Budapest is the capital of Hungary located in central Hungary along the Danube River. It has a land area of 525 square kilometers and was united in 1873. Known as one of the beautiful cities in Europe, Budapest is famous for its hot and spicy fish soup, chilled sour-cherry soup, and stuffed cabbage. Popular places to visit include the Hungarian Parliament Building designed by Imre Steindl, the Buda Castle which was formerly called the Royal Palace, and the Danube River which divides Buda from Pest.