Budapest is located in the heart of Hungary and as being the capital, it is not only the political but also the cultural center of the country. The ancient city that was established in the first century AD is a lively metropolis today, and with 1.7 million inhabitants it has about Hamburg’s size. Additionally, Budapest is an important university city; of the 47 institutions of higher education in Hungary, more than half can be found in the capital. People visiting the city located by the Danube, have to make a trip to the Castle District (Várnegyed) on Castle Hill. The former royal residence, which is called Buda Castle (Budavári palota) today, is the biggest building in all of Hungary and is regarded as the capital’s principal sight. The palace also houses the National Gallery and the National Library. Flights to Budapest depart from all larger German airports. The city can also be comfortably reached by train or car from Vienna or Bratislava.