The past few years has seen Budapest rise from a relatively unknown city to one of Europe’s most-visited capitals. The Hungarian city is now visited by everyone from couples looking for grandeur and romance to young hipsters eager to frequent the many cool cafes and bars. A weekend break here is rewarding, exciting and also relatively cheap. At All Luxury Apartments we have Budapest apartments to suit every budget from a grand apartment on the Danube to a studio in the city centre. So read on to discover where to stay and what to do on your Budapest mini break.
Where To Stay
The city of Budapest is separated in to two halves, Buda and Pest by the Danube river. So staying in an apartment near the Danube is a great base for your weekend break. This grand apartment on the Danube is relatively near to the banks of the river and surrounded by lively nightlife and a trendy cafe culture.
This cozy studio in the centre of the city is the perfect jumping off point for exploring Budapest. It is close by to the city’s famous ‘Ruin bars’ and there is a well connected bus stop right in front of the building. It is only 90 EUR a night, making it a bargain for couples or friends travelling together.
If there is a large group of you visiting Budapest then it will make sense to stay slightly further out of the city. This grand villa on the outskirts of Buda is conveniently located for exploring the city but also escaping the crowds. It has room for up to 24 people and a gorgeous indoor wellness centre with a swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna.
What To Do
No trip to Budapest would be complete without a visit to one of its famous thermal baths. And yes, the elderly residents really do play chess in the steam. There are a number of baths to choose from and we recommend Szechenyi Baths if you like the idea of being outdoors or Gellért Baths if you’re more interested in Art Nouveau architecture.
The Great Market Hall, known to the locals as Nagycsarnok was built in 1897 and ever since has been supplying the city with all sorts of tasty treats. You’ll find the usual things like fruit and vegetables as well as stalls selling local meats and dairy. Upstairs the locals dine in a canteen style restaurant. Come hungry.
Source: Guardian
The Ruin Bars of Budapest have become synonymous with a weekend here. Tourists and locals alike flood to these formerly dilapidated buildings on the weekends for craft ales, glasses of wine and a lively atmosphere. Expect graffiti on the walls, bikes and bird cages hanging decoratively from the ceilings and book shelves lining many of the walls.
The grandeur of the Royal Palace is quite a sight to behold and although now it no longer houses a royal family, it is home to the Hungarian National Gallery, the Castle Museum and the National Library which are all well worth a visit. Take a wonder around and stand in awe of its scale and beauty.
Parliament Building is one of Budapest’s most impressive attractions and the best way to view it is either from the other side of the Danube or from one of the many cruises which journey up and down the river daily. A river cruise is a great way to get another angle of the city and a relaxing way to see the sights.
When To Go
Source: Trip Savvy
Budapest is a beautiful city all year round but the temperature is very variable from winter to summer. It has cold, snowy winters with temperatures often staying below freezing and hot, humid summers that can be stifling. To make the most out of your trip and ensure you can walk around comfortably we recommend visiting in the spring or the autumn. However, Budapest covered in snow is a special thing to see and in the summer you can always escape to the outdoor baths.
