroque towns, and rustic villages. Hungary's other attractions include sampling its quality wines, 'taking the waters' in a relaxing thermal spa, or bird-watching in some of the best spots in Europe. There are several ranges of hills, chiefly in the north and west.
A tale of two cities
The capital city of Budapest, situated on one of the most beautiful areas of the Danube, is made up of two parts - Buda and Pest. The former is the older, more graceful part, with cobbled streets and mediaeval buildings; the latter is the commercial centre. The capital is a lively city that has long been a haven for writers, artists and musicians. The Historical Museum of Budapest contains archaeological remains of the old city, and furnishings, glass and ceramics from the 15th century. On the Pest side is the Parliament and the Hungarian National Museum, containing remarkable treasures including the oldest skull yet found in Europe.
A lake for relaxing
Lake Balaton in the west is a popular holiday region, not least because of its sandy beaches and shallow waters. Local dishes include fish soup with pasta and goulash soup. Budapest has many nightclubs, bars and discos. During summer months the popular Lake Balaton resort has a lively nightlife.