Earlier this year, the ninth edition of the European Best Destination gathered together  320,793 votes from 162 countries, Budapest received 17 745 votes making the Hungarian capital the 8th in the top 15 destinations finals. Since, these destinations are being promoted to millions of travellers as the most trendy destinations to visit in 2018, the tourism and the media coverage growth multiplied via the first website dedicated to tourism in Europe to audience of more than 5,5 millions of travellers.

According to the prestigious competition, "Budapest is a perfect destination for friends, young couples or long-time lovers, lovers of history, culture, museums but also nightlife shopping. Creators from around the world, the greatest directors but also designers, musicians, are inspired by Budapest. Those who want to treat themselves with a getaway in a city choose Budapest. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, a city where the most famous monuments meet such as Buda Castle, The Parliament, The Chain Bridge, Margaret Island, The Spas of Budapest, and an endless list of beautiful alleys and facades, atypical shops or bars, churches and parks."

The Budapest World Heritage Site approved by UNESCO consists of three parts, the Buda Castle Quarter, which holds the city's medieval sites, with Buda Castle. In this area there are the remains of the original Roman town Aquincum. The Banks of the Danube, including the Parliament and the suspension bridge between pest and Buda, the Chain Bridge. Also Andrássy Avenue, including the Opera, Millennium Park and the Underground Railway.

Recently WorldChacha ranked Budapest as number 2 among the Top 10 Most Beautiful Cities in the World, quoting: "the Hungarian capital is rich in architecture and art. If you love to have a good time, then you will love their nightlife which ranges from the thermal baths, drinking or dancing away the entire night. Budapest is very famous for its unmatched night life. Did I mention their mouthwatering dishes? Taste their local dishes like goulash and langos." The city serves some of the most delicious meals from their many cafes. Since no buildings are allowed to stand taller than 96m, you can have a very clear skyline view of the city. Being nicknamed as "the city of spas" for its many thermal baths that have healing properties. The best thing about this city according to WorldChacha is that most of the sights are accessed free of charge.

The Telegraph also created a ranking for the 25 places in Eastern Europe you must see in your lifetime, bringing Budapest out  to number 15. Natalie Paris, Telegraph's travel writer summarized:  “Budapest is an easy city to navigate, with the river at its heart. Cross a bridge to the west and you’re in Buda, the leafy hills hiding natural hot springs and crowned with a palace that provide views down to the scene-stealing gothic Parliament building on the far riverbank. Behind this is Pest, the eastern city, unified with Buda in 1873, where you’ll find attractive boulevards and the Jewish quarter, which has seen a bohemian drinking scene develop around dilapidated courtyards beautified with eclectic art and flea market furniture.”

So what makes Budapest so magical and sought after? Considered by many to be the "Paris of the East", the city only formally came into being in 1872 with the amalgamation of three previously independent towns - Old Buda, Buda, and Pest making its appearance as a wonder for all seasons. When it gets too warm, there are easy escapes to the fresh air and greenery of the Buda Hills via the cog railway or Zugliget chairlift. When the weather is cold, the wide range of thermal treatments and spa culture is bringing joy and extra Celsius against the shivering. CNN Travel thinks "the Hungarian destination usually comes as a sweet surprise to travelers, who don't quite know what to expect before visiting this city of 1.7 million." They recommend that the best way to begin exploring the city is by taking a walk along its banks, where you can take in some of Budapest's most important sights. They have also put together a guide for the Perfect Day in Budapest with tips how to navigate the city, starting with some classic Budapest, and then sample the newer trends that visitors seek out today. Take their "online crash course" and get to know the essences from ordering a Hungarian omelet - sausages, onions, hot green peppers, and bacon - to equip you for the long walk to stretching out your muscles at Rudas at the end of the day: we won't be surprised if you will  book your ticket straight after reading the piece. See you soon, we promise you wouldn't be disappointed!

Cover photo: Pixabay