It’s been called the most beautiful city in central Europe, and for good reason. Straddling the Danube River, with Buda’s rolling green hills to the west and Pest’s bustling urban jungle to the east, Budapest is a diverse gem of a city that promises an exciting visit with loads of old-world charm.
Where to sleep:
Spare no expense at the five-star Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal ($250/night) and live like a Hungarian princess. On a tighter budget (but not a hostel budget)? Check into easyHotel Budapest Oktogon (rooms start at about $24/night). Clean, comfortable and convenient, we thought it was the perfect spot for a downtown, hassle-free stay.
Where to eat:
It’s hard to go wrong when it comes to dining out in this food capital because the fare (and the wine) is excellent, cheap and plentiful, but here are a couple of our favourites:
Hearty Hungarian cuisine feeds the soul at Firkász Étterem. This cosy piano bar serves up traditional favourites like chicken paprikash, beef with sides of spätzle and lecsό, and features a stellar wine list with a wide selection of addictively sweet Tokaji—one of the country’s most noble varietals. (We can’t lie: For $120, two of us ate and drank enough for four.)
For local dishes with a modern twist, head to Menza in hip Liszt Ferenc tér (mains $10-$22). After dinner, wander around the square, pick a terrace (there are many!) and settle in for some unrivalled people watching with a good Hungarian brew.
What to do:
Journey across the famous Széchenyi Chain Bridge and ride the Siklό(return ticket about $8) to the top of Castle Hill for one of the most captivating views of Budapest, and the chance to explore the medieval crib of Hungarian royalty. Stay in Buda for the afternoon and treat yourself to a few hours at Lukács (admission under $10)—a grand 19th century thermal spa.
Back in Pest, after a tour of St. Stephen’s Basilica, grab an espresso at Café Cathedral and soak up the impressive courtyard scene. Then take a stroll (ideally at dusk) along the river for a most breathtaking evening in the city.