Book a Break in Beautiful Budapest

Budapest is a city with so much to offer, not just within the city centre, but the wider area too. Why not read on, learn more, then book a break in beautiful Budapest! Divided by the River Danube, Budapest is essentially two cities in one, with Buda (the hillier part) on one side of the river and Pest (much flatter) on the other. Buda and Pest both have many spectacular sights to see, so let's find out more about the Hungarian capital cit and the wider area....

Attractions People are attracted to Budapest due to it's rich history and culture and its cleanliness and safeness (it is one of the safest cities in the world). It is very easily accessible by air, train, bus from every European capital, and as a city it is compact enough to explore on foot, but it also has excellent public transport and cycle paths. Some of the top attractions include Buda Castle, the Parliament building, Chain Bridge, Margaret Island, St. Stephen's Basilica, the Hungarian State Opera House, Fisherman's Bastion, Gellért Hill, the plentiful outdoor thermal baths, Dohány Street Synagogue, the zoo, fantastic shopping opportunities, the Citadella, parks, ornate squares, the plentiful nightlife, gastronomy, and so much more. Budapest is a year round destination, with hot summers that afford you the opportunity to sunbathe by rooftop pools or in parks, and cold winters which add to the charm of the Christmas Markets which line the streets. Budapest attracts visitors of all ages, from families, to couples, to groups of friends, and elderly visitors who often arrive on the spectacular river cruise boats that go along the Danube.

Further Afield If you want to explore the wider Budapest area, there are some fabulous places locally. Within an hour's drive (and some within cycling distance) you can get to some wonderful attractions... Szentendre is a 20 minute drive from Budapest and is popular for its quaint and picturesque narrow streets, the Szamos Marzipan Museum, the Skanzen Open Air Museum which is a bit hit with families, and being bicycle friendly means you could actually cycle there and cycle around the town.

Etyek is a 30 minute drive from Budapest. This is vineyard country, so worth noting it's proximity to Budapest, therefore being cheap to get to if you fancy a spot of wine tasting! Here you will find vineyards dating back to Roman times. There is a picnic event (ticketed) every 2 weeks, where you can sample wines and foods from local vineyards and across Hungary. It is worth timing your trip to coincide with one of these picnics if you like your wine. Etyek is also home to film studios. Hungary is one of the most used film shoot locations in the world. At the studios, it is possible to star in your own film, which will be recorded and you can keep a copy. This is something the children would love!

Visegrád is a 40 minute drive from Budapest. This is a small castle town overlooking the Danube. It is famous for the medieval citadel and the Early Renaissance summer palace of King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary. It is surrounded by protected nature reserves, making it breathtakingly scenic. There is a restaurant at the castle, so you could pre-book a table. The castle also hosts many events during the year, so you could time your visit to coincide with one of them.

Gödöllő is a 45 minute drive from Budapest and it is home to the royal palace. Queen Elisabeth of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy lived here. There are other beautiful sights, such as the Baroque Theatre, King's Hill Pavilion and the Palace church.

Esztergom is a 60 minute drive from Budapest. You may recognise it as being one of the venues for the 2020 MTV Awards. The Basilica is one of the largest buildings in Hungary. Treasure hunts are a regular attraction here and tend to start from the Basilica, taking you on a tour of this charming town in search of treasures.

If you feel a bit more adventurous, take a trip to beautiful Lake Balaton. Hungary is land-locked so this is often referred to as the Hungarian Sea, being the largest lake in the country. Its closest shore is 60 minutes drive from Budapest, and 2 hours to the furthest point. You can take a train there from Budapest. In summer it is particularly spectacular. The lake is surrounded by beaches, there are plenty of places to sunbathe, swimming in the lake is permitted and there are aqua-parks around the lake too. You can also hire a boat for a spot of sailing or a kayak even. Play areas line the shore to keep children entertained and there are plenty of restaurants to sample Hungary's gastronomical delights!

