Budapest

Little wonder that Budapest is such a popular destination. Straddling the Danube with all its romantic connotations, this charming city is virtually split in two with Buda on one side and Pest on the other. This dichotomy means that you get a double helping of pleasure with two cities rolled into one. 

Architecturally stunning, there is a happy mixture of neo-classical, baroque and art nouveau buildings, so it is no exaggeration to say the city is visually interesting. Some of the gems that make it a UNESCO World Heritage site are Andrassy Avenue, the banks of the Danube, Buda Castle quarter and the Milennium Underground Railway (the oldest in the world). 

That is not to say everything about Budapest belongs in the past. The city enjoys one of the liveliest nightlife scenes in Europe, as well as excellent restaurants, legendary bars and vibrant clubs -  giving the city a real party feel. Food, drink and transport are cheap in Budapest, so a few day's break represents really good value for money.

During the summer months, life is lived outdoors, while in winter, Budapest looks incredibly beautiful as the Danube often freezes over and the city takes on a mantle of snow like an ermine cloak. Open-air thermal pools give a special winter bath experience. This is also the time to visit a Budapest Christmas market, where you can savour the scent of traditional honey cookies, cinnamon and fir, sip some mulled wine and soak up the festive atmosphere. A jewel in central Europe, Budapest is the most magical and loveliest of cities, no matter what time of year you visit.

Please Note:  A government tax may be payable on arrival in a city destination – it cannot be prepaid in advance. This is a nominal charge that is subject to change.