About Budapest
Budapest is the capital and the largest city of Hungary, and one of the largest cities in Central Europe. It is the country's principal political, cultural, commercial, industrial, education, and transportation centre. Budapest became a single city occupying both banks of the river Danube. The history of Budapest began with Aquincum, originally a Celtic settlement that became the Roman capital of Pannonia Inferior. Hungarians arrived in the territory in the 9th century. The town became one of the centres of Renaissance humanist culture by the 15th century. Following the Battle of Mohács and nearly 150 years of Ottoman rule, the region entered a new age of prosperity in the 18th and 19th centuries. "Budapest" is the combination of the city names Buda and Pest, which were (together with Óbuda) united into a single city in 1873. Budapest's public transport system consists of four metro lines, 5 suburban railway lines; 33 city tram lines; 15 trolleybus lines; 264 bus lines, with 40 routes providing night bus services; 4 city boat services plus the BuBi, the smart bicycle sharing network. Public transport users are immediately notified of any changes in public transport online, on smartphones and on PIDS displays, as well car drivers can keep track of changes in traffic and road management in real-time online and on smartphones through the BKK Info. Cited as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Budapest's extensive World Heritage Site includes the banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter, Andrássy Avenue, Heroes' Square and the Millennium Underground Railway, the second-oldest metro line in the world. Budapest has architecturally noteworthy buildings in a wide range of styles and from distinct time periods, from the ancient times as Roman City of Aquincum in Óbuda (District III), which dates to around 89 AD, to the most modern Palace of Arts, the contemporary arts museum and concert hall. The culture of Budapest is reflected by Budapest's size and variety. Most Hungarian cultural movements first emerged in the city. Budapest is an important center for music, film, theatre, dance and visual art. The city glories in 223 museums and galleries, which presents several memories, not only the Hungarian historical, art and science ones, but also the memories of universal and European culture and science. Hungarian cuisine is characteristic. Traditional Hungarian dishes are primarily based on meats, seasonal vegetables, fruits, fresh bread, dairy products and cheeses. Goulash, pörkölt, stuffed peppers, stuffed cabbage rolls, Gundel crepes, Fisherman's Soup and Dobos Cake are the most famous dishes. In budapest there are several opportunities for sports. The city is the proud home for many Olympic, World, and Europen Championship winners and medalists. The largest football stadium is named after the world famous Ferenc Puskás. Margaret Island offers a wide range of sports at the Alfréd Hajós Swimming Centre, where Budapest hosted the LEN European Aquatics Championships in 2006 and 2010.
