Experience life at a slower pace in Budapest. Spend a perfect day exploring the city’s ancient architecture and recharging at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath. Culture buffs will be blown away by all the museums, libraries, academies, palaces and religious buildings that make Budapest the envy of other European capital cities. Read More: https://theculturetrip.com/europe/hungary/articles/how-to-spend-a-perfect-day-in-budapest/

Aside from being so famously split by the Danube, Budapest is further divided by a fault line that runs along the river, feeding a system of over 120 natural hot springs. Locals have been using these waters since medieval times as a means of therapy, and still do today in the many thermal spas around town. Each of these spas will vary in style and mood. Some feel solemn and no-frills while others are sprawling open-air affairs. Expect all of them to be at least a tad crowded. The entrance process alone can be a dizzying experience, not unlike a visit to the post office five days before Christmas. Of course, the cost of admission will also vary by bath. There are many factors that may affect price such as day of the week and time of day. Prices are likely to be higher on weekends, and morning admission might differ from afternoons. Tack on a little extra for booking an old-timey changing cabin over a locker, or if you think you’d like access to the lap pool and any sports facilities in addition to the baths. Then there’s often a lengthy menu of services to pore over, featuring everything from mud wraps to eucalyptus massages. These services are sure to cost less (a lot less!) than they would back home, but can quickly add up if you're not careful. As is the case with so many European destinations, fares to Budapest have come down in recent years, thanks in part to low cost carriers like Norwegian. LOT Polish Airlines frequently includes Budapest in its sales. If neither of these airlines operates in your home city, try pricing out flights to European airports serviced by Wizz Air, a Hungarian low cost carrier.

To say Budapest is a beautiful city, would be an understatement. Historic churches, grand plazas, diverse architectural styles and breathtaking views—Budapest has it all. This also makes it one of the most photogenic cities in Europe. This whole month, Great Big Story has been sharing our producers’ inside secrets on what to do while in Budapest. This week, social producer Selena gives her tips on where to take that perfect Instagram photo. Whether you’re using a professional camera or your smartphone, getting those likes has never been easier. This Great Big Story Recommends is by the Spice of Europe: Budapest