Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a city split by the Danube into hilly Buda and flat Pest, offering far more than typical urban sightseeing. It's also a great base for exploring hills and enjoying the outdoors right within the city itself.

Rising above the river, Gellért Hill offers sweeping views over the whole city and its bridges. In winter the capital charms visitors with a festive atmosphere, while summer invites long riverside walks and relaxing soaks in thermal baths, with the Buda hills forming a green backdrop across the water.

• Gellért Hill - a popular walking destination featuring the Citadel and the Liberty Statue, with one of the best viewpoints over the Danube and the city
• Castle Hill in Buda - a historic district with the castle, perfect for wandering its old cobbled streets

• Buda Castle Quarter - a UNESCO World Heritage site with Danube panoramas
• Hungarian Parliament Building (Országház) - the third largest parliament building in the world
• Thermal baths - Budapest has around 80 geothermal springs, more spa baths than any other capital in the world
• Dohány Street Synagogue - the largest synagogue in Europe

Fun fact: Budapest was formed in 1873 by uniting three towns - Buda, Pest and Óbuda - and its thermal springs were already prized in Roman and Ottoman times.