Did you know?! – 6 interesting facts about Budapest

Budapest is the city of the most unique stories; however, even the locals do not know all its hidden secrets. Let’s see which are the most interesting facts you would not have assumed about the beautiful Hungarian capital.

The greatest number of spas

Among the world’s great cities, the biggest number of spas can be found in Budapest. It also bears the title  “Capital of spas” since 1937 when it was elected as the perpetual seat of the International Spa Association. The special title could not be given to any other destination, as Budapest is the only major city in the world that has 118 medical sources and wells. Additionally, it is the only capital city worldwide where 5 – still operating – historic thermal baths can be found. With a little exaggeration, we could say that a spa bath can be found in almost every district of the capital where people can let off steam for a while.

The world’s first public park

The world’s first public park is located in Budapest! Today’s City Park dates back to many centuries. Originally, this part of the city was a marshland that was uploaded and planted with trees as a result of Maria Theresa’s order. The first promenades were created at the end of the 18^th century, which were surprisingly open to anyone. This was the time when the world’s first public park was established – which is now known as the City Park. Its present form is originated from the period of Millennium celebrations, along with Vajdahunyad Castle, the Art Gallery and the Zoo.

The Hungarian Chicago?

The outer area of Elizabeth City – 7^th district of Budapest – was also called ‘Chicago’; that received its nickname between 1896 and 1898 when within the spirit of the monarchical development, a separate part of town was built between Rottenbiller-Damjanich-Dózsa György streets during a period of 2 years. This incredible pace of construction and its parallel arrangement reminded residents of Chicago, which used to be the “super-city” of that age, so people started to use this label more and more frequently.