Straddling the Danube River, the Hungarian capital splits into two parts: Buda and Pest. Buda sits on the west of the river with a series of historic buildings nestled among steep hills, while Pest is flatter and located on the east bank of the river.

Interestingly, the two remained separate until 1873, when they officially merged to become Budapest. At that time, the city belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and ample evidence of its imperial past remains. Later, the Soviet Union occupied the city for nearly 50 years, adding to its intriguing history, although all of the Communist monuments have been relocated to a sculpture park on the outskirts of town.

Known for its opulent bathhouses drawing on local hot springs, Budapest became a popular destination for travelers exploring Europe. Most arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, around 45 minutes from the center of town via taxi or public transport.

Once you drop off your bags, stretch your legs and stroll around the walkable city. Otherwise, explore via the abundance of buses, trams and metro trains run by Budapest Közlekedési Központ, which offers an app to help with journey planning. The company also runs boat services on the river in summer, making for a scenic journey with great views.

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It is also easy to rent bikes on the MOL Bubi bike-sharing system, offering low-cost rides from green docking stations around the city. As for taxis, reputable firms include City Taxi, Főtaxi and 6×6 Taxi. Ride hailing app Bolt also operates in the city, but Uber is no longer available. You can find rental cars from large firms such as Hertz and Avis at the airport and at some hotels, although it’s unnecessary to have your own vehicle unless you need to travel in and out of the city on daytrips.

© PÁRISI UDVAR HOTEL BUDAPEST

For a top power breakfast, head to Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest, serving the first meal of the day in a glass-covered arcade passage. The effect is spectacular, with mosaic floors and beautiful staircases providing an inspiring setting for breakfast. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace also makes the right impression as a breakfast venue thanks to its opulent architecture and commanding position at the eastern end of the famous Chain Bridge. It serves both buffet and à la carte options in Kollázs brasserie with its 1920s-inspired décor.

If you require somewhere private for a lunch meeting, Callas House is the place. Located next to the opera house in the center of the city, this opulent hotel boasts a private dining room with space for up to 25 guests. Virtu restaurant proves another strong option, with a private dining room for around 50 guests, or more intimate 10-seat and 22-seat rooms. Also consider SPAGO, part of star chef Wolfgang Puck’s global empire.

As for entertaining, Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel proves an ideal spot. Eschew the famous dining room in favor of the intimate Poet Bar, which feels like an old-school gentleman’s club with its red carpet and leather furnishings. Or, if the weather is good, head to Bar 360, a rooftop terrace with amazing views over the city. Even in winter, heated igloos make for a fun atmosphere. Another distinctive venue is A38, housed on an old ship near Petőfi Bridge and boasting a bar and restaurant on deck as well as a large event space below. For cocktails, head to Boutiq’Bar, where skilled bartenders shake up a storm in an elegant atmosphere. For something more casual, craft beer fans will enjoy Élesztő, offering 20 local beers on tap served in a former factory filled with interesting artifacts.

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Before you leave, it’s worth making a short trip to aforementioned Memento Park, housing statues removed after the fall of Communism. If time allows, Budapest’s City Park houses the iconic Szechenyi Baths, Vajdahunyad Castle and Budapest Zoo, with picturesque walking trails and surroundings.

To extend your trip, the Austrian capital, Vienna, lies just 2.5 hours away by train, as does the Slovakian capital, Bratislava. You can also get from Vienna to Bratislava in less than an hour, meaning you could feasibly visit three European capitals on one trip in minimal time. Despite their proximity, each has its own distinctive culture and atmosphere, and Vienna offers non-stop flights to a number of large U.S. cities including New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX).