The city of baths
Budapest is a fusion of two cities: Buda and Pest, which are naturally separated by the River Danube. Yet it is easily accessible, with the option to explore the city by bike, foot, boat or public transport including the city’s tram, metro or bus. Whichever option you choose, be sure to allow time for a stroll along the Danube, where you can admire majestic views of the impressive Hungarian Parliament, which is widely considered to be the city’s landmark. The imposing building was constructed in a Neo-Gothic style back in 1904. Due to the warm Hungarian summers, the building incorporated a sophisticated air-cooling system, which remarkably is still in use today. From parliament, Budapest’s largest church, St. Stephen’s Basilica, can be easily reached by foot; although the church’s resplendent 96 metre-high dome roof can be seen from anywhere in the city, you will have to venture inside to admire the dome’s enormous mosaic. Why not relax after a day spent sightseeing with a visit to Szimpla Kert. The former factory is the city’s first romkocsma ‘ruin bar’ and comes fully-equipped with a bar, a cinema and a room reserved for performances. Regular markets are held here, which means the venue is bursting with local creativity and artistic freedom. Alternatively, Budapest is brimming with open-air bars, which are a wonderful spot for families during the day, yet even more suited for partygoers at night!
Things to do from your Budapest apartment
A stay in Budapest would not be complete without a visit to one of the city’s relaxing thermal baths. The city enjoys a privileged location on over 100 thermal springs, which ensures you’ll be spoilt for choice. The most popular thermal bath is perhaps the Gellért Bath in the Gellért Hotel, where the water temperature is a wonderful 44 degrees Celsius, and vaulted ceilings provide an almost sacred experience.In the centre of Budapest you will discover Margaret Island, which is the most famous of the islands found along the Danube. Join the city’s local residents and unwind amidst the 1,000m2 of recreational land, where you can discover a spacious parkand sports facilities. It is an idyllic spot for a leisurely stroll or perhaps a picnic during Budapest’s warm summer months. A glass of Fröcc, Hungary’s white wine spritzer, is fabulously refreshing when enjoying Budapest’s sun-drenched squares. Meanwhile, winter in Hungary hails a full schedule of festive activity, which can all be rounded off with a hearty goulash and warming mulled wine enjoyed at one of Budapest’s much frequented bars or Christmas markets. Simply follow Budapest’s cobblestone streets through the shopping district and see for yourself.