Oliver Bennett

On the recent weekend of European Union accession, Budapest was taking it all in its stride. There were street parties, festivals and the museums were free for two days. But nowhere in this handsome city did it feel like a blissful new dawn. Then again, why should it? As a phlegmatic local remarked, "Hungary is already in Europe.” With its plethora of visual feasts and tempting asides Budapest offers itself as a destination with bite.