Thermal baths
Budapest is quite the spa capital of Europe so it's pretty much easier to stay warm here than anywhere else. Relax in a 16th century Turkish bath while in the steaming waters of the Rudas Bath, Király Bath or Veli Bej Bath, or play a spot of chess with the old men in the hot, outdoor pools of the Széchenyi Bath. If you need to tighten your money belt in the New Year, then try the Dandár Thermal Bath, which can warm your body while being kind to your wallet. We wrote about Budapest's hottest thermal baths providing more information.
Warm up on the inside
There is nothing more comforting than a hot beverage in winter chill, and one thing Budapest does not lack: beautiful and interesting cafés. You can take the traditional route, and treat yourself to your morning coffee under the gold gilding of the New York Café, but you can also escape with a good book to the Lotz Hall hidden above in the Alexandra bookstore on Andrássy Avenue. For a more modest affair, try Russian themed Café Zsivágó (55 Paulay Ede Street) for a soul warming tea. If you need to find your inner Zen, head down a side street by the St. Stephen's Basilica to Marumoto, a Japanese teahouse where you’re spoiled for choice between matchas, cherry blossom leaf and traditional Japanese teas. Served up in authentic pots and teacups, each with their own ritual, you can forget the cold in this atmospheric tearoom.
Warm up with a cuddle from a teddy bear at a sanctuary for abandoned toys in Rengeteg RomKafé. Not only will you feel childhood nostalgia, but you also have 22 types of hot chocolate to choose from. It's the perfect cure for the winter blues! For a heaven filled with hot chocolate, try Azték Chozolat! near Ferenciek Square. We can’t think of anything better than combining their delicious and unique flavours ranging from thick and dark concoctions to molten white chocolate, with a stroll in the V District on a crisp cold day.
Share a fondue with friends
There's no better time than winter to enjoy a culinary escape to the Alps at Fondue Bár (25 Keleti Károly Street) in the II District. This small eatery conjures up an intimate family setting, with the feel of an alpine lodge. You’re spoiled for choice with seven types of savoury fondue and two sweet ones. Get in the mood... put on some après ski wear and get stuck into the classic, stringy Swiss Fondue made with Emmental and Gruyere cheeses, cooked up with white wine, garlic, pepper, nutmeg and parsley.
Opera, theatre and museums
There is literally no better time to get into Budapest's cultural-scene than in the cooler months. Whether it’s a New Year’s resolution to try new cultural-pursuits or you’re a seasoned opera fan, there is no time like the present to browse the program of the Hungarian State Opera and the Erkel Theatre. Productions of Onegin and The Rake’s Progress both premier this January, while other favourites such as Rigoletto or Turandot. For a contemporary touch, then the bright beacon that is MüPa (Palace of Arts) hits the spot with a range of shows from modern ballet productions to jazz-fusion concerts. Delve into the underbelly of underground theatre at the Bakelit Multi Art Center if you’re looking for the original local theatrical scene.
If you want to stay warm and immerse yourself in culture during the day, then catch the Rembrandt exhibition until 15 February at the soon-to-temporarily-close Museum of Fine Arts on Heroes' Square. You can also learn about Hungarian art at Buda Castle’s Hungarian National Gallery. The current exhibition on Rippl-Rónai and Maillol’s will warm your soul, not only for the wonderful art, but also for beautiful story of friendship. This is on until April 15.
Embrace the ice
The last option is to embrace the cold and warm up on the ice. One of the most beautiful places in Budapest in the winter is the City Park Ice Rink. Grab a pair of skates and head down after dark when the Vajdahunyad Castle is lit up for a moment to remember. For other skating opportunities we have a full roundup of Budapest's ice rinks here.
