Contrary to some beliefs, preferring traditional venues and leisure time activities while being abroad does not result in boredom. Moreover, staying on the classic route of city exploration ensures quality times in unique places, and an unforgettable voyage to a parallel universe of urban life.
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Gerbeaud Bistro
A mixture of tradition and innovation, 154-year-old Gerbeaud is one of Vörösmarty Square’s highlights. The elegant interior will make you feel like you’re in a 1920s saloon where poets and writers used to sip espressos and smoke cigarettes, while cakes – such as the widely-known curiosity, Gerbeaud cake – and pastries will make you feel like you’re in confectionary heaven. And we haven’t even mentioned the heaps of freshly-made ice creams!
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River Ride
Big Bus, a market-leading sightseeing company, provides a perfect introduction to Budapest. The hop-on, hop-off tour showcases the most famous landmarks, explains Budapest’s rich cultural history, and reveals the city’s hidden gems. Whether it is the magnificent Parliament, the leafy, classical Andrássy Avenue, or the old Castle District, Big Bus Tours’ fleet of open-top double-deckers afford the best vantage points to view the city. Sit back, relax, and enjoy Budapest!
If you’re looking for a traditional way of sightseeing with a twist, don’t miss out on RiverRide, the first amphibious coach in Europe fusioning four-wheeled and water-based sightseeings!
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Golden times at the Golden Deer
Aranyszarvas (Golden Deer), an award-winning restaurant near Elizabeth Bridge, is characterized by a pleasant atmosphere and a rustic interior. Well-lit arcades, golden chandeliers, a deer trophy on the wall, wooden shelves packed with bottles of fine wines, and a daily menu written on chalk boards plastered on the walls. Aranyszarvas offers perhaps the tastiest dishes of Hungarian cuisine in Budapest, and, in times of good weather, a sizeable terrace with a wondrous panorama.
Another venue for a great meal is Rosenstein. Situated nearby Keleti Railway Station, Rosenstein recalls the romantic atmosphere of early 20th century Budapest with dilapidated surroundings and traditional, five-star dishes.
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Bathing in culture with souvenirs
In case you’re looking for some drinkable goodies, visit Magyar Pálinka Háza, a shop offering the finest selection of pálinka distilled from fruits, vegetables, and other delicacies. Unfortunately, tasting these nectars is not an option, although the knowledgeable shop assistans will answer all your questions.
For wine lovers, we recommend Bortársaság Parlament, while those with a boutique fever should stroll along Andrássy Avenue, where you’ll come across exclusive brands such as Bulgari, Burberry, or Louis Vuitton.
To quench your culture-thirst, head over to Buda Castle’s Hungarian National Gallery, where the largest public collection of Hungarian fine arts is exhibited. Another possibility is provided by the Art Gallery, a Neo-Reneissance building adjacent to Heroes’ Square. Art Gallery’s goal is to showcase Hungarian and international masterpieces in the field of contemporary arts. At five to six major exhibitions annually, Art Gallery is a trendsetting institution in Europe.
For an authentic bath experience, spend a few hours with the queen of Budapest’s thermal baths, Gellért Bath. Characterized by Art Nouveau grandeur, it is the most famous among the historic baths of Budapest. Gellért provides separate male and female baths, indoor pools, a huge outdoor pool, relaxing possibilities, and medical treatments. Four Seasons Spa, housed by the top floor of Gresham Palace, is also worth mentioning. The Spa features seven treatment rooms, including a couples' suite, a unisex sauna, separate steam rooms for men and women, and a whirlpool.
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+1: A place to rest your head
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace is, without a doubt, the numero uno luxury hotel in the city. Fronting Chain Bridge, it is surrounded by a breathtaking scenery, and is housed by an Art Nouveau masterpiece which combines historical elegance and ultra-modern comforts. Exquisitely designed rooms with a superb view on the Danube and on the hills of Buda are all waiting for you!
