Budapest, Hungary; Historic City Along the Scenic Danube River
The Old Town of Budapest boasts historical landmarks, beautiful hills, cobblestone streets, colorful houses and sophisticated restaurants. Pest, a historic and lively district, hosts cultural sites, abundant shops and restaurants, and serves as a gathering place. The expansive Varosliget (City Park) and Margaret Island set in the middle of the Danube River are idyllic and tranquil places. Excursions to the artistic town, medieval castle, ancient capital city and imperial palace reveal the fascinating history and culture of Hungary. Budapest’s rejuvenating thermal waters recreate the experience of the traditional Turkish baths.
Travel Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Budapest, Hungary
There are direct flights to/from Budapest, Hungary from major European hubs: Paris, Amsterdam, London and Frankfurt. Upon our arrival at the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, we take a half an hour taxi to our hotel. We relax for a few hours in our hotel, then have dinner at Pest-Buda Bistro, situated on Fortuna Utca 3 in the Buda’s Castle District (around 15 minutes’ taxi ride).
Day 2 – Buda Castle Quarter
Buda district boasts historic landmarks, a hillside setting and panoramic views of the Danube River. In the morning, we take a ten minutes’ taxi to the Matthias Church built in the Neo-Gothic style and decorated with beautiful mosaics. We walk toward the Fisherman’s Bastion and its viewing terrace overlooking the Danube River. We explore the cobblestoned streets, beautiful architecture and historic squares. We have lunch at the 21 Hungarian Kitchen situated on the Fortuna Utca 21, enjoying traditional and modern Hungarian cuisine. After lunch, we visit the Royal Palace that hosts the Hungarian National Gallery. A short walk from the Royal Castle leads to the Buda Castle Hill Funicular (Budavári Sikló). We take the funicular down to Adam Clark Square, location of the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. We walk across the bridge to the Pest district; we enjoy views of the Danube River and have dinner in our hotel.
Day 3 – Szentendre, Visegrád, Esztergom
We organize a private car and driver to explore idyllic towns outside Budapest. We drive 30 minutes from our hotel to the artistic town of Szentendre. We visit the Blagovestenska Orthodox Church, the Belgrade Cathedral, the town square and quaint boutiques. We continue driving north for half an hour to Visegrád, a medieval town set along the Danube River. We explore the Royal Palace and the medieval Visegrád Castle overlooking the Danube River. We have lunch at the Panoráma Étterem Restaurant, situated in the Hotel Silvanus in Visegrád (panoramaetteremvisegrad.hu), serving a superb cuisine and offering beautiful river views. Afterward, the scenic 30 minutes’ drive along the Danube River guides us to the historic town of Esztergom. We visit the Esztergom Basilica decorated with beautiful frescoes, paintings and statues. A walk near the Esztergom Basilica reveals views of the Danube River and the neighboring country of Slovakia. Lastly, we drive one hour back to Budapest and have dinner at the Arany Kaviar Restaurant serving high-end European cuisines.
Day 4 – Parliament District, Gödöllő
In the morning, we walk around 15 minutes to the Parliament, Hungary’s political center. We take a guided tour, visiting the Dome Hall and the connecting wings decorated with paintings and frescos. Afterward, we discover the Parliament District and arrive at the Szent Stephen’s Basilica, a historic landmark dedicated to Hungary’s first Catholic King, Szent Istvan. The Szent Istvan Ter (Saint Stephen’s Square) offers lovely views. We eat sandwiches for lunch, then take a 30 minutes’ taxi to Gödöllő. We visit the Gödöllő Royal Palace dating back to the 18th century. During the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Queen Elizabeth (Sissi) favored the Gödöllő Royal Palace as a vacation retreat. After the visit, we walk a few minutes to the Solier Étterem (solier.hu/en/), the Solier Restaurant and Confectionary serving a superb Hungarian-European cuisine. After dinner, we take a 30 minutes’ taxi to our hotel.
