With its glittering skyline and the division of a city in two cultural halves by the River Danube, traditional Buda and innovative Pest, Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and not to be missed! For history-lovers and also innovators, the capital of Hungary will not disappoint, with lots of diverse museums, concerts and cultural events.
TASTE
Go to Gundel in a beautiful Art Nouveau palace for fine-dining, Kehli for gypsy music and local Hungarian cuisine and Muvesz for brilliant grande-dame people watching. It's a fascinating army of bouffants and cakes.
EXPERIENCE
To live and breathe Budapest, the most luxurious stay is at the Art Nouveau beauty Four Seasons Gresham Hotel Palace. This city icon sits like a queen overlooking the Chain Bridge and the Danube and only minutes away from Vaci Street stores. With many fabulous museums and walking tours available, check out the Budapest card www.budapestinfo.hu/ but don't miss out on the Museum of Applied Arts and definitely visit the open-air Memento Park where old communist propaganda relics reside and make a fascinating afternoon. Lastly, no visit to Budapest would be complete without experiencing the Szechenyi thermal baths.
READ
From secret police in the communist era, to post second World War II spies, Budapest set the scene for many inspired writers. Before and during your visit, to feel fully immersed and look more closely at the city around you, make sure to read Enemies of the People, The Invisible Bridge, Fatelessness and Strangers in Budapest.
LISTEN
From opera to gypsy music, Budapest offers a huge range of musical options for visitors to enjoy. Pay a visit to St Stephen's Basilica for a beautiful classical concert in a beautiful setting. Sail out to one of the islands on the Danube and go to the Sziget Festival. If jazz if your thing go to the Budapest Jazz Club or head to the iconic Budapest State Opera House for an impressive evening of opera.
