Budapest: The hot new European city?

I’m not sure if anyone realized that the fall of communism would give rise to some of the hottest urban destinations in the world. These cities were long considered faceless and industrialized, but the post-Cold War thaw revealed great neighborhoods, innovative cuisine and avant-garde culture coupled with affordability. After placing Prague, Berlin and Moscow at the top of travel’s A List in years past, sophisticated travelers are going gaga for Budapest. Can Bucharest be far behind?

Text by Crai S. Bower | Photo editing by Connie Ricca

 of 10
 of 10

VIDEO ON MSN LOCAL EDITION

User Picture
Write a comment...
17Comments
doc of schlep
Jan 18, 2013 7:07PM
avatar
Prostitution legalization would prevent the rising divorce rates (pun intended)!   Seriously more cultured and refined Nations long ago realized the Puritans needed to leave Europe and they did!  And guess where???   Any questions????  
Agnes V
Jan 17, 2013 9:37PM
avatar
Oh my... I miss this so much!!


kuruc11
Jan 14, 2013 11:06PM
avatar
i was born there!!!! take a stroll on andrassy ut !!! you'll love it. the basilica has the right hand of the magyar's first christian king,szent istvan(st. stephen). watch out for gypsies, they will steal you blind!! they are easy to distinguish from the magyars, they look like they are from india(which they are).go into a little non descript etterem(restaurant) and order borju porkolt or totott kaposzta and a bottle of tokaji asszu!!! enjoy!!!
Jeagan1999
Jan 12, 2013 9:22AM
avatar
Budapest is a great city! My wife and I vacationed there (after first visiting Prague and Vienna) a couple of years ago and were so impressed with this lovely and friendly city that we are thinking of buying a flat there to use as a base to explore the rest of eastern Europe. Not only is Budapest blessed with natural beauty and the most amazing thermal spas (by the way, these spas are WORK...I have a bad knee and after soaking at the baths in Budapest it felt SO MUCH BETTER), but it is one of the friendliest and least expensive Capital cities in Europe. There is nothing like a leisurely stroll along the Danube on Margaret Island or through the medieval Castle District in Buda, followed by a relaxing dinner at an outdoor cafe in Pest and maybe a coffee and pastry for desert afterwards. There is a great vibe in Budapest...now that the Communists are gone, the people of Budapest are enjoying the freedoms of Democracy and the financial opportunities of Capaitalism. Hungary and Croaitia have quickly become my 2 favorite destinations in Europe!
Diane Ellis
Jan 9, 2013 6:34AM
avatar
The area outside of Budapest is beautiful too.  I rode a bike from Vienna to Budapest and rural Hungary is beautiful and prospering! If you have an opportunity to go to Estergom, the Basilica there is actually older than the one in Budapest.

Take the tram to the top of the "mountain" to see the courtyard around the castle.  You can walk it if you prefer.

I only wish we had more time to spend there to explore everything!
James Schnarr
Jan 8, 2013 3:16PM
avatar
If you go to Budapest, watch out for your camera, wallet, passport etc. These guys make the gypsies in western europe look like amateurs.
ELAINE1012
Jan 8, 2013 2:59PM
avatar

I travelled to Budapest Hungary in March 2012. It was outstanding - It was part of a tour package of Budapest Hungary & Prague Czech Republic (which was the destination I was interested in)... I don't know if I had any expectations to begin with but it far exceeded any expectations. Somewhat of a language barrier - not too terrible. I would definately recommend it!

pghsold
Jan 8, 2013 2:55PM
avatar
I visited last year and I absolutely loved it. Both Buda and Pest have their own unique character and it is a walker's paradise. I would encourage everyone to visit.
Duramax-6-6l
Jan 8, 2013 2:23PM
avatar
Been there, 10  yrs ago, would not hesitate to go back...It a city and country filled with history through the ages...I especially recommend the "Terror Haza", or "terror House" it chronicles the 20th century history of both Hungary and Budapest, with emphasis on the Hitler yrs and the Soviet Occupation until the Soviets left and Hungary became it's own country in 1989...
mar46
Jan 8, 2013 1:54PM
avatar
What does Bucharest have to do with Budapest being the hot new destinayion?  They are not even in the same country.  Who wrote this?  Your six year old.?
Report
Please help us to maintain a healthy and vibrant community by reporting any illegal or inappropriate behavior. If you believe a message violates theCode of Conductplease use this form to notify the moderators. They will investigate your report and take appropriate action. If necessary, they report all illegal activity to the proper authorities.
Categories
100 character limit
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?

FIND FLIGHTS

Round Trip· One way· Multi-city












Add another flight
Pop-up blocker stopped opening new window for comparison(s).
  • - If there is a warning, Click it and Select "Always Allow Pop-ups from This Site..."
  • - Otherwise, try your toolbar or other Pop-up blockers.
Hotels Rate Indicator
A rate indicator indicates whether or not today's rate for a specific hotel is a deal.
Learn more.

TRACK FLIGHT STATUS


ESSENTIALS FROM DELTA CONNECTIONS

BING TRAVEL TOOLS

WEATHER FEATURES

RE:DISCOVER

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Do you think sunrises or sunsets are more romantic?

Do you think sunrises or sunsets are more romantic?

  1.  
    14 %
    Sunrises
    8,616 votes
  2. 73 %
    Sunsets
    43,459 votes
  3.  
    13 %
    I rarely get to enjoy either
    7,591 votes
  4. Skip to results

Total Responses: 59,666
Not scientifically valid. Results are updated every minute.