One of Hungary`s most characteristic features is its animated, diversified, very unique cultural life.

The influences of West and East have basically mixed with the traditions of a thousand year old nation state. Metternich said: "Vienna`s doors open to the East". Always open to external influences, Hungary has managed to unite the diverse ethnical groups and cultural trends, which make up its culture, in an original way. Consequentially, Hungary has always had a privileged place; in fact, in some fields, like music and dance, it has acquired international fame.

Architecture, painting, sculpture, music and dance, folk art, and literature have always been a way for the Hungarian soul to express itself and Hungary has always and in every field been abound with artists. So the wide range of monuments, museums and cultural events in Budapest assure a journey rich in experience.

Architecture

The various influences, both from East and West, have made it possible for Hungarian architecture to draw inspiration from diverse sources. The different establishments, especially the residual Turkish thermal baths (King Rudas) are those that add to the city`s oriental nature.

Even though Hungary has taken over much from the West and East, it has still preserved its originality of Hungarian style: for example, the late baroque style (Royal Mansion) or the secession style which dominated the turn of the 19th/20th century.

After the unification of the three towns Buda, Óbuda, and Pest, Budapest became capital in 1873. During the 20th century it became a large city with buildings in neo-classical style. The majority of monuments built during this time have fed upon the past: neo-Byzantine style (Gellért Hostel), neo-gothic (Parliament, Fishermen`s Bastion), and mostly neo-classical style (Opera House, Citadel, Saint István Church, Eastern Station, Museum of Fine Arts, National Gallery).

At the beginning of the 20th century, the architects and artists turned away from the academic style and developed the given sources of folk arts and folk traditions: this is called secession. Thanks to them, today there exist unique, high leveled buildings like the Western Station, the Zoo, the Post Office Savings Bank, the Freedom Bridge, and the Arts and Crafts Museum.

The best examples of folk architecture can be seen at the outdoor museums, the so-called "skanzenek", which are spread all over the country (Szentendre).

Painting

The best Hungarian paintings can be seen at the Budapest International Gallery, where the works of the greatest Hungarian painters are exhibited. At the Museum of Fine Arts every European school of arts represents itself: Italian, Flemish, Spanish, French, Russian. In the galleries there are contemporary art exhibitions.

Sculpture

The classical spirit and the demand for decoration can be seen all over Hungary: sculptures and fountains prettify parks and squares.

Music, Dance and Folk arts

Hungary produces lots of music, may it be classical or famous Hungarian operetta.
The Hungarian folk music is characterized by a slow beginning, fast dance and a specific syncopated rhythm. For Franz Liszt (1811-1886) it was the root of the "original Hungarian" music. He integrated it in his Hungarian Rhapsodies.

A romantic dinner is unimaginable without gypsy music and a magnificent performance of folk dance.

The Hungarian traditions are part of the national heritage: nowhere else in Europe is there such a varicolored dance world than in Hungary.
The Hungarian youth respects the traditions: modern music and folk dances get along well.

The "Budapest Spring Festival" is in March every year and lasts for 2 weeks: the slogan "10 days, 100 places, 1000 events" covers classical and modern music, opera and ballet performances and manifold exhibitions. In August the "Budapest Opera and Ballet Festival" takes place. Throughout the country concerts are held in many churches and castles.