Discover Budapest in 3 days!

At the northern end of the Váci utca, on the Vörösmarty tér, is the venerable Café Gerbeaud, an icon of elegance from the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Its mocha and caramel Air Dobostorta is a work of art!

So is the Herend Porcelain around the corner. Founded in 1826, Herend is still one of Europe’s finest porcelain makers.

After a day’s tour, the supreme way to relax in Budapest is to go to one of the many thermal spring baths. The Romans enjoyed them, the Turks nurtured them, and the Hungarians still love them. So will you, in their completely unique atmosphere. The Király and the Rudas spas, for example, are well-preserved relics from Turkish rule more than three centuries ago. And the Gellért Baths in the Gellért Hotel show off elaborate Art Nouveau detail. No matter which spa you visit, the therapeutic pleasures of natural thermal water will renew your vigor.

And your appetite. For dinner, there are several exceptional restaurants in Budapest. From plush dining rooms to quaint locales. One of the classics is Gundel, which serves up creative versions of traditional Hungarian fare. The restaurant opened its doors a century ago, and was recently restored to its early splendor.

If you have the time, and you’re looking for evening entertainment, the city pulsates with excellent night-clubs and discos. And you can bet that there are casinos galore. These include the Várkert Casino and the various Casino Budapest establishments - any one of them just right for the climax to a fantastic day.

Exploring Pest more thoroughly is a great way to spend your second day in the Hungarian capital - starting off with one of the most striking buildings in town, the Parliament. Gracing the banks of the Danube, on Kossuth Lajos tér, the sprawling neo-Gothic edifice was completed nearly 90 years ago, with 700 rooms and 41 kilos (90 Lbs.) of 24 karat gold for gilding!

After the Parliament, stop and take a Look at the Post Office Savings Bank on Szabadság tér. Ödön Lechner designed the Art Nouveau masterpiece with inlaid mosaics 1901.

For a different architectural perspective, St. Stephen’s Basilica on Szent István tér reflects Classical, Renaissance and Baroque styles, although the church was built between 1845 and 1905.

By the time you sit back and take in the opulent decor of Café New York on Erzsébet körút, you’ll have worked up a real appetite. Just like the literati who frequented the café at the turn of the century. And Like them, you’ll enjoy tasting a glass of Hungary’s divine wine, Tokaji Aszú.

You can spend hours at the National Museum at Múzeum körút 14-16, but if you are short on time, the one exhibit you must not miss is the Coronation Regalia, which includes one of Hungary`s national emblems, the famous crown with the bent cross.

The crown was worn by King Stephen, who brought Christianity to the Magyars in the 11^thcentury. The king later attained sainthood.

As you return toward the Danube, there are churches that captive, such as the 18^thcentury Franciscan Church on Ferenciek tere. And the Inner City Parish Church on Március 15 tér, which houses Gothic sedilia, Renaissance marble tabernacles and several other relics dating back more than seven centuries.

Finally, as you wind down our tour, be sure to visit the bronze statue of Hungary’s national poet, Sándor Petõfi on the square that bears his name. A fervent writer and patriot, Petõfi died a young hero on the battlefield in 1849 while defending his country’s ill-fated struggle for independence from Austrian rule.

For your evening plans, a performance at the Budapest Opera House at Andrássy út 22 is a must. Try to order tickets as soon as possible though; the Hungarians are avid opera fans.

Step far back in time to the first four centuries AD Hungary was the Roman province of Pannonia, and the Romans were inhabiting an area of Óbuda, north of Buda, known as Aquincum. The settlement, including the civil town, are now well-preserved ruins. Here are the foundations of villas, markets, workshops, shrines, public baths and an amphitheatre. Exploring Aquincum gives a clear picture of Roman military and civilian life.

Árpád Bridge - Margaret Island
 

In contrast, the lush Margaret Island in the middle of the Danube is still very much alive with colourful gardens and manicured lawns. It’s the perfect retreat from the busy city. Accessible by the Árpád Bridge at the northern tip and the Margaret Bridge at the southern end, the island also offers not only repose, but lots to do. Amongst the greenery are outdoor and indoor swimming pools to enjoy. For sightseeing, there are ruins of the 13^thcentury Dominican Convent, built by King Béla for his daughter, Margaret, after whom the island is named. You`ll find the ruins of a Franciscan Church as well as the reconstruction of the 800-year-old Premonstratensian Chapel . And look for the Unification Monument, a tribute to the joining of three towns, Buda, Pest and Óbuda in 1873 to form the Hungarian capital. The island is home to the Danubius Grand Hotel Margitsziget and Danubius Health Spa Resort Margitsziget. These spa hotels provide generous use of the natural mineral springs underneath it. At night, the island`s Casino and open-air theatre provide optimal fun and entertainment.

Heroes’ Square

Return to Pest on Heroes’ Square (Hõsök tere), which is surrounded by the City Park. The square is vast open space with the Millennium Monument as its focal point. The 36 meter (118 feet) - high column commemorates the founding of the Hungarian state in 896 AD while paying tribute to the heroes who died for the country’s freedom and independence.

On the north side of the square is the Museum of Fine Arts, where paintings by several Old Masters hang; these include an extensive El Greco and Goya collection.

The City Park, known as Városliget, features the Castle of Vajdahunyad, a reproduction whose original still stands in Transylvania. Inside part of the castle is the Hungarian Agricultural Museum; outside is a man-made lake for summertime boating and wintertime skating.

In addition to a Zoo, you’ll also find at the park the stylish, neo-Baroque Széchenyi Baths, built in 1913.

Vigadó

When it’s again time for an evening on the town, don’t leave is without attending a classical music concert at the Vigadó hall on Vigadó tér. Or, depending on your tastes, perhaps a ballet at the Erkel Theatre or one of a variety of performances at the National Theatre.

Of course, these are just a few suggestions. Budapest is a capital of culture, rich in talent and creativity. Not only will you find opera and operetta, concerts, recitals and the ballet, but also a great deal of traditional folk music and jazz.