Budapest

Welcome to one of the world's greatest watering holes. Hungarians have an international reputation for savage drinking, and nowhere do they wear their intoxicated heart on their sleeve more than Budapest. If you like your pubs rough and ready this is the town for you. But stick to imported beers, the native brew is somewhat unpalatable. Mind you, the local Umicum liquor has a superb kick. Hungarians are famous for their good looks and Budapest has some of the best quality totty in Europe. Even the working girls are babes and plentiful. If gambling is your bag you've come the right place. You'll need a tidy 'whistle' and plenty of hard cash, but the casinos would do James Bond proud. If you want to dance till dawn, Budapest will spoil you. The clubs are absolutely top and they stay open all night.

Of course there is a lot more to Budapest than its good grog and bloke-pleasing activities. Budapest is a city of culture, dramatic history and intrigue. Divided into two parts Budapest is a combination of two different worlds. Buda is the quieter, well-mannered, well-manicured world with the magnificent Buda Castle Palace, Europe's largest synagogue, the stunning Matthais Church spectacular views and the Buda Hills ideal for the adventurous Aussie interested in more than museum moseying and sightseeing. Delve down 220 metres in the Buda Hills to the Danube level and slither your way through some of the most impressive caves around. You don't need any previous caving experience and it is also one of the cheaper activities around ($18 AUD). Be warned though, it is not for the faint-hearted. Other than caving and a soak in one of the hills luxurious thermal baths there isn't a whole lot to do in Buda. As for Pest, well, it is considered by some to the evil twin of Buda whereas others just label it as the centre of fun and frolic. You will soon realize that the heat of the night happens in Pest long after Buda lays its head. It is in Pest you will partake in the mayhem that makes Budapest party central.

As for feeding time in Budapest, tables are heaving with lashings of goulash and sausages. Seriously hearty fare is on the menu at a reasonable price. Your average meal will cost approximately $3.60 - 9.20 (AUD). Of course there is more than just Hungarian cuisine on offer, ethnic restaurants from Asian to American can be found.

The fall of the Hungarian forint has made travelling in Hungary a low-cost exercise. At last a European destination that won't break the bank! Setting itself apart from many other major cities in Europe, Budapest has a language that resembles no other (very, very distant relative of Finnish) so English will get you next to nowhere. This is one place not to wing it without a phrasebook.

The summer months are the best time to visit Budapest. Although a busier time of year, Budapest has yet to get to that overcrowded state of other European cities. In the height of the summer you will feel more like you're around a Mediterranean beach than Budapest with heaps of scantily-clad people strolling about. This is also the time for a string of endless festivals happening in and around the city.

So, for a taste of contrast and contradiction - old and new, quiet and rowdy, moral and scandalous, circle Budapest on your map and make it your next port of call.

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