The BEN's Linda Hurst flew to Budapest courtesy of Malev Hungarian Airlines - which fly direct from Manchester Airport five times a week - and stayed in the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

HUNGARY'S capital Budapest, known as the Pearl of the Danube, lies on and is divided by the mighty River Danube (it's not blue) and is a gem of place to visit for a short break.

It is only a two and a half hour flight from Manchester and is even easier to get there now that Malev Hungarian Airlines has introduced regular departures from Manchester five times a week.

Budapest derives its name from Buda and Pest -- Pest being the administrative centre and more modern half of the city on the east and the historical Buda lying to the west.

The river is crossed by a number of individually styled and named bridges - and if you think you have seen the magnificent Chain Bridge somewhere before you would be right as it is a replica of the one in Glasgow built by Adam Clark.

A cheap and comprehensive transport system -- buses, trams and the metro underground -- makes getting around easy

Budapest is a city which is finally breaking away from the stigma of being an ex-Communist country, a fact that becomes apparent as you drive around but this doesn't detract from the historical beauty of the buildings.

However, there are still faint echoes of Communism apparent, particularly the two big sections of the Berlin Wall -- a gift to the people of Budapest from the people of Berlin in 1989.

Impresses

Hungary is a church sightseers paradise and slap bang in the middle of Pest is the beautiful St Stephen's Basilica. The sheer size impresses from the outside but inside its sheer beauty takes your breath away. Even if you are not particularly religious it is a sight to behold.

Travelling out of the city along one of the main roads -- the Andrassy Street -- you get a taste of the various types of architecture from the smaller houses to the larger mansions some of which are used by ambassadors.

At the top of Andrassy Street is Heroes Square which is home to the Millenary Monument which was built as a monument to the thousandth year of the Hungarian state.

Just beyond the Square is the city park and this is a place of rest and relaxation favoured by both tourists and locals alike. You could spend the whole day here and, if you had small children, visits to the circus, which is the largest in Hungary, the city zoo and the outdoor swimming pool would keep them amused for hours.

Unfortunately, there wasn't much time to explore them all, however, the Castle of Vajdahunyad in the middle of the park was a delight. Built in three styles - Gothic, Medieval and Transylvanian -- it is a bizarre sight.

Sitting quietly in the park, partially hidden from sight in a small copse, stands a rather sinister statue of Anonymous, who, as legend has it, never signed his name to anything but just used the name anonymous and he still holds some kind of mythical magic over Budapest's students today as they come to touch his golden pen for good luck before they take their exams.

If you tire yourself out from all the delights that the park has to offer you can embark on a leisurely sail on the boating lake surrounding the castle.

However, if it's shopping you want then head into downtown Budapest where you will find all the top designer labels at realistic prices.

The Fisherman's Bastion stands at the top of the hill on the west side of the river and it is here that you get a taste of the historical Buda. Getting to the top is a long hike but there is a funicular railway which gets you there in a matter of minutes.

Some of the buildings in the bastion are hundreds of years old and it really does give a you taste of what life must have been like all those centuries ago.

Magnificent

From the church square you can climb a little farther up the bastion -- if you've any energy left-- but it is well worth it, as you are rewarded with magnificent views of the city and its river.

Hungary is renowned for its outdoor spas which are spread throughout the countryside but perched high up on Gellert Hill is the most amazing outdoor spa. You could easily spend a whole day here just soaking up the sun, swimming or lazing in one of the spring pools. This is a good enough reason to visit Budapest.

However, if it's true peace and tranquility you're after, then you must head north.

Nestling in the countryside about 20km out of Budapest is the quaint village of Szentendre. Although it is something of a tourist trap, a visit here either by road, rail or river will provide a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. You will find shops offering traditional Hungarian souvenirs. I particularly liked the colourful and aromatic shop that sold nothing only paprika chillies -- a perfect souvenir to make Hungarian Goulash.

Continuing north up the river is the historical castle site of Visegrad which lies on the Danube Bend. Even if castles and kings aren't for you the journey to the top is well worth it as the views of the countryside along Bend are absolutely stunning. For a better chance to appreciate the spectacular Hungarian scenery a daily river cruise from Budapest to Vienna offers an ideal way to take it all in. These cruises take about six hours and also provide an ideal opportunity to visit Austria's capital city, stay overnight and return the next day.

Whatever you want whether it be history, ruins, shopping or just sight-seeing Budapest has it all!