Budapest: Celebrating 150 Years and Named a Top Travel Destination
The Hungarian capital, Budapest, recently celebrated its 150th birthday in grand style with spectacular shows. In addition to the festivities, the city received another honor as it was chosen as one of the best travel destinations in the world by Condé Nast Traveler.
Budapest came into existence in 1873 by merging Óbuda, Buda, and Pest. Interestingly, the anniversary of this union is celebrated on November 17th, although the city was actually formed on October 25th. November 17th was the day when the city council took over the management of affairs.
The President of Hungary, Katalin Novák, described Budapest as a haven of peace and security in a chaotic world. She emphasized that Budapest is a source of pride for all Hungarians.
Gergely Karácsony, the opposition mayor of Budapest, praised the city for remaining resolute in its Hungarian identity while embracing its European character. He compared Budapest to eternal cities like Rome, stating that it always rises again. This sentiment seems to be acknowledged and respected by travelers from around the world.
Budapest Makes the Prestigious List
According to Hungarian travel magazine lelepo.hu, Condé Nast Traveler compiled a list of recommended travel destinations for 2024. Budapest, with its 150-year history, secured a prominent position on this coveted list. Undoubtedly, Budapest has earned its place among the world’s finest travel destinations.
The list, titled “The 24 Best Places to Go in 2024,” is organized alphabetically. Starting with Accra, Ghana, Budapest follows suit as a must-visit location. The magazine encourages tourists to explore the unique charms of this 150-year-old city. It is important to note that the unification of Pest, Buda, and Óbuda occurred in 1873, but each of these cities has an even deeper, ancient and historically significant past, dating back to Roman times.
Budapest: An Architectural Marvel
Condé Nast Traveler praises the Hungarian capital for its remarkable architectural wonders. Budapest boasts a wide range of architectural styles, including art nouveau, neoclassical, gothic, and baroque, all interconnected by the magnificent Danube River. The city is also renowned for its thermal baths, replete with intricate designs. Budapest’s creative energy spills over into its vibrant nightlife, with the ruin bars district serving as a prime example of how opportunity can be crafted from adversity, particularly following the era of Communist rule.
Chain Bridge, Buda Castle, Hungarian Parliament
In November 2023, Budapest celebrates the 150th anniversary of the unification of Buda, Pest, and Óbuda, alongside a series of cultural events. The reopening of the Chain Bridge, the city’s oldest bridge and a symbol of unity, after a two-year restoration, provides visitors with breathtaking views of Buda Castle and the Hungarian Parliament Building. Additionally, Budapest’s House of Hungarian Music and the National Athletics Centre, the main stadium for the 2023 World Athletics Championships, stand as testaments to a city that looks forward to the next 150 years with great optimism.
Europe’s First Musical Memorabilia-Inspired Hotel
The art deco W Budapest, located on a UNESCO World Heritage-listed street and once a palace, opened its doors in July 2023, directly opposite the Hungarian State Opera. Another notable addition to the Marriott portfolio is the Dorothea Hotel, featuring 216 luxurious rooms and a glamorous rooftop restaurant. Aligning with the musical festivities commemorating Budapest’s 150th anniversary, the Hard Rock Hotel Eastern Europe, opening in 2022, showcases a collection of musical memorabilia, including Prince’s iconic purple faux-fur coat, and is located on Nagymező Street, known for its lively entertainment scene. For more details on Budapest’s Hard Rock Hotel, refer to THIS article.