Day 5 – Varosliget (City Park), Szechenyi Bath House, Hungarian Opera House
Today, we visit the Varosliget, an expansive city park and its elegant Andrássy Utca. The avenue leads to the Heroes’ Square and to the Millennium Monument erected in the center. Situated behind the Heroes’ Square, the City Park comprises greenery and the artificial Varosliget Lake. The small bridge across the lake leads to the Vajdahunyad Castle, presently an agriculture museum. We enjoy the rejuvenating and healing thermal baths at the nearby Szechenyi Bath House, constructed in 1913. Afterward, we walk along Andrássy Utca to the 19thcentury Hungarian Opera House, a beautiful Neo-Renaissance structure with grand interiors. Situated a short walk from the Opera House, the Café Kör is a lively Hungarian bistro that serves creative dishes. Our hotel is located a short walk from the café.
Day 6 – Gellert Hill, Gellert Thermal Bath, Margaret Island
After breakfast, we take a taxi to the Gellert Thermal Bath, a historic bath complex to experience the thermal baths. Next, we explore Gellert Hill, a symbol of Hungary’s struggle for independence. Situated in front of the Citadel, the Liberation Monument displays a female statue holding the palm of victory. Gellert Hill offers panoramic views of the city. The nearby Búsuló Juhász Restaurant serves excellent Hungarian specialties and offers beautiful views. After lunch, we take taxi to Margaret Island, an idyllic natural island situated in the middle of the Danube River. Margaret Island is a scenic nature getaway with pretty walkways and the 13th century ruins of a Dominican church. We return to the Pest district for dinner.
Day 7 – Pest Central District
We walk from out hotel toward Vaci Utca (Vaci Street). We arrive at the Vörösmarty Ter (Vorosmarty Square) and visit the historic Gerbeaud Café to sample classic Hungarian deserts. We stroll on Vaci Utca, discovering beautiful squares, old churches and quaint shops. We stop for lunch and visit the Central Market Hall, Budapest’s main market. We walk to the nearby Neo-Classical structure of the Hungarian National Museum, exhibiting art collection and precious Hungarian coronation treasures. The nearby Synagogue in Dohany Street showcases the Byzantine and Moorish influences and styles. We walk back to Vorosmarty Square to enjoy a lively Christmas Market and degust the local cuisine. Afterward, we walk back to our hotel.
Day 8 – Budapest, Hungary Departure
In the morning, we enjoy a Hungarian style breakfast and the morning views along the Danube River. Afterward, we take a half an hour transfer to the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport and take our flight home.
Special Places
Budapest
Hungary is a country in Central Europe that borders Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia. Budapest is the capital of Hungary and is blessed with a wealth of historical monuments, cultural sites and religious symbols. Budapest started as a Roman settlement, was transformed by the Magyar (Hungarian) conquest and flourished in the 19th century during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This dynamic city inspires its visitors with historical landmarks, elegant architecture, folk traditions, thermal spring baths and exquisite cuisine. Budapest consists of two sections: the western hills of Buda and the eastern plains of Pest, divided by the Danube River and connected by bridges, including the famous Chain Bridge. The city’s diverse districts boast an abundance of cultural wonders greatly deserving to be explored.
Castle Quarter (Buda)
Atop a hill, Budapest’s Old Town in Buda district overlooks the Danube River. It showcases pastel-colored houses lining cobblestone streets, a royal palace, cultural monuments, sophisticated restaurants and charming cafés. The scenic bridges across Danube River connect the Buda Hills with the Pest district, revealing magnificent views of the Parliament and the city. The history of Budapest is on display at the iconic Matthias Church founded by King Bela IV after the Mongolian invasion. The Matthias Church exhibits a Neo-Gothic style, beautiful mosaics and historic statues. A walk along the walls of the Medieval Castle leads to the Fisherman’s Bastion, a Neo-Roman bastion complex with a viewing terrace overlooking Danube River. The Castle Quarter has charming cobblestoned streets, a beautiful architecture, historic squares, museums, galleries and a tree lined pathway along the medieval walls. The original construction of the Royal Palace began during King Bela IV’s reign. Presently, the Royal Palace houses the Hungarian National Gallery that exhibits an extensive art collection. The nearby Buda Castle Hill Funicular (Budavári Sikló) provides a convenient transportation down to Adam Clark Square where the Széchenyi Chain Bridge enables to cross between the Buda and Pest districts. The bridge, constructed by an English engineer, features statues of lions guarding the entrance.
