Top 10 things to do in Budapest
The first time I was in Budapest I was amazed by all the beautiful buildings. I was walking in Budapest and stopped by a beautiful building and asked what it was. The answer was the Hungarian post office. Hmm... well the post office where I live is not half so beautiful. The conclusion was the the Hungarian Post Office was better looking than my city´s castle... So if you like beautiful buildings, art, culture, opera, spa, shopping and nice food - Budapest is the place to go.
Stay at the hotel Hilton West End if you like shopping. It is located in the huge shopping complex in the city centre. So there is no excuse not to check it out. Because it is important to know all the fire escape routes in case of a fire ;-)
Buy some cheap and sweet marzipan figures which is sold in the supermarket on the lowest floor in the shopping centre. Another Hungarian specialty to buy is the lovely sweet white wine Tokaji and the Hungarian sausages.
If you want more shopping go to the main shopping street Vaci ut.
The best place to stay is the Four Seasons hotel Gresham Palace. It is one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Central Europe. The hotel has a great location by the Danube river with a view of the Chain Bridge and Buda calste.
Some other nice luxury hotels in Budapest city centre are:
Corinthia Hotel Budapest with a luxurious spa
Hotel Kempinski
Le Meridien
Sightseeing
- A boat sightseeing on Donau is a must. Lovely trip and great for those who like to take a lot of photographs on their holiday, just like me. Book your trip at Legenda, Hotell Marriott, Vigadó tér Pier No. 6-7. Phone no: +36 - 1 266 41 90.
- A tour in the Parliament is recommended. The parliament is so beautiful! Go on a tour and see the the Crown, Sword and Globus Cruciger of Hungary. It belonged to the former Hungarian Royal Family.
- The Buda castle is another must-visit-place. Take a walk there if you like/need exercise and dont forget to visit the Budapest museum inside the castle. Magyar Nemzeti Galéria is an art museum in the former royal castle hosts a large exhibition of Hungarian art.
- Szoborpark Múzeum (Sculpture park museum) displays a large collection of sculptures and statues from the city during the communist era.
- Heroes’ Square (Hösök tere) was established for the world expo in Budapest in 1896. It has statues of historical persons of importance to Hungary´s history.
- Szent István-bazilika, Stefan basilica, is named after the first Hungarian king and should be on your sightseeing program .
- Szépmûvészeti Múzeum is a large art museum in Budapest often with international exihibitions of famous painters as Monet and Van Gogh.
- Take a relaxing walk on the Margaret Island in the city centre is a lovely island with huge park and nice restaurants.
- There are many famous spa and bathes in Budapest. Maybe a visit to the Spa at Hotell Gellert to relax after the sightseeting and shopping?
- I just love the opera house in Budapest. I been there several times and I have heard that even Puccini has visited the opera house. Book tickets by phone or ask you hotel reception to help you. The tickets are really cheap if you compare to some other opera houses like in Austria or Italy.
Where to eat?
- The restaurant Robinson Étterem is one of my favourite restaurants,.
- Another favourite is restaurant Gundel, establisehd in 1894. It is oldfashion and very famous, so reserve your table in advance. I am not sure but I heard that even the Pope visited the place.
- Restaurant Apostolok is 100 hundred years old with a unique interior and handmade furniture.
- Restaurant Articsóka is combining food and culture. They serve lovely Medditarian food and atmosphere with performances of Hungarian artists.
- A nice cafe for a cup of coffe or a light lunch is Cafe Kör.
- If you like sportsbars you should try the sportsbar and restaurant BoxUTCA
The Unesco World heritage sites of Budapest
- Hollókő
- Budapest
- Pannonhalma
- Hortobágy
- Pécs
- Tokaj
- Aggtelek
- Lake Fertő
- Andrássy Avenue
- Castle district
- Danube embankment
Read more on http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/400 and http://www.budpocketguide.com/sights_sounds/world_heritage.asp
I must admit: I didn't fall in love with Budapest when I visited several years back. But as I read more articles about it, I'm beginning to think I need to give it another chance! Part of the problem was probably that I stayed on the Buda side which almost completely empties after dark (pretty eerie place to be when you can hear all the action on the other side the Danube). Next time I will be sure to stay in Pest and try some of your restaurant recommendations!
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