Budapest

If you haven't visited Budapest yet, now is the time to do so. Many people like the city because they can walk out of a hot spa and into a nightclub (and then back into the bath). History aficionados may choose among Roman, neo-Gothic, Renaissance, and Ottoman architecture at places like Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion in a city that goes back to the Old Stone Age.

Budapest is more than Hungary's political capital; it's also the country's business and cultural hub. Culture pervades practically every inch of the Pearl of the Danube, from its diverse culinary scene to its strong Jewish legacy. Budapest, which is divided by the Danube River into three main sections – Pest, Buda, and Buda – combines modern amenities with old architecture and verdant parks. Whether you're looking for gastronomy, shopping, or museums, Budapest has plenty to offer. And the rates are reasonable enough that you won't have to pick between them; you'll be able to enjoy them all.