Varosliget (City Park)
A stroll through the expansive Varosliget (City Park) reveals a historic landmark, a majestic architecture and a concert venue. Historically, Varosliget served as the royal hunting grounds designed in the 19th century in the English style. The elegant Andrássy Utca is a picturesque tree lined avenue with grand mansions, historic buildings and restaurants. The avenue leads to the Heroes’ Square, constructed in 1896 during the Millennium Celebration to mark the creation of the Hungarian state. The spacious square displays the statues of Hungarian kings and founding Magyar leaders. The Millennium Monument erected in the center, displays the Archangel Gabriel with Holy Crown. Both sides of the square showcase the magnificent Museum of Fine Arts and the Neo-Classical Hall of Art architecture. Situated behind the Heroes’ Square, the City Park comprises greenery and the artificial Varosliget Lake used for paddle boating in the summer and skating in the winter. The small bridge across the lake leads to the Vajdahunyad Castle, presently an agriculture museum. The nearby Szechenyi Bath House is a unique venue for visitors to appreciate Budapest’s old tradition of healing thermal baths. This Neo-Baroque structure constructed in 1913, is a rejuvenating spa wellness center with medicinal bath waters supplied by two thermal springs. A walk back to the Andrássy Utca reveals a chic promenade along a stunning architecture. A short taxi ride along the avenue leads to the 19thcentury Hungarian Opera House, a beautiful Neo-Renaissance structure with the capacity to host 1,200 visitors. The opera house boasts grand interiors adorned with frescos, paintings and golden accents.
Parliament District
The stunning structure of the Parliament, the historic Szent Stephen’s Basilica, elegant bistros and lively cafés charm the visitors of the Parliament District. The Neo-Gothic Parliament building houses the National Assembly of Hungary and symbolizes Hungary’s political and architectural achievements. The Parliament, designed by Imre Steindl and constructed in 1902, displays the central Dome Hall, statues of Hungarian rulers, a vaulted hall supported by marble columns and an impressive staircase. The Parliament’s interiors showcase historic paintings, golden accents and colorful frescos on the south and north wings. Set along the Danube River, the Parliament is an architectural masterpiece. Walkways in the Parliament District lead to Szent Stephen’s Basilica, the largest church in Budapest. This historic landmark is dedicated to Hungary’s first Catholic King Szent Istvan, crowned by the Pope to symbolize the Nation of Hungary. Szent Stephen’s Basilica comprises a Neo-Renaissance dome decorated with mosaics, the main altar’s statue of Saint Stephen (Hungary’s King Istvan), a small chapel displaying the mummified hand of Saint Stephen and an oak wood main door featuring the carvings of the 12 Apostles. The Szent Istvan Ter (Saint Stephen’s Square) offers lovely views and atmosphere.
Pest Central District
The historic district of Pest Central is the culinary and shopping center of Budapest. The lively Vaci Utca (Vaci Street) continues from Vörösmarty Ter (Vorosmarty Square) to Vamhaz Korut. Situated at Vörösmarty Ter, the Gerbeaud Café is a historic 1858 establishment with grand interiors that serves classic Hungarian deserts. During Christmas, the Christmas Market at Vorosmarty Square offers decorated wooden stalls, musical performances and a variety of traditional foods. The Central Market Hall displays a beautiful architecture and serves as Budapest’s main market featuring fruits, vegetables, fish and artisanal products. The Vaci Utca is a pretty street that runs along an alluring architecture, quaint shops, old churches and picturesque squares. The narrow streets lead to the Neo-Classical structure of the Hungarian National Museum. The museum outlines Hungary’s turbulent history and houses an extensive art collection and precious Hungarian coronation treasures. The nearby Synagogue in Dohany Street is an important religious symbol, emphasizing the influences and contributions of the Jewish community in Budapest. This magnificent synagogue, designed by Ludwig Foster, showcases the Byzantine and Moorish influences and styles.
