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BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
As one of Europe's most culturally rich cities, Budapest is a prime destination for those who enjoy art, history, and unique cuisine. The city is stylistically diverse, combining the sophistication of European culture with the historical heritage of most Eastern countries (imagine a crossover between Vienna and Moscow). It can feel a little modest and outdated but there's plenty to see and experience, from cathedrals and castles, to thermal baths and homestyle cuisine. If you appreciate Eastern European culture, Budapest is a must.
TO STAY
Part of the five-star Autograph Collection, Boscolo is a 19th century palace in the heart of the city. The hotel's baroque-style luxury maintains Budapest's legacy as a muse for art, culture, and civilisation. The interior architecture is rich with grand pillars and marble, brocades, and ancient frescoes. Most of the rooms are generously spacious (particularly the Superior and Deluxe); they appear a little dated, but comfort and cleanliness are not compromised. Breakfast is served in the gorgeous New York Café, usually accompanied by classical music in the background. Location-wise, Boscolo's surrounding neighbourhood is not particularly glamorous or scenic - it's dated and modest, capturing the less-fortunate side of Budapest; however, its close proximity to several important sites is an advantage. Ideal for a more historical and local-based experience.
Originally an art nouveau landmark, Gresham Palace was transformed into a Four Seasons hotel - combining both historical elegance and modern-chic accommodation for a five-star experience. The entrance is breathtakingly grand, with a large glass-dome illuminating the entire space. Rooms are of the typical Four Seasons' French-American style, providing residential comfort and soothing ambience. Location-wise, Gresham Palace is ideally situated at the centre of Pest in the fifth district, overlooking the Danube River and the famous Chain Bridge. Its neighbourhood is certainly more lush and lively than Boscolo's, and also closer to the Buda side of the city. Ideal for a more polished and refined experience.
FOOD & DINING
One of Budapest's best restaurants for a traditional and authentic taste of Hungarian cuisine. Set in a 17th-century farmhouse, Náncsi Néni offers a homey experience in a cosy wood-cabin atmosphere with checkered table cloths, candles, and warm hospitality. The menu offers a big variety of traditional dishes - everything from pickled salads and warm soups, to hearty beef stews, fish, chicken, sweet & savoury pastas, and unique Hungarian desserts. Located a little outside Buda's centre, about a 20-25 minute ride from Castle Hill, it's a great option for lunch after touring the surrounding area. An overall memorable experience of Hungarian cuisine and tradition.
Gundel is one of Budapest's more upscale restaurants, serving traditional but refined Hungarian cuisine in a smart-chic atmosphere; a great choice for dinner following the opera (with a live-band playing in the background). The menu offers traditional Hungarian dishes in the style of fine-dining. Pleasant for a more sophisticated experience of local cuisine in a classic setting.
One of the greatest and most celebrated coffeehouses in Budapest with a wonderful past, Café Gerbeaud is over a century old with charming elegance and confectionary originally perfected by the famous Emil Gerbeaud. The place is gorgeously decorated in French Rococo style with grand chandeliers and dark wood and marble furnishings, with a charming old-world atmosphere. This is a great spot for a morning coffee or an afternoon break - located in the fifth district on Vorosmarty Square, in the heart of downtown Budapest and near the popular shopping street Vaci Utca.
Chimney Cakes (Kürtőskalács) are one of the most popular desserts/street snacks in Hungary, and they're everywhere around the city. Molnar serves some of the best in Budapest, always made to order and served warm from the oven. With a variety of toppings and fillings to choose from, and one of the most decadent cups of hot chocolate (quite literally a cup of melted chocolate) for dipping. Located on Vaci Street.
One of Budapest's most popular places for a traditional strudel, Rétesház is a rustic-style pastry house with an extensive menu of strudels to try. All of which are rolled and baked in an open kitchen throughout the day. There are plenty of strudel spots around the city, but this is a fun place to watch the baking process and try different fillings. Ideally located near the Hungarian Parliament and just around the corner from St Stephen's Basilica for a mid-tour break.
PLACES TO VISIT & THINGS TO DO
BUDA vs PEST
The city of Budapest is split into two major sides and it helps to know this when planning your visit. Buda is old and cultural, where most historical sites and landmarks are located; whereas Pest is more modern and urban, where most hotels, restaurants and shops are.
