Budapest: A City of Contrasts

Budapest is full of wonderful restaurants and cafes, but the very best are local secrets. With this guide, you can be sure to get the best out of Budapest.  

SAMPLE MOUTHWATERING CUISINE

Head to Macska on Bérkocsis Street for a bohemian atmosphere and amazing vegetarian food. Macska is only open on weekdays, and it’s always packed. Taste Hungarian specialities at the Grand Market Hall, where culinary tours serve cheese-covered lángos and palinka – a fiery local brandy. If you want to explore, walk down café-lined Krúdy Gyula Street, where outdoor seating spills on to the pavement.

EXPLORE THE JEWISH DISTRICT

The Jewish District is Budapest’s most colourful and diverse neighbourhood, with huge murals on the walls and the famous ruin bars inviting guests to drink beneath the stars. Check out the popular ruin bar Szimpla, with its ramshackle charm, and return on Saturday morning for the pop-up flea market.

One of the oldest ruin bars in the city, Szimpla Kert is also the most popular. 

Book lovers should earmark Massolit, the largest English-language bookstore in the city, which doubles as a coffee shop. Gozsdu Udvar is one of the most historic areas, transformed in modern times with fine dining and exciting nightlife. On the weekends local artists sell their wares and vintage clothing shops like Ludovika and Szputnyik are within walking distance.

Stay within easy reach of all of Budapest’s attractions, with a stay at Kempinski Hotel Corvinus

VÁROSLIGET PARK

Nestled within the bustling city is the green escape of Városliget Park, complete with a castle, open-air bar and a surrounding lake which transforms in winter into Europe's largest ice-skating rink. The castle grounds are a popular meeting spot for locals, with festivals and concerts. Check out the famous Széchenyi Thermal Baths, also in the park, offering spa treatments and the heated outdoor pools popular with Hungarians. Every Saturday night the spectacular ‘sparty’ begins, with music, drinks and light shows until 3am.

BARTÓK BÉLA

With its hip bistros and cocktail bars, a walk down Bartók Béla will allow you to experience the culture, life and vibrancy of modern Budapest. In the evening, cross the river to the city centre and St István Square, which fills with local residents strolling through the city, the magnetic Basilica in the background.

Located in the City Park, Vajdahunyad Castle is a romantic setting that regularly hosts festivals, concerts and exhibitions.  

Dating back to 1913, Szechenyi Baths has 18 pools and 10 sauna cabins, complemented by a range of treatments.

St Stephen's Basilica is one of Hungary's most well-known tourist attractions. 

The custom-built Neo-baroque palace that houses the baths is close to many of Budapest's major attractions.

THE PARLIAMENT

Located on the banks of the Danube, Budapest’s Gothic Revival-style Parliament building is one of Hungary’s most notable landmarks and a popular tourist destination. Completed in 1904, it remains the largest structure in Hungary. Did you know that only half the building is used by legislators? The other half is purely for ceremonies, conferences and guided tours.

ART NOUVEAU

Extremely popular in Hungary in the 19th century, there is no finer example of Art Nouveau than the Museum of Applied Arts. Completed in 1896, it is considered the crowning masterpiece of genius architect Ödön Lechner. In fact, the city is full of Art Nouveau buildings, such as the New Theatre on Paulay Ede Street and the Gellért Thermal Baths on Kelenhegyi.

Art meets gastronomy at Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, within easy reach of all the main attractions. Check their tempting offers for the ideal base to explore this captivating city.

If you enjoyed this, get inspiration for a future visit with this road trip through Slovakia to Budapest.