Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is often referred to as the 'Queen of the Danube.' The city as we know it today was officially created in 1873 through the unification of three separate towns: Buda, Pest, and Óbuda. Buda, located on the western bank of the river, is characterized by its hilly terrain, historic castle district, and medieval architecture. Pest, on the eastern bank, is flat and serves as the city's commercial and political heart, housing the iconic Hungarian Parliament Building. The two sides are connected by several magnificent bridges, the most famous being the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Budapest is also unique for its extensive thermal spring system, making it the only major capital city in the world with over 100 thermal springs and numerous historic bathhouses. This geographical split gives the city a dual personality, blending the quiet, regal atmosphere of the hills with the bustling, urban energy of the plains, all centered around the majestic flow of the Danube River.