Budapest, awakened in 1989 after its long slumber behind the Iron Curtain, is now one of Europe's hottest destinations. It stands proudly at the center of Eastern Europe's cultural rebirth, and best of all, it still ranks as one of the continent's best bargains. Frommer's Budapest & the Best of Hungary is meticulously updated and revamped every 2 years (more frequently than the competition). Our author, a longtime resident of Budapest, is a professor of Education and co-owner of a B&B on the Pest side of the city — and he loves nothing more than to chat up his guests and give them recommendations for their trip. In this guide, he collects all of his insider tips and points you to the attractions, hotels, and restaurants to suit your tastes and budget, as if you were one of his guests. You can explore the city's highlights on detailed walking tours and learn about the gorgeous architecture of both the city's famous buildings and hidden treasures. And of course, we've got all the details on Budapest's exciting nightlife (and hidden parties), its vibrant arts scene, and its fabulous thermal baths and spas. Frommer's Budapest & the Best of Hungary also covers the Danube Bend, the Lake Balaton Region, Tokaji and the caves of Northeastern Hungary, and Pecs and the Mecsek Hills of Southern Hungary.