Located in Buda, Castle Hill is one of the city's major landmarks and a great place to start a historical tour with multiple sites to visit in one area. The district also captures much of Budapest's cultural and historical character - from Gothic arches and medieval churches, to Baroque houses and cobblestone streets. Start with Buda Castle (the Baroque-style royal palace of Hungarian monarchs); there you'll also find the Hungarian National Gallery and History Museum, carrying Hungary's most prized art collections and historical artefacts. From there on, continue your tour of Castle Hill on foot.
MATTHIAS CHURCH & FISHERMAN'S BASTION
From the Buda Castle, just a 10-15 minute walk leads to Trinity Square with three other landmarks to see. The Holy Trinity Statue is a gorgeous 18th century column in the centre, said to have been built to protect the people of Hungary after the bubonic plague. Just around the corner is the Matthias Church, known for its Gothic architecture and colourful mosaic rooftops; walk around to its main entrance and see its mesmerising interiors. Right across the church is Fisherman's Bastion, a Gothic/Romanesque terrace and lookout tower above the Danube River; here you'll find one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Budapest.
This is a convenient spot to take a 20-minute ride to Náncsi Néni for a traditional meal.
Located atop Gellert Hill in Buda, the Citadel is a 19th century fortification and lookout tower, with another of Budapest's best panoramic views. From there you can also visit the famous St Gellert Monument and Cave Church. The Citadella is ideally accessible from Pest, by a scenic river-side stroll across the famous Liberty Bridge (just after the Great Market Hall). You can ride up to Gellert Hill or go up on foot.
Located in Pest by Liberty Bridge, this is Budapest's oldest and largest market hall for food & artisan traders. The Neogothic hall is lined with stalls of fresh produce, local spices, hand-made linens and more. There's a great variety of Hungarian street-food to try here; the Langos (deep-fried flatbread) in particular is excellent. A fun place to sample Hungarian delicacies as well as pick up some local specialities to take home.
Located in Pest, the national Parliament is a remarkable landmark on the riverfront. It's actually the world's third largest parliament building (housing 691 rooms, 27 gates, 29 staircases, and 10 courtyards) with stunning Gothic architecture. The interiors are just as beautiful, with ancient frescoes, intricate niches and stained-glass. What is truly spectacular is seeing the grand dome from inside and hearing about its historical significance. The Hungarian Parliament is open for tours from 9 am to 5 pm; all tours are guided (approx 45 mins long) and allotted certain times by language. Check the schedule and book tickets in advance.
This is Budapest's largest church, also located in Pest. A beautiful Roman Catholic basilica built in Neo-Classical architecture, standing 96m high with two bell towers (where Hungary's largest bell hangs). Inside, the basilica is tall and spacious, displaying intricate artwork and architectural brilliancy. Visit earlier in the day to enjoy the brilliant sunlight inside.
The city's largest and most traditional thermal bath, as well as one of Europe's biggest natural hot-springs. With 18 different pools inside and outside open every day of the year, Széchenyi offers a traditional experience of one of Budapest's more iconic activities. There are also geothermal pools, saunas, gym, and massages to enjoy.
HEROES SQUARE & CITY PARK
A large monument commemorating Hungarian national leaders, especially beautiful to see at night. From thereon you can enjoy a walk through Budapest's public park. Right next to Heroes Square also sits the Museum of Fine Art, housing a large collection of European art (amongst which you'll find works by Titian, Raphael, Goya, Van Dyck, and Vélazquez to name a few).
VACI STREET
Located by the Danube River, Vaci is the city's biggest and most popular shopping street, lined with international stores, local boutiques and cafés. A great place to stroll and stop for chimney cakes at Molnar's.
TRAVELING TIPS
1. Note the differences between the two sides of Budapest and plan your trip accordingly. They're not far from one another, which means you can comfortably stay in Pest and plan out all the sight-seeing for Buda. Plan your day's activities by location, making it more convenient to explore one side of the city at a time.
2. When looking for accommodation in Pest, districts five or six are the best options for a convenient and accessible location within walking distance to most sites.
3. Because many of Budapest's landmarks are located on hills, the heavy snow and icy grounds can make site-seeing on foot a little difficult. Keep this in mind during winter visits.
4. The best place to truly experience Hungarian cuisine is at a traditional family-style restaurant. No fuss or sophistication; when it comes to Hungarian food, it should be hearty, generous and served home-style.
5. Be cautious and respectful in general with your money and belongings; like many tourist cities, Budapest can be a little more 'sensitive' to non-locals, which means wandering through remote streets or areas is not always the best way to explore the city.
