About Budapest The capital city of Hungary, Budapest, was created out of the unification of the separate historic towns of Buda, Pest and Óbuda in 1873. The area had been inhabited from early times, Aquincum was a Roman city in the place of Óbuda and the city is a natural geographical centre. It is home today to a population of 1.8 million people. Flowing north to south through the centre of the city is the mighty River Danube. Buda and Óbuda, comprising roughly a third of the total, are situated mainly in the hills to the west, with commercial Pest on the plains to the east. There are three islands – Óbuda Island, Margaret Island and Csepel Island – and nine bridges. Budapest possesses a rich and fascinating history as well as a vibrant cultural heritage. The headquarters for the 2007 meeting, The Hilton Budapest, is situated in the castle district with a unique view to the river and the city. In the castle district there is a magnificent royal palace and a medieval palace as well, which are the homes of National Picture Gallery and the Historical Museum. Budapest has managed to maintain its magic and charm, and is rightly known as the Queen of the Danube. It has also been called the City of Spas, as there are a dozen thermal baths complexes served by over a hundred natural thermal springs.