Escape to Budapest

Why not plan your own escape to Budapest? Budapest is still a relatively undiscovered gem. The Hungarian capital is listed as the second most beautiful city in the world. Hungary's economy has been the fastest growing in Europe for the past five years. Budapest is also a more affordable destination than most with plenty to see and do. It also lacked a single travel book until now. You can also move there, like the author and his wife. It's all in this book. How to renovate an apartment. Make new friends. Hidden places to visit. Cultural highlights. The story of Budapest coffeehouses. The Grand Hotels of Budapest. Great restaurants. Why the city is booming. How to become a part of it. From handling eccentric neighbours to controlling a renovation project by email, and exploring the complex history of this city - two lost world wars, two communist revolutions, the Holocaust, the Battle of Budapest, Hungarian Uprising and Prime Minister Orban's reformist government - there is so much to learn. This is where Emperor Marcus Aurelius defended the Roman Empire from the barbarian hordes. Where Mongol tribes - whose bizarre language is still more difficult to learn than Japanese - first pitched their tents a thousand years ago. The story involves quite a few crossovers with Oxford University where the author studied, and economic and political insights into modern Hungary, a magnet for non-EU immigration, rather contrary to its misleading reputation. Budapest is full of surprises. Read about them here.