Budapest Facts

1. Interesting fact: The first subway line of continental Europe was built in Budapest. It is called the Millennium Line as it was constructed for the Millennium Celebration of 1896, commemorating the Hungarian Conquest of 896.

2. Fun fact: 123 thermal springs can be found in Budapest pouring out over 80m litres of the thermal water every day.

3. Impressive fact: The world's largest panoramic image was taken in Budapest from the top of Gellért Hill. It has broken two world records, doubling the previous one.

4. Random fact: The "biro" or ballpoint pen was invented by a Hungarian, Sir Biro László József, born in Budapest. His former home under 24 Nagymező Street now houses the Thália Theatre.

5. Interesting fact: The Dohány Synagogue of Budapest is Europe's largest synagogue. It is also second largest in the world after New York's Temple Emanu-El.

6. Fun fact for the superstitious: Touching the pen held by the Statue of Anonymous makes you a better writier!

7. Exciting fact: The world's largest geothermic cave system can be found under Budapest. In addition, the largest underground lake of Europe, one of the largest in the world, has recently been discovered under Gellért Hill.

8. Interesting fact: The largest spa complex of Europe, the Széchényi Thermal Bath is located in Budapest. The city is famous for its bath culture dating back to the Romans times and later greatly influenced by the Turks.

9. Fun fact: Budapest used to be not two, but three cities before 1873: Buda, Pest, and Óbuda. These three settlements were united by the Habsburg rule.

10. Random fact: The Western Railway Station (Nyugati Pályaudvar) was built by the Eiffel Company.

11. Impressive fact: Budapest has been entitled the "Pearl of the Danube." To see why check out the view from the top of Gellért Hill.

12. Factual fact: Several world heritage sights can be found in Budapest: the Castle District, Andrássy Avenue, Hero's Square and both banks of the River Danube between the Elizabeth and Margaret Bridge.