Gellert Hill and Margaret Island
A visit to Gellert Hill is a lesson in Hungary’s history. The Gellert Hill symbolizes Hungary’s struggle for independence. In 1851, the Austrians constructed the Gellert Hill-Citadel to show their strength and power after the 1848-49 War of Independence and the suppression of the Hungarian revolution. Situated in front of the Citadel, the Liberation Monument displays a female statue holding the palm of victory, originally symbolizing the liberation from the Nazis. Visitors of Gellert Hill enjoy panoramic views of the city. The 20 minutes’ taxi ride from Gellert Hill leads to Margaret Island, an idyllic natural island situated in the middle of the Danube River. Margaret Island is a scenic nature getaway that offers open-air theater entertainment in the summer, pretty walkways in the Japanese Garden, a fountain show accompanied by music and the 13th century ruins of a Dominican church. It is a place of reflection about the historic times of King Bela IV and his daughter Princess Margaret.
Thermal Spring Baths
The rejuvenating thermal waters and spectacular architecture recreate the experience of the traditional Turkish baths. Budapest boasts 118 thermal and medicinal water springs that date back to Roman times and flourished during the 16th century Turkish rule. The Szechenyi Bath is a Neo-Baroque structure constructed in 1913 and expended in 1927, comprising outdoor and indoor pools. The Gellert Thermal Bath was constructed in between 1912 and 1918, and then reconstructed in 2008, reintroducing its past splendor with several indoor and outdoor pools and thermal baths. Presently, the Art-Nouveau structure of Gellert Bath serves as a hotel and bath complex. The Rudas Bath is the oldest traditional Turkish bath that was constructed in 1550 during the Ottoman Empire. The Rudas Bath showcases a Turkish dome, an octagonal pool, steam pools and provides a variety of wellness services. Situated in north of Buda, the Veli Bej Bath was built during the 16th century Turkish rule, serves as thermal baths and provides a healing therapy under the guidance of a hospital.
Favorite Adventures
Excursions
Near Budapest are located idyllic towns and picturesque villages. The historic town of Aquincum hosts remaining Roman ruins and an archaeological collection in a museum. A half an hour drive from Budapest leads to the artistic town of Szentendre. A stroll through town reveals the Blagovestenska Orthodox Church, a scenic town square, cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored houses, art galleries and quaint boutiques. The Belgrade Cathedral stands out with its red tower and lovely garden courtyard. The narrow alleyways guide visitors along baroque structures and cultural heritage sites. Situated a half an hour drive from Szentendre, Visegrád is a medieval town set along the Danube River. The Royal Palace, reconstructed in a Renaissance style, educates about the region’s tumultuous history. Atop the hill, the medieval Visegrád Castle shows its fortifications created after the Mongol invasion and offers panoramic views across the Danube River. The scenic 30 minutes’ drive along the Danube River guides to Esztergom, a town that historically served as the capital of Hungary. The Esztergom Basilica showcases an imposing central dome accentuated with towers on both sides. The interiors of the basilica are decorated with beautiful frescoes, paintings and statues, and house a crypt with tomb-stones. A walk near the Esztergom Basilica offers scenic views of the Vizivaros town (Watertown), the Danube River and the neighboring country of Slovakia. During another excursion, we discover Gödöllő, a town situated a half an hour drive from Budapest. The Gödöllő Royal Palace was constructed in the Baroque style in the 18th century by Antal Grassalkovich, a Hungarian nobleman and minister to Queen Maria Theresa. During the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Queen Elizabeth (Sissi) favored the Gödöllő Royal Palace as a vacation retreat, enjoying its informal atmosphere, expansive grounds and gardens.
