Little wonder that Budapest is such a popular destination. The city is utterly picturesque, pretty and downright charming. Straddling the Danube with all its romantic connotations, the city is virtually split in two with Buda on one side and Pest on the other. This dichotomy means that there is double pleasure with what appears like two cities rolled into one. Architecturally stunning, there is a happy mixture of neo-classical, baroque and art nouveau buildings, so it is no exaggeration to say the city is visually beautiful and interesting. Some of the gems that make it a UNESCO World Heritage site are Andrassy Avenue, the banks of the Danube, Buda Castle quarter and the Milennium Underground Railway, the oldest in the world. At every turn, there are historic treasures to discover. That is not to say everything about Budapest belongs in the past. The city actually enjoys one of the liveliest nightlife scenes in Europe! Excellent restaurants, legendary bars and vibrant clubs give the city a real party feel and, during the summer months, life is lived outdoors where entertainment is at a peak. In winter, Budapest looks incredibly beautiful as the Danube can often freeze over and the city takes on a mantle of snow like an ermine cloak. Visit a Christmas market, sip some mulled wine and soak up the atmosphere. The site of the largest thermal springs in the world, Budapest has over 80 highly acclaimed geo-thermal pools, so relax, enjoy some rude good health and luxuriate in nature's great bounty. Another of the city's good points is a low cost of living. Food, drink and transport are cheap in Budapest, so a few day's break represents really good value for money. A jewel in central Europe, Budapest is a most magical and lovely place. Miss it at your peril.