Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is bisected by the River Danube. Its 19th-century Chain Bridge connects the hilly Buda district with flat Pest. The city has dramatic history and stunning architecture whilst it’s nightlife is amongst the best in Europe. The city is famed for its many spas with healing thermal waters.
Most of the city was built in the city’s Golden Age in the late 19th century and the street are packed with baroque, neoclassical and art nouveau buildings, some still have bullet holes and shrapnel scares on buildings from WWII and the 1956 Uprising.
Budapest’s reputation as a food capital dates largely from the late 19th and the first half of the 20th century and, despite a fallow period under communism, the city once again has a top class food scene and some excellent wines.
The Hungarian Parliament Building, which was designed and built in the Gothic Revival style, is one of the largest buildings in Hungary, and is home to hundreds of parliamentary offices. Although the impressive building looks fantastic from every angle, to see the whole building in its full glory, it is worth viewing it from the other side of the Danube.
Andrássy is a great way to see a Budapest’s different architectural styles with the Hungarian National Opera House, neo-renaissance townhouses and mansions, and a number of different national embassies. Heroes’ Square marks the end of Andrássy Avenue is home to an iconic monument. Either side of the square are art galleries.
Margaret Island is a 2.5km long island which sits in the middle of the Danube and is great place to explore. There are a number of companies which rent pedal carts, golf carts, and other self-powered vehicles, so that you can explore the island properly.
The Danube splits Buda and Pest and the promenade stretches along the Danube from the Elizabeth Bridge to the Chain Bridge, and is a great way to see many of the most famous sights in the capital. Looking across to the Buda side of the river, you will see the Castle, the Liberty Statue on Gellert Hill and the Fisherman’s Bastion. On the Promenade side of the river there are restaurants, cafes and Szechenyi Istvan Square. The Danube is perfect for a river cruise, it’s a great way to see the city from a different perceptive.
Other highlights include the House of Terror which holds exhibitions about the successive Fascist and Communist regimes. St. Stephen’s Basilica is one of the most important religious buildings in Hungary, and visitors to the reliquary can see it’s said the right hand of Stephen, first King of Hungary. A funicular runs up Castle Hill to Buda’s Old Town, where the Budapest History Museum traces city life from Roman times onward. Opened in 1870, it is the second oldest funicular of its kind in the world
Budapest is famous for its “ruin pubs”, and the best ruin pubs are set up in sprawling, deserted buildings, which have been filled with comfortable, but slightly worn out furniture. Each pub has its own unique style.
Budapest is blessed with an abundance of hot springs. As a result, ‘taking the waters’ has been an experience here since the time of the Romans. The array of bathhouses is generous and one of the grandest spas in the city is the Gellert Bath and Spa centre, which includes an open-air pool, an effervescent swimming pool, a Finnish sauna, and a range of other saunas and plunge pools whilst the Széchenyi Baths complex is the largest “medicinal” bath centre in Europe. The waters are rich in sulphates, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate and fluoride, which are believed to help patients with degenerative joint illnesses and other medical issues.
The Big Bus runs a great hop on hop off service which is a great way to see and explore the city with insightful and interesting commentary so you can make the most of your trip. 1, 2 or 3 day tickets all include a free guided walking tour and a river cruise making it great value for money.
Christmas Markets
Budapest’s Christmas Markets are often considered among the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
Vörösmarty Square 4th November to 31st December 2022
The largest and longest-running Budapest Christmas Market can be found in Vörösmarty Square, where visitors can choose from over 100 stalls selling everything from handmade local crafts to mouth watering goulash, sausages, and other tasty Hungarian specialties.
Advent Obudan 25th November to 23rd December 2022
At St Stephen’s Basilica you’ll find another one of Budapest’s best Christmas markets. Adventi Ünnep a Bazilikánál, known in English as the Advent Feast of the Basilica, which was voted the Christmas Market in Europe back in 2019.
At this market, you’ll find a delightful selection of food and gift stalls, along with a central skating rink under a glittering canopy of lights. There are also nightly light projections on the church facade set to traditional Christmas music. If it’s a magical atmosphere you’re looking for, this is the Budapest Christmas market for you.
Prices Includes
- Return flights from London including Hand Baggage – Regional airports are available
- 2 or 3 Nights 3* Hotel in the central area of Budapest including Breakfast
Transfers
- Return Shuttle Transfer £22.99 per person
- Return Private Transfer £25.99 per person
- Return Premium Private Transfer £28.99 per person
Excursions & Tours
- Danube River Hop on Hop off Cruise £10.99 per person
- Budapest City Tour £21.99 per person
- Danube River Cruise & Cocktail £25.99 per person
- Big Bus 1 Day Hop of Hop off Bus Ticket £26.99 per person
- City Sightseeing Bus & Danube River Cruise Combination £32.99
- Danube River Cruise & Open Bar £36.99 per person
- Szechenyi Bath Entrance & Locker £47.99 per person
- Szechenyi Bath Entrance & Locker with Danube Dinner Cruise £67.99 per person
- Szechenyi Bath Entrance & Locker with Danube Dinner Cruise plus Open Bar £92.99 per person
Prices based on 2 sharing
