Budapest
Straddling the Danube, Budapest offers striking contrasts – from grand Austro-Hungarian architecture to ruin bars tucked inside crumbling courtyards. The city’s skyline is dominated by icons like the Hungarian Parliament Building, Fisherman’s Bastion and St. Stephen’s Basilica, while Buda Castle and the winding medieval streets of the Castle District offer panoramic views across the river to Pest. Many visitors take to the water on a Danube cruise, particularly at sunset, when the city is beautifully lit. Thermal baths are a major draw, with Széchenyi and Gellért Baths providing the full spa experience, complete with Art Nouveau interiors and open-air pools.
There’s a deep cultural undercurrent in Budapest, seen in its museums, classical music venues and edgy arts scene. The Hungarian National Museum and House of Terror reveal the country’s complex history, while the Ludwig Museum focuses on contemporary art from across Central Europe. In the evenings, the Hungarian State Opera House and Müpa Budapest stage performances ranging from opera to jazz. For something more casual, the city’s ruin bars – especially Szimpla Kert – combine graffiti-covered interiors with live music and film screenings, giving a sense of the city’s creative, youthful energy.
Budapest’s food scene has grown far beyond goulash and paprika. You’ll find hearty local dishes like lángos and chicken paprikash served in relaxed, unfussy eateries alongside modern bistros focusing on seasonal ingredients. Jewish-Hungarian cuisine is another highlight, particularly in the historic Jewish Quarter, where bakeries and cafes serve flódni, cholent and excellent pastries. Local wine bars and craft breweries are dotted throughout districts like Erzsébetváros and Terézváros, and the city’s Central Market Hall is a great spot to sample regional specialities or pick up local spices, sausages and handmade goods.
Highlights of Budapest
Our Favourite Hotels in Budapest
Kozmo
Our Favourite
Recently opened in 2021, the Kozmo is housed within a landmark building which was formerly a telecoms centre in the early 20th century. Impressive historical elements such as the grand staircase have been meticulously restored and complemented by sleek modern interiors to create a luxurious and tranquil respite for guests. The 84 rooms and suites are spacious, light-filled and furnished to a high-standard; views are either to the surrounding streets or the interior courtyard where you will find the restaurant serving lunch and dinner during the warmer months. The relaxing Valmont Spa offers a variety of massages and treatments as well as an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and fitness room. Although the Kozmo is located a little further from the touristic centre of the city, this area of Pest offers a peaceful retreat and guests can either make use of the complimentary public transport tickets supplied by the hotel or take a taxi to reach sites such as St. Stephen’s Basilica in around 15 minutes.
FOUR SEASONS GRESHAM PALACE
Our Favourite
After years of painstaking renovation, this landmark building was restored to its former glory. It is located in Pest and has wonderful views of the Chain Bridge, the Danube and the Royal Castle. The 179 bedrooms are all beautifully decorated in an Art Nouveau style and have lavish marble bathrooms with separate walk-in showers. ‘Kollázs’ brasserie and bar with its summer riverside terrace, serves both traditional Hungarian and Mediterranean cuisine. The atmospheric bar and lobby lounge, located underneath the magnificent glass cupola, serves lighter meals and on weekends afternoon tea. The top-floor spa offers a full range of treatments as well as an infinity indoor swimming pool.
The Prestige
This elegant hotel opened in April 2015 and is in Pest, just 10 minutes’ walk from the Chain Bridge. It is housed within a 19th century neo-Classical town house. At the heart of the hotel is an impressive inner courtyard where interior balconies look down onto the spacious lobby on the ground floor. The 85 contemporary bedrooms have wood flooring and include classical furniture which has been modernised using stylish fabrics and bright colours. At ‘Costes Downtown’, chef Márk Molnár prepares gastronomic international cuisine in the open kitchen while diners enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.
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We would be delighted to talk about your holiday arrangements over the phone. You can contact us between 8am and 10pm every day (outside of office hours may not be immediate).
01442 879787
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