The Best Of Budapest

Most travel guides will almost always mention Budapest and the Danube River in the same breath. Of course it makes sense, the river's gentle curvature is the city’s natural demarcation and one of its most defining features. Budapest’s other defining feature is not as obvious and like reading a good book, it takes reading between the lines to fully absorb. But here’s the spoiler alert, or perhaps it’s a teaser to lure you to Hungary’s thriving capital. Resilience. Budapest is a city that embodies the resilience of its people, and discovering how it does this makes for a fascinating experience.From monuments that pay tribute to revolutionary fighters to restaurants that embody the humble, good-nature of Hungarians, the best of Budapest is an all encompassing tour of Hungary's fascinating and yes, resilient history.

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STAY

The hotel is located in a beautiful historic building with a gilded Art Nouveau interior that is reminiscent of the city’s opulence during the Austrian-Hungarian Empire. The elegant Panorama Restaurant is an excellent choice for lunch or dinner and the famous Gellert Spa is right next-door. Hotel guests can visit the spa for free the first time, with huge discounts on following visits. The hotel’s convenient location and moderate price tag make it ideal for enthusiastic sightseers who want to be in the heart of the city while enjoying old-world luxury.Address: Szent Gellert ter 1., 1111 Budapest, HungaryFor more information or to book, click here.

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For an economical alternative to the glitz and glamour of Budapest’s pricier hotels, the 4-Star Mercure is your best bet. The comfortable rooms are sleek and modern and are well equipped with free WIFI. And because it is conveniently located in the popular pedaestrian areas of Vaci and Raday, you will be steps away from the city’s most popular sights and attractions.Address: Kecskemeti utca 14, 1053 Budapest, HungaryFor more information or to book, click here.

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EAT

Tucked away off of a side street is one of Budapest's culinary treasures, the highly acclaimed Rezkakas Bistro. The glossy interior is effortlessly elegant without going overboard, making this bistro the perfect place for a lunchtime treat or a romantic dinner. Rezkakas is renown for its amazing wine list and traditional, perfectly plated Hungarian specialties like beef tenderloin goulash or grilled goose liver. To top it all off, diners are serenaded by skilled musicians playing traditional gypsy music. Rezkakas is a triple threat. Between the excellent food, wine and music it is almost impossible to choose which component is the restaurant's real star. But perhaps, that's because they are all equally fine tuned and make every dining experience feel exceptional.Be sure to book ahead because this is one eatery that is incredibly popular with both locals and travellers.Address: Budapest, V., SAS U. 3.For more information, photos or to make a reservation, click here.

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Kehli is truly a Budapest institution and a shining example of the city's and citizens resilience. Founded on modest beginnings, Kehli has withstood the test of time thanks to the care and love of the Kehli family which they pour into their home-style cooking and warm hospitality. The menu emphasizes Hungarian staples like; goulash, stuffed cabbage and a collection of comforting soups you will want to cozy up with. The menu also entertains a variety of fish, poultry, beef and veal dishes that are sure to please every palate. It's their humble and heartfelt dishes that made Kehli a favourite gastronomic refuge for people of all backgrounds that lived in this once hard-working immigrant neighbourhood. Today, while the neighborhood has changed, Kehli still serves up the same wholesome foods they always have.Address: Budapest, 1036 Mokus u. 22.For more information, photos or to make a reservation, clickhere.

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This grand cafe blends old-world tradition and modern culinary innovation at a scale that is almost baffling. Gerbeaud Cafe has been serving up some of the city’s best coffee, teas, cakes and bistro snacks since 1858 and shows no signs of slowing down. The lavishly gilded interior transports diners to a more elegant era and seats 330 hungry patrons. Be sure to bring your appetite to this beloved Pest institution, with favourite treats including the Eszterhazy torta, a sumptuous hazelnut sponge layered with cream.Address: 1051 Budapest Vorosmarty ter 7-8.For more information, photos or to make a reservation, click here.

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This market is a must stop for every foodie. Built in 1896, this massive Neogothic structure has been home to generations of grocers, butchers and artisans who's legacy carries on today. On the lower level food-lovers will be able to devour a feast of salamis, hams, sausages, pickles, and buttery, delicate pastries. Visitors will also be treated to an array of exotic spices and of course, the city’s best selection paprika. What better souvenir to take home with you? The upper level is home to local craftsman who sell a wonderful selection of Hungarian embroidery, white peasant shirts and other art and craft products.Address: Budapest, Vamhaz krt. 1-3, 1093 HungaryFor more information and photos, clickhere.

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DO

Also called the Castle District, Castle Hill is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This formidable landmark towers 170 metres above the lolling waters of the Danube. Castle Hill is home to Budapest’s most significant medieval monuments and museums that detail the area’s history. Be sure to check out Buda Castle and the Fisherman’s Bastion. Visitors should also wander between the two distinct sections of Castle Hill: the Old Town and the regal Royal Palace, which once served generations of nobility. Below the surface of Castle Hill is a long, tangled network of caves with thermal springs and several attractions.

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In the northern end of the city is where you will find one of the city’s brightest (and warmest) gems, the Szechenyi Baths. No trip to Budpest would be complete without a visit to these larger than life baths. The Szechenyi Baths are some of the most popular baths in Europe. They include 15 indoor baths and 3 massive outdoor pools where visitors can soak, swim and enjoy the thermal water year round.Address: Budapest, Allatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 HungaryFor more information, photos and to buy tickets, click here.

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<img class='aligncenter wp-image-1166 size-full' src='https://www.hoppa.com/resource/blog/uploads/2016/01/Heros-Square-budapest.jpg' alt='Hero's-Square budapest' width='1000' height='600' />At the end of the busy Andrassy Avenue is Budapest's most popular sight, Hero's Square. This impressive square was constructed in 1896 to commemorate Hungary's 1000-year-old history. Hero's Square includes statues of the seven Magyar chieftains, revolutionary fighters and other significant historical figures. For incredible photo opportunities, it's recommended to visit the square both during the day and night!

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Built in the Gothic Revival style, the Parliament of Budapest was an extraordinary architectural undertaking when it was constructed between 1885-1904. Also known as the Parliament of Budapest, this dazzling Pest eyesight is even more elaborate on the inside.Visitors are able to tour through the magnificent chambers which are rich in historical references and hold a few national treasures like The Holy Crown of Hungary.For more information, photos and to book a tour click here.

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Brimming with art, culture and history Andrasy Avenue is one street that's almost impossible to miss. The famous avenue begins at Hero's Square and stretches for 2.5 kilometres until it reaches Budapest's city centre. Visitors can spend a whole day exploring all of the landmarks along Andrasy such as; the Oktogon, the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, the Postal Museum and St. Stephen's Basilica. In addition to being a vast cultural hub, Andrasy Avenue is lined by beautifully ornate building facades and boasts a variety of excellent dining options, that range from cheap take-aways to chic, upscale restaurants . Andrasy Avenue has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002.Vaci Street is argumentably one of the world's greatest pedaestrian thoroughfares. It is not a street visitors can conquer in a day. But with so much to see, do and taste, why would you want to? Like Andrasy, Vaci is blessed with century-old buildings that add to the overall atmosphere and charm of the street. But what sets Vaci apart is the tremendous number of shops, designer boutiques, souvenir stores, bustling sidewalk cafes and terraced eateries where diners can watch the world go by.