Buda, Pest, and the

Best of Hungary

Narrated by Rick Steves

30 minutes; European Travel Guide

Budapest, once Vienna’s partner in ruling the Austro-Hungarian Empire, feels like the capital of Eastern Europe. It’s actually two cities—busy Pest and noble Buda—straddling the Danube and laced together by mighty bridges. Capitalism has taken hold with gusto as shopping boulevards thrive and stone Lenins and cast iron Stalins litter a theme park at the edge of town. Today Gypsy orchestras feature smoking violins, venerable mineral baths are the rage, and 19th century coffeehouses enjoy a renaissance. For a taste of the countryside—castles, cathedrals, and riverside villages—we cruise the Danube bend.