Budapest is magical in winter from spending time wallowing in steaming hot spas to ice skating at the Müjégpálya Ice Rink in Budapest’s City Park; checking out the stylish shops on ‘Fashion Street’, Budapest’s equivalent to London’s Regent Street or picking up traditional gifts at the Christmas market in Vörösmarty Square. There is something for all tastes.
Budapest straddles the River Danube and is known as the ‘Paris of the East’ because of its beautiful architecture, wide boulevards and romantic atmosphere. The city is made up of two halves – the historical ‘Buda’ side with the UNESCO listed Castle District and the newer ‘Pest’ side, famed for its magnificent Art Nouveau buildings. Until 1873 these two sides were different cities and today they still retain their individual charm.
When the sun goes down early, the lights of the city illuminate the many historic buildings and one of the best ways to admire the lit up UNESCO World Heritage buildings on the Buda side is to take a leisurely boat trip aboard Legenda cruises down the Danube. Or perhaps enjoy a cocktail or dinner at the trendy Spoon Bar and Lounge, located on a boat with stunning views of the Castle District.
Gastronomy is something the Hungarians know a lot about and visitors will find endless possibilities, from world class international cuisine at Michelin stared restaurants, Costes and Onyx, traditional food at local sweet favourite Kürtöskalács, delicious Hungarian sausages at the Christmas market or a cheap lunch at one of the food stalls in the Great Market Hall.
With 22 wine regions producing award winning reds and whites, plus the famous sweet wine, Tokaji there are also plenty of great wines to sample with dinner or perhaps do a wine tasting at the Faust Cellar, a vaulted stone cellar in the Buda Castle to learn more about the wines of Hungary.
Tempted? Then take advantage of the Budapest Winter Invitation and get an extra day for ‘free’ to enjoy the magic of the Hungarian capital. From 15th November 2011 to the 31st March 2012 many of the city’s leading hotels are offering ‘four nights for the price of three’ or ‘three nights for the price of two’ PLUS free entry into one of three of the city’s most popular spas – Széchenyi, Gellért or Rudas.
Guests of the Budapest Winter Invitation will also be able to purchase the Budapest Card at a discounted rate, which offers free transport around the city as well as many discounts at restaurants, and attractions, plus two free sightseeing tours!
What are you waiting for? Whether you are looking for a Christmas shopping trip, somewhere to pop the champagne on New Year’s Eve or a luxury romantic city break to treat your loved one, Budapest is hard to beat. Visit www.budapestwinter.com for more details.
Book your flight on Wizzair.com
Hire a car from Sixt rent a car
Take a cruise aboard Legenda on the Danube
