Discover Budapest through the eyes of a local person. From somebody who was born in Budapest, this book portrays the Capital of Hungary as a noble blend of distinct cultures that was hardened through the tempests of history. You'll read not just about what to see, but how to experience Budapest as locals do—understanding the historical forces and cultural nuances that make this Danube pearl truly exceptional. A historical overview helps to understand how the city evolved from the earliest settlements via alternating victory and oppression until today’s independence. Through each transformation, this resilient city has absorbed the best of its conquerors while developing its distinctive Hungarian character. Rather than exhaustively list each and every attraction down to the minor ones and tiniest historical memorials, which could not be packed into a limited time visit anyway, this book offers a selection of the most important and most characteristic architectural and cultural relics including the iconic landmarks. It navigates you through Budapest's complex character—from the aristocratic hills of Buda with its royal castle to the bustling boulevards of Pest and to the more modern parts of town. The book also delves into the Hungarian kitchen, describing in detail the formation of this unique cuisine and reviewing a selection of meals to facilitate the choice from the menu. A great amount of organized and practical information about culture, entertainment, transport and more helps the orientation in a range of topics. Your Local Guide to Budapest delivers more than directions to tourist attractions. By helping to understand how Budapest's diverse cultural heritage, architectural splendor, and resilient spirit have created a metropolis that seamlessly blends tradition with forward-thinking innovation, it provides the historical context and cultural insights that turn the sightseeing into genuine understanding.