Straddling the Danube, Budapest is revered as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe – with genteel, pretty Buda to the west and flatter, more lively Pest to the east. (The city was formed in 1873, when Buda, Pest and old Buda or ‘Óbuda’ joined forces to form the present-day capital of Hungary). On a city break in Budapest, the hopelessly romantic views from the cities 7 bridges joining both sides are unavoidable, while the 6 islands wedged along the river’s path only add to the picture-book setting.
Where to stay in Budapest
You’ll be spoilt for choice when choosing where to rest your head at night, as accommodation in the city is plentiful. It ranges from budget accommodation such as hostels in converted flats and rented rooms to comfortable B&Bs nestled on the slopes of Buda or 5-star international hotels in the more commercial area of Pest.
Transport in Budapest
Finding your way around this wonderful city couldn’t be easier. The city centre and historic districts are easy to reach on foot. Budapest also has efficient tram and metro systems. You can buy a 1-3 day Budapest travel card, which allows unlimited trips on trams, buses, the metro and railway. It also gives you free entry to the Lukács Baths, many of the city’s museums and 2 free walking tours, as well as great reductions on loads of other attractions.
What to do and see in Budapest
With over 80 natural hot springs, taking a soak is a popular ritual that dates back to Roman times. Whether you go to relax your weary bones or cure a sore head from an over-zealous enthusiasm for the city’s lively night scene – the number and style of bathhouses to choose from are endless. Two of the most popular are the Szechenyi (pictured) and Lukács baths – famous for their night spa bath parties or “sparties”. The baths are lit up by colourful laser beams with a background of triphop, funk and psychedelic music! An event to add to the diary is the acclaimed NYE Cinetrip Bath Party at the Szechenyi Baths on the 30th December.
The city’s architecture is a stunning mixture of neo-classical, baroque and art nouveau styles. The capital’s golden age is rooted in the waning years of the 19th Century and it boasts numerous world heritage sites from this period. To get a true sense of the rich make-up of the city, explore Andrássy Avenue, Heroes’ Square, the Millennium Underground Railway and quaint Buda Castle Quarter on foot.
Hungarian Food
Hungarian food has come a long way from the days of goulash and pickled cabbage, and now the city has a thriving gastronomic scene. There are excellent cafes, bistros and restaurants throughout the city where you can sample tasty local treats like spicy chicken paprikash, tangy cherry soup, sticky twists of sweet Chimney Cake and Hungarian crepes (Gundel) filled with ground walnuts, raisins and rum, and topped with dark chocolate sauce.
Visit the famous Central Market Hall at the Pest side of Liberty Bridge to see the array of produce on offer – from bright strings of paprika to sweet Hungarian dessert wines (Aszu) and smoked meats.
When is the best time to visit Budapest?
The summer is a lively time to visit when the largest cultural event – The Budapest Summer Festival – is on. From late November the Budapest Christmas Markets kick off as the festive season takes hold and Vorosmarty Square and the surrounds of the Budapest Basilica are filled with the twinkling lights of Christmas market stalls and the smells of cinnamon and spice.