Selected Cuisine
Hungarian (Magyar) Cuisine
The Hungarian cuisine originated from the ethnic Magyar tribes and evolved with the influences of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It comprises traditional hearty dishes, regional delicacies and culinary innovations. Saint Martin’s Day celebrated in November features dishes made with geese and the newest wines of the season. The sampling of Goose Foie Gras delivers delicate textures and subtle flavors. The Furry Pig called Mangalica descends from the wild boar and is Hungary’s unique breed of pig. Mangalica pig’s cheeks wrapped in bacon have succulent flavors and a tender texture.
Desserts
The elegant cafés of Budapest celebrate the imperial traditions of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Gerbeaud Café, situated at Vörösmarty Square, symbolizes grandeur and elegance. The Café’s lavish interiors boast a wooden décor, vaulted ceiling and decorative chandeliers. A few classic Hungarian deserts include the Dobos Cake, the Esterhazy Cake and the Gerbeaud Cake. The Dobos Cake is a sponge cake layered with chocolate cream and topped with a layer of crisp caramel. The Esterhazy Cake, named after the noble Hungarian Esterhazy family, is a layered almond and walnut cake with a decorative glaze. The Gerbeaud Cake contains Gerbeaud chocolate and is topped with a layer of chocolate ganache cream. In December, the Christmas Markets in Budapest are very festive and feature traditional Hungarian delicacies. A Transylvanian dessert called Kürtőskalács (stove cake or chimney cake) is a sugar covered yeast dough that is rolled on a wooden cylinder spit and baked over an open charcoal fire. A collection of toppings, including cinnamon, cocoa or walnuts enhance the flavor of this classic dessert.
Restaurants
Budapest preserves its imperial culinary traditions. The 21 Hungarian Kitchen, situated on Fortuna Utca 21 in the Buda’s Castle District, overlooks the colorful architecture of the Old Town and serves a traditional and modern Hungarian cuisine. The Café Kör, situated in the Pest district, is a lively Hungarian bistro that serves creative dishes. The Pest-Buda Bistro, situated on Fortuna Utca 3 in the Buda’s Castle District, is a casual restaurant serving traditional Hungarian specialties, including goulash and fish soup (halászlé). Visitors of the Gellert Hill shall dine at the Búsuló Juhász Restaurant (busulojuhasz.hu) that serves excellent Hungarian specialties and offers beautiful views. Lovers of other European cuisines may enjoy the Arany Kaviar Restaurant (aranykaviar.hu/en/), decorated with fashionable tapestry and serving a high-end cuisine. Situated in the town of Gödöllő, Solier Étterem (solier.hu/en/) is a restaurant and confectionary that offers a superb Hungarian-European cuisine. Situated in the Hotel Silvanus in Visegrád, the Panoráma Étterem Restaurant (panoramaetteremvisegrad.hu) serves a superb cuisine and offers beautiful views of the Danube River.
Preferred Accommodations
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest
Set along the Danube River, the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest is a symbol of luxury and elegance. This historic hotel showcases an Art Nouveau architecture, a stunning lobby and a stylish interior décor. The Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest is situated at the Sechenyi Square in the Pest district and offers magnificent views of the Chain Bridge and the Buda Hills across the Danube River. In the evening, lights illuminate the Royal Castle and the Fisherman’s Bastion situated in the Buda Hills district. The hotel’s guests may enjoy rejuvenating spa treatments and an indoor swimming pool. Our selected suites and rooms offer panoramic views of the Danube River. The stylish dining venue serves an excellent cuisine. Surrounded by Budapest’s historic monuments, the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest epitomizes European style, classic luxury and tranquility.
