Budapest Destination Guide
Hungary’s capital is a delicious concoction of East meets West, arty intellect, and captivating atmosphere. The scene in Budapest combines the coolest of ruin bars and the most elegant thermal spas. It’s the place to have your Esterházy torte, and eat every layer.
While the leafy hills of Buda provide chic escapism for the prosperous, vibrant Pest offers hedonism and history by the goulash-kettle-full. Explore all the delicious dualities of this united city.
Top Things to Do in Budapest
Relaxation and Exploration
To stretch the legs, stroll across the Chain Bridge from the Pest side of the river to reach the start of the funicular, cleverly avoiding a steep stair climb up to the quaintly romantic streets of the Castle District.
Or take the tiny, canary-yellow tram for views across the water of Buda Castle and lush Gellert Hill, hopping off at the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Museum of Fine Arts, the National Theatre, or the Hungarian National Gallery.
Spas and Socializing
Relaxing in the abundant, mineral-rich hot springs has been the go-to in wellness culture since Marcus Aurelius rested his wounded troops here. Still attracting health tourism today, though for a considerably wealthier clientele, Budapest’s spas are evolving to embrace a more outgoing crowd. Glossing over Saturday nights at ‘Sparty’, Széchenyi’s vast Baroque complex offers 18 different pools to splash and socialise in more discreetly.
Escape to the exquisite, Islamic-domed Rudas Bath in Buda for Hammam-style pampering, panoramic views, and space to relax. Or celebrate summertime at the Palatinus Strand Baths on quiet Margaret Island: part playful water-park, part shaded hideaway.
Music and Silence
Budapest is fêted worldwide as a cultural epicentre for classical music. The Hungarian State Opera House provides an unforgettable setting for 300 concerts and ballets each year. You’ll find live jazz at the Budapest Music Centre most evenings, and more contemporary beats at Trafó – an electrical substation turned social-enterprise performance space.
Superstars and super-fans stay at the Aria Hotel, where design is dialled up to 13, inspired by different genres and musicians. Ears ringing? Moments of quiet abound at the spectacularly gorgeous Szabó Ervin Library in Wenckheim Palace. Peruse the titles that fill the chandelier-lit space, and climb up a spiral staircase to gaze at the decorative ceiling from the embrace of a generous armchair. Bliss.
Meander and Wonder
A refreshing new way to sight-see without exhausting yourself is by joining a sunrise SUP (Stand Up Paddle) tour along the tranquil waters of the Danube.
Start your day with the peaceful beauty of the river, as the city’s vibrant scenery comes to life in the soft morning light – before the cruisers glide into view. Immerse yourself in the ingenuity of the world’s favorite escapologist at the House of Houdini. Cinema fans love to stay at the tiled and colonnaded hotel that inspired Wes Anderson, The Corinthia.
Bubbles, Brandy & Culinary Kicks
Budapest is a city that knows how to excite your taste buds – whether you’re sipping something sweet or savoring something spicy.
Start with a splash of fizz at the ÉTOILE Champagne Bar in the Art Nouveau Párisi Udvar Hotel – serving 50 different vintages, 20 by the glass – or go all out with a bottomless brunch at the Matild Palace, where Wolfgang Puck opened his first European restaurant.
Apart from Tokaji (well worth a weekend tasting trip to the vineyards), locals swear by Pálinka, the fiery fruit brandy that’s traditionally sipped with meals. Its long history has inspired cute, collectable folk art - think flasks shaped like books – and modern makers such as Susu Keramika and Virágéknál still flourish today.
Hungarian cuisine is characterized by paprika, which is featured in fish stews, salamis, and the iconic goulash. Don’t miss lángos, the deep-fried street snack finished with garlic butter, cheese, and sour cream - or even ganache and sugar. For dessert on the go, Franziska offers paleo patisserie and vegan mousse cakes that rival Vienna’s finest.
For global gastronomy, head to Yuru for Japanese-Nordic tapas and DJ sets, or Flava for a mix of North African, Latin American, and Middle Eastern flavours on a chic terrace.
Private Charter Flights to Budapest
Explore the two sides of this glorious city, richly endowed with culture and contrast. Only a 25-minute drive from Budapest’s centre, Ferenc Airport (BUD) is ideal for private jet charters.
Speak with our private jet experts about arranging your flights to this extraordinary city.
