Budapest is one of Europe's most beautiful city break destinations. Blessed with stunning architectural gems as well as natural springs, the city will appeal to culture-vultures, spa-lovers or couples seeking a romantic break.
Whether you're enjoying a horse-drawn carriage ride, floating down the Danube or sipping a latte in one of the city's elegant coffee houses, Budapest will take your breath away.
Getting there, getting around Budapest
A mix of low cost airlines and scheduled airlines serve Budapest Airport including easyJet, Wizz Air, British Airways and Malev Hungarian Airlines.
The city has a clean, efficient tram, bus and metro system. There are abundant taxis in the downtown area and fares tend to be pretty cheap. It's also easy to explore on foot with numerous walking tours available.
Sightseeing in Budapest
Budapest takes its name from two different parts of the city - Buda and Pest split by the river Danube. Start your walking tour in Castle Hill, home to Buda's peaceful old town, which is dominated by the Royal Palace. Today, it houses a history museum, national gallery and library. The snow-white turrets of Fishermen's Bastion, which follows the old city walls, and Gellert Hill both offer great city views. The Freedom Monument and the Citadella, a 19th century fortress now featuring an open-air museum, are also worth exploring.
Wander over to buzzing Pest to gawp at the world's second-largest, Gothic-style parliament building. The Jewish district is also worth visiting to learn more about the fate of Hungary's Jews during the second world war - there's a museum, grand synagogue and a Holocaust memorial centre. Stroll down tree-lined Andrasst ut boulevard sprinkled with stunning buildings such as the State Opera House. Linger at Heroes' Square dotted with the statues of some of the country's key historical figures.
As the City of Spas, try to make time to visit one of Budapest's 40 outdoor pools and thermal baths. The Art Nouveau-inspired Gellert baths ensure you can wallow amid elegant surroundings while more tourists tend to flock to Szechenyi baths in Varosliget City Park offering numerous hot tubs and steam rooms.
Family attractions in Budapest
Visit Margaret Island's sprawling and crowded Palatinus outdoor swimming complex, open-air theatre, Japanese gardens and medieval ruins. Or spend the afternoon at Varosliget City Park, home to a picturesque castle and zoo. In winter, take the kids skating on an ice rink while summer visitors can enjoy boat rides on a lake.
Outdoor-lovers can enjoy a nature trail or hiring a bike around Buda's hills. A cog-wheel railway from Moszkva ter and a Children's Railway provide respite if you want to rest your legs. Or book a tour to Palvolgyi cave decorated with stalactites.
Day trips in Budapest
Szentendre is a pretty town situated just 12 miles from Budapest. Awash with souvenir shops, cobbled streets and wonderful restaurants, it has a bohemian charm. Its old peasant houses, churches and handicraft workshops are also worth exploring, while the nearby Open-air Ethnographical Museum depicts typical rural life.
Esztergom is one of the country's most sacred cities as it was here that Hungary's first Christian king was crowned. Today a Catholic cathdral looms over the city.
Take a boat trip along the pretty stretch of river dubbed the Danube Bend where you can visit the town of Visegrad which is renowned for its 13th century, hill-top citadel and 600-year-old royal palace. Or visit the former Royal Palace at Godollo where apartments and a grand hall are open to visitors,
Eating out in Budapest
Budapest isn't all about goulash although Hungarian meals can be often heavy and hearty, enrichened by sour cream, onion, eggs, butter and wine. Meat and fish are abundant - try pan-fried goose liver, fish soup, pheasant or venison. Indulge your sweet tooth in one of the city's plush cafes well-stocked with desserts, such as the Central Cafe, Hauer Cafe or Cafe Gerbaud.
International fare is well represented around the city and there are many eateries specialising in both Hungarian and global fare such as the Mandarin Restaurant, Avocado, and Amstel River Cafe.
Nightlife in Budapest
Party-lovers won't be disappointed with the eclectic mix of clubs, pubs and bars. Check out the watering holes in the square in front of St Istvan Basilica. Oscar Cafe in the Castle District is renowned for its laid-back atmosphere. Underground, a subterranean club in Pest, draws funk and garage fans. Other top night spots include: Incognito, Crazy Cafe and Kameleon.
Culture vultures can visit the State Opera House.
Shopping in Budapest
For modern mall shopping, head to the West End City Centre or Mammut. Souvenir hunters should sitck to the Grand Boulevard for more interesting finds, while the city's Market Hall is perfect if you want to buy local food such as fruit brandy, salami or red paprika pepper.
Vaci utca, which begins opposite the Market Hall, is a long boulevard lined with centuries-old buildings that now house modern clothes, shoes and cosmetic stores.
The Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest is filled with market stalls selling folklore souvenirs, children's toys and snacks every summer.
If you like Budapest, take a look at the following travel guides:
