The river Danube flows through the heart of the country, and divides the capital, Budapest.  Budapest was "born" in 1873 after the union of 3 separate towns, on the west bank were Buda and Óbuda with Pest on the east.  The city has a population of 1,886,000 and the youngsters of the city generally learn one or two languages at school - so communication shouldn't be a problem. 

The Modern Hungarian language derives from one originally spoken by the Finno-Ugric tribes of the Urals (similar to Finnish).  Hungarian cuisine encompasses a wide range of meat based dishes - for instance, goulash and the country's most famous export is Paprika.

Public transport is excellent in Budapest and trams are the most convenient way of getting around, there are also 200+ bus routes.  3 metro lines which converge at Deák tér station and the HÉV rail lines link the centre with the suburbs.

Attractions:

• Buda Castle Labyrinth, natural and artificial passages beneath the castle create an historic atmosphere
• City Park, to the North of Heroe's Square is home to the Municipal Zoological and Botanical Gardens, the Transport Museum, a funfair and the Aviation Museum. 
• Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Iánchid) was the first bridge over the Danube
• Royal Palace, Szinház utca.  Home to the Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Museum
• Mátyás Church, Szenthdromság tér 2 - the Mary Portal is considered the finest example of Gothic stone carving in Hungary
• Gellért Hill Hotel and Baths, Szent Gellért tér - The baths and health spa, restaurants and cafés are open to the public as well as to hotel guests
• Inner City Parish Church, Március 15 tér - the oldest building in Pest
• Hungarian National Museum, Múzeum körút 14-16
• State Opera House, Andrássy út 22
• St Stephen's Basilica, Szent István tér. Neoclassical church dedicated to St. Stephen (István), Hungary's first Christian king
• Parliament, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3.  Hungary's largest building
• Vajjdahunyad Castle, Városliget.  A series of pavilions showing the evolution of Hungarian Architecture

Varied nightlife is on offer through to the small hours.  From a quiet supper to an all night extravaganza!  Every type of music is catered for, from jazz, dance, chart or soul and there are plenty of bars, late night restaurants and nightclubs to choose from.  The city also has over a dozen casinos, most of which are located within luxury hotels and you'll have to watch the dress code.

Shopping:

While prices might be higher in Budapest than the surrounding countryside, it is still better value for money than most western countries, so a great opportunity to grab yourself a bargain or three!  Váci Utca has some of the most stylish shops in the city and there's a good selection at Nagy Körút (big road).