Where to stay - Our three top sellers 1. 4.5* Continental Hotel Budapest The Continental Hotel Budapest is a fine hotel oozing charisma and offering guests a calm green oasis in a vibrant quarter of central Pest. Aesthetically pleasing, a collaboration of art nouveau, art deco and modern design has been blended perfectly taking full advantage of the buildings original architectural charm. With elements of contemporary furniture, modern facilities and luxurious décor creating a sumptuous and desirable setting for a superb city break. With great facilities including a spa with an indoor and outdoor rooftop pool plus a gym, there is plenty to do at the end of the day plus a gastronomic restaurant serving an array of Hungarian and International cuisine for your dining experience. Couples and friends will truly enjoy this hotel for a remarkable stay in this amazing city. Hotel highlights: - Great for exploring - Modern and luxurious - Close to ruin pubs

- 40m from the nearest bus stop - Located in the historic down town area of Pest

- 300m from the nearest metro station - 1.2km from Vaci Street

- 1.5km from St Stephen`s Basilica

- 1.5km from Vorosmarty Square

- 1.5km from the Great Market Hall

- 2.3km from Parliament Building

2. 4* Soho Boutique Hotel Individual in design, with an electric mix of vivid colour, cool furnishings and décor, the Soho Boutique Hotel is perfect for couples and friends looking to explore this diverse and vibrant city. Located near trendy boutiques and great restaurants, this modern hotel has funky interiors and a chilled atmosphere. Rooms are stylish and elegant and there is a bar to enjoy a chilled drink before heading out on the town. Public transport links are nearby making everything easily accessible to explore this amazing city. Hotel highlights: - Great for friends and couples

- Trendy atmosphere - 120m from the nearest bus stop

- 250m from the nearest tram stop

- 1.2km from the Opera House

- 1.4km from Vaci Street

- 1.7km from St Stephen’s Basilica

- 1.7km from Vorosmarty Square

- 2.4km from the Parliament Building

- 3.1km from Buda Castle

- 3.6km from Chain Bridge

3. 4* Hotel Bristol Close to the stately building of the Eastern railway station, the Three Corners Hotel Bristol is a great choice for guests looking to get out and about in the city. It’s also a shopper’s delight as the biggest shopping centre in Budapest is just a short walk away. It offers a unique combination of the traditional and the modern with a delightful breakfast room and comfortable guestrooms with all the facilities you will need. Along with great service this hotel is a great accommodation choice with a fantastic location. Hotel highlights: - Great for shopping

- 70m from the nearest bus stop

- 2km from Vaci Street

- Small and friendly

- Traditional Hungarian architecture - 400m from the nearest metro station

- 1.9km from the Opera House

- 2.3km from Vorosmarty Square

- 2.3km from St Stephen`s Basilica

- 2.5km from Heroes Square

Top Tips My top tips from my visit to Budapest are: 1. Allow time to queue to book in at the Parliament if you want a tour of the building (well worth it, it's spectacular) and take your passports with you, otherwise you can't get the tickets. 2. Allow time to relax on Margaret Island. It is essentially like a park, with a fantastic cushioned running track around the edge, and it just makes a lovely central escape from busy city life. 3. Walk as much as you can. There are many hidden treasures, which you just stumble across and would miss if you were on the metro/bus. 4. When it is dry, it is also dusty. Very clean, but dusty. We went at Easter and had fabulously hot weather. I didn't expect the heat or the dust! I took a cloth out in the end, just so that I could wipe down my bag and feet (which were in flip-flops, given the heat) before entering any of the beautiful buildings. This is a minor inconvenience in exchange for the enriching and memorable break you will experience in beautiful Budapest. If you feel like booking a break to Budapest, please get in touch for a personalised quotation via Worldwide Explorer Travel Holidays.

Created by: Julie @ Worldwide Explorer Travel Holidays, March 2021 (All hotel information and hotel photos from my trade partner, Jet2holidays)