Budapest is a group of cities connected in the 19th century: Buda, Óbuda and Pest.
It is a large metropolis, a center of culture and science, and a 
health resort with thermal baths. The origins of the city are Aquincum, because that's where the Romans named their stronghold, built on the site of a Celtic settlement in 89 AD. Its heyday was during the Jagiellonian dynasty, when, together with Vienna, Prague and Krakow, it was one of the largest cities in Europe. It returned to rapid development after the Turkish occupation only in 1686, after the city was captured by the Habsburgs. 
Pest is mainly a magnificent parliament, a market square and 
narrow streets between monumental tenement houses. Buda is a hill with a castle resembling a park complex. This is where the Gothic cathedral, the fishing tower and Gellert Mountain are located. The city is very well connected. The oldest metro in continental Europe is located here. Tourist attractions include rack and cable railways and bridges, including the most famous Erzsebet hid.
For me, Budapest is magical in winter, when there is a 
Christmas market in the square. I love gingerbread, mulled wine and regional delicacies. If, like me, you like walks, I recommend the end of October because there are already Christmas trees and a festival atmosphere, but in sunny weather, climbing the hill and the view from it are priceless. Buda then has something fairy-tale about it. 
