Dear Guests,

Budapest is a European city - economically, politically, culturally and geographically. On May 1st, 2004, Budapest will become part of Europe legally, too, when Hungary joins the European Union.

Hungary's capital is situated in the middle of the continent, close to the eastern world. This is why the country's culture is so colourful and interesting. In 2002 Hungarian culture received the kind of recognition we all have reason to be proud of, thanks to a Hungarian writer, Imre Kertész. With the Nobel prize for literature it is not only the Hungarian language that has achieved great success, but Hungary and Budapest as well.

Budapest plays a significant role in Central Europe and would like continue to do so in the future. Budapest is a city that can transmit its values to the whole continent. Those who have visited us know these values very well. Visitors can get acquainted with the culture of the Hungarian capital and encounter the art of Europe through our traditional, internationally recognised festivals, such the Spring and Autumn Festivals. Each year the Sziget Festival, the Budapest Farewell Party, the Bridge Festival, and the Budapest Christmas are a great success. In addition to seasonal events, Budapest offers visitors a very lively theatre life, high level alternative culture, colourful musical life, several museums, galleries, restaurants and night clubs.

Budapest is dynamic, but also very attractive. Its geographical features - the Buda hills, the Danube and its bridges, the historical and new buildings - and the atmosphere of the city are attractions that draw many tourists from around the world. Those who have already visited our city often say that their days spent in Budapest were special, and many of them return. I wish that even more people could experience this feeling, because whoever comes to visit us will find that Budapest is not only deserving of special attention, but is also a city to fall in love with.

Gábor Demszky
Mayor of Budapest