Budapest —
Formed through the unification of the cities of Buda, Pest, and Óbuda in 1873, Budapest is the perfect place for a varied city break where you can enjoy cosmopolitan shopping, quirky bars and restaurants, and grand architecture. Sitting on the Buda Hills, Budapest is famed for its thermal baths, the most iconic of which is the ornate, Yellow-fronted Széchenyi - no trip to the city would be complete without bathing in its naturally-heated waters.
On the other side of the Danube, in historic Buda, the skyline is dominated by Buda Castle, which houses a collection of Hungarian art, and the iconic attraction of Fisherman’s Bastion. From here, you can witness unforgettable views of the Danube and the grandiose Hungarian Parliament Building. Another way to experience this elegant river is to take a cruise - hop on at the Elizabeth Bridge and head north to the lazy riverside town of Szentendre for a wonderfully relaxing afternoon.
The inner city is the perfect place to get a flavour of Budapest’s modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Enjoy a coffee in the opulent surroundings of the New York Café, or wander the close streets of the historic Jewish Quarter. Here, the ruin bars are the perfect place to taste the ubiquitous Hungarian spirit pálinka - Szimpla Kert is the largest of them all, a maze of ruined rooms and eccentric art.
