Budapest’s importance to Hungary could not be greater. More than a fifth of the Hungarian population lives here, and the city is the hub of all the country’s major transport routes, as well as a centre of industry, commerce and culture. With its magnificent buildings, the eclectic architecture of the inner city and its star-shaped boulevards, Budapest can easily hold its own against other major European cities, so it is no wonder that it is nicknamed the ‘Pearl of the Danube’.

The 10 best hotels in Budapest

You can marvel at ancient monuments reminiscent of the golden age of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, relax in the famous thermal baths, or sample traditional wine and spicy sausages in one of the many stylish bars. Quite simply, Budapest has something for everyone.

Budapest was officially founded in 1873 through the merger of three towns – Buda (on the right bank of the Danube, home to Buda Castle), Pest (on the left bank, the largest part of the city) and Óbuda (the northern part of the city).

• Country: Hungary(capital)
• Population: 3,010,000 (9th largest in the EU)
• Name in Hungarian: Budapest