The historic flamboyance of a glorious past meets the contemporary flair of a pulsating present in the Hungarian capital. Budapest is a quintessential European city with monumental architecture, extravagant bathhouses, atmospheric ruin pubs and a thriving cultural scene.
Its classical appeal lies in an impressive legacy from the Old Stone Age. Its intrigue lies in the harmonious jumble of Roman, Neo-Gothic, Renaissance and Ottoman architecture. Dripping with romance, its historic twin cities stand poised gracefully on opposite banks of the flowing Danube. The "Pearl of the Danube" is the epitome of grace and glory for its majestic monuments, cobbled districts, wide boulevards and grassy parks. Hungary's political, commercial and cultural capital is a highly underrated city where exciting discoveries are waiting to unfold.
Falling head over heels in love with Budapest is inevitable at the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, the original bridge connecting Buda and Pest's twin cities. A short Funicular ride from here will take you to the top of Castle Hill, where you can explore the historic Buda district, and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites dating back to the 13th and 14th Centuries. Start with the grand palace, continue to the fairytale Matthias Church and end at the Fisherman's Bastion, from where you can swoon over the sight of the magnificent domed Parliament building.
Later, head to the buzzing streets of Pest to get lost in the maze of elegant mansions, housing shops, bars and cafés. In the Jewish Quarter, wander into the Dohany Street Great Synagogue and find an ornate Moorish-inspired Hungarian Jewish Museum. View the city panorama from the Budapest Eye. Carry on to the majestic St Stephen's Basilica and ascend 300-steps to the gallery for an even more spectacular view over the rooftops. Stop by the casket in the basilica to see the mummified right hand of St Stephen, the country's 11th-century founder. History buffs can indulge themselves with a trip to the recently renovated Várkert Bazár that leads to the Royal Palace.
Spa fiends can spend an afternoon at one of the legendary bathhouses of Budapest adorned with baroque facades and arches. While Széchenyi Baths are the most well-known complex of mineral water-filled thermal baths, the Art Nouveau-styled Gellért Baths set standards in gorgeousness with their painted domed ceilings, mosaic floors and stained-glass windows. If you seek a more private experience, consider the Rudas Thermal Bath, a historic bathhouse dating back to the 1500s Ottoman era. The rooftop tub has unbeatable views of the Danube.
End the memorable day with a concert at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music. Budapest's premier venue for classical music has a rich history dating back over a century. Once a workplace for the country's famous musicians and composers, it has been revamped as one of the world's most renowned music schools. Look out for the stunning frescoes in the Art Nouveau interiors. Culture vultures can also watch a ballet performance at the Hungarian State Opera, a world-class cultural institution built in the Neo-Renaissance architectural style.
Shopping
Andrassy Avenue: This UNESCO-world heritage-tagged boulevard with elegant mansions, museums, fine-dining restaurants and high-end luxury stores is Hungary's answer to the Champs-Élysées. Shop till you drop for all your favourite brands in the league of Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Gucci.
Fashion Street: One of the loveliest streets in Budapest is a shopper's delight, thanks to an ensemble of graceful architecture. Besides the stores of Tommy Hilfiger, Massimo Dutti, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Furla and Max Mara, you can also spruce up your high-street fashion needs from outlets of Benetton, Sisley and S.Oliver.
Váci Street: Shop under the shadow of grand 18th-century mansions in this fashionable shopping street, which is home to major retailers, including Benetton, C&A, Zara, Marks & Spencer H&M. There is also a wide variety of boutiques and stores stocking typical Hungarian arts and crafts.
The Great Market Hall: Spare a couple of hours for this iconic market in a gorgeous three-story neo-Gothic building dating back to the late 19th century. Soak up the sights and sounds of locals buying fish, meat, seasonal vegetables, fruit, pickles or dried paprika. Remember to stock up on Pálinka (Fruit Brandy), Piros Arany (Paprika Paste), and Libamáj (Foie Gras).
Westend: Budapest's largest shopping mall occupies a sprawling 50,000 square meters space next to the Nyugati Train Station. Treat yourself to a collection of nearly 400 shops spread over four floors, including international fashion labels, Hungarian souvenirs, home accessories, books and electronics.
Museums & the Arts
Hungarian House of Parliament: Hungary's largest building, erected when Budapest was the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is the epitome of eye candy. Sign up for a 45-minute guided tour of the Gothic Revival building overlooking the Danube. Root for Hungary's Holy Crown and the opulent Upper Chamber.
Museum of Fine Arts: Five floors of this wonderfully curated museum are loaded with rare artefacts from the ancient civilisations of Egypt, Greece and Rome. Art lovers will be delighted to find specimens of Baroque art and paintings by El Greco, Titian and Raphael. Don't miss the horse sculpture by Leonardo da Vinci.
Hungarian National Gallery: The museum inside the palace complex of Buda Castle holds a vast collection of art and sculpture starting from the medieval ages to post-1945. The most impressive exhibits worthy of your time are the landscapes by Tivadar Csontváry Kosztka and the realist paintings by Mihály Munkácsy.
Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art: Ogle at a collection of international contemporary art by Hungarian, American, Russian, German and French artists spanning the past half-century as well as works by Central and Eastern European artists from the 1990s. The pop-art collection with creations by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein is laudable.
Sports
Football: The most popular sport in Hungary, thanks to its biggest club, Ferencvaros. Look forward to buying season tickets to see live-action of football matches from August to May in Budapest. Ideally, plan for a show at the 65000-seater Puskás Aréna, named after the celebrated Hungarian football player.
Kayaking: Partake in the popular Hungarian kayaking activity on the Danube. Recommended spots to rent a kayak include the Óbuda Sports Club or Margaret Island. Amateurs can also sign up for lessons in kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding.
Caving: If you are a caving enthusiast, you will be spoilt for choice in Budapest, which boasts over 3000 subterranean passages. First up, head into the Molnár János Cave, which supplies thermal water to the Lukács Baths. For a touch of history, explore the labyrinths of the Buda Castle Caves, used as a bomb shelter and hospital during World War II. More thrilling adventures await in the Szemlőhegyi Cave, an underground world of stalactites and stalagmites tucked away under the Buda Hills.
Restaurants & Bars
Babel: This elegant downtown Michelin-starred restaurant is a great choice for Hungarian cuisine. Order the signature dish of egg Galuska (noodles) topped with truffle-infused foam and the smoky octopus. Alternatively, consider the lamb neck with house-made lavender cheese served with caviar, seaweed and onion root.
Costes: This slick, modern dining venue was the first restaurant in Hungary to earn a Michelin star. The menu is dressed with traditional Hungarian dishes and reinvented heirloom family recipes. Prep for gastronomic surprises with the six-course tasting menu, which includes a tender black cod served in lobster sauce and the duck trio accompanied by savoury Hungarian pinot noir.
Essencia: Budapest's newest Michelin-starred restaurant has pleasant interiors, exposed brick walls, and mid-century modern furniture. A recommended dish is the Mangalica, pork served with a paprika sauce. The Hungarian and Portuguese tasting menu is complemented by an excellent wine list sourced from Hungarian and Portuguese producers.
Borkonyha: This Michelin-starred restaurant in central Budapest is another fabulous choice for a fine meal. Expect to savour artistically presented traditional Hungarian cuisine, along with a selection of over 200 types of Hungarian wines. Try the signature dish, foie gras with aszú wine from Tokaj wine region or choose the rotating, five-course tasting menu.
Stand: Book a table at this one Michelin-starred fine dining establishment for a fresh take on Hungarian classics that light up the eight-course tasting menu. Gourmands will enjoy the flavourful fish soup and the rolled-up fish in clam sauce. The wine list features excellent produce from the wine regions of Hungary.
Exclusive Experience
A Budapest trip cannot be complete without a ruin-pub crawl. Bookmark an evening to hunting down the hippest of clubs and atmospheric bars housed in crumbling, abandoned buildings. Finish with the granddaddy of them all, Szimpla Kert, a landmark in itself with shabby chic decor, walls decorated with quirky objects like bicycle frames. There are regular DJs and performances by live bands, and tempting menus to guarantee a fun night out.
Must-buy Souvenir
Treat yourself to an exquisite plate, ornament, figurine, vase or tea set made of premium Hungarian porcelain. The brand of choice, Herend, has a flagship store in the V District and a boutique on Andrássy Avenue. Founded in 1826, the ceramics company rose to fame when it caught the eye of Queen Victoria in London. Today, Herend is world-renowned for exquisitely crafted porcelain and pottery and has the Who's who of the world among its clientele.
Side trip
Reserve a day for the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tokaj, located less than three hours from Budapest. Set against the alluring backdrop of tiny villages, extinct volcanoes and dramatic slopes, Tokaj was the first region in Hungary to be classified as a vineyard in 1730. It has about 190 wine producers today, including several small family-owned wineries. Besides the famous sweet white dessert wine, Tokaji Aszú, you can taste exciting dry wines and fine bottle-fermented sparklers.
Nightlife
Get a taste of Budapest's throbbing nightlife in the Seventh District, the historic Jewish Quarter. Hunt down the entire range of dining options starting from casual street food, chic speakeasies, and wine bars to refined kosher restaurants. Follow the locals in the popular hideouts at Kazinczy Street, Király Street, and Gozsdu-udvar. Don't forget to catch a live musical performance in a garden setting at Mazel Tov, along with Israeli cuisine and craft cocktails.
Hotels
Budapest is a city bisected by the River Danube into two distinctive halves – Buda and Pest. There are luxury hotels on either side of the river – offering – of course – very different views.
The BusinessClass.com guide to the best luxury hotels in Budapest:
Getting around
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is located roughly 24 kilometres from downtown. Taxis are widely available to navigate the city when you don't want to move around by public transport, but make sure to pick the ones with yellow license plates and yellow taxi signs. Explore the top sights of the city on foot. Renting a car is best avoided.
BusinessClass.com searches hundreds of travel sites at once to help you find the best premium travel offers for both flights and accommodation to Budapest.
