A grand city ruled by farmers and emperors

Budapest is grand and crumbling all at once. From the imposing architecture of Heroes’ Square to the desolate ramparts of the Castle District, the streets of this city tell the story of an intriguing and turbulent past. Tour the Royal Palace, now home to a museum and art gallery, and learn about the history of Budapest. Sail along the Danube to Margaret Island and wander through the immaculate parks and gardens. Enjoy an afternoon in a local café or indulge in a therapeutic spa day at one of the Turkish bath houses. At night follow the young hip crowd to the bars on Vaci Street or unwind with a glass of tokaj wine in a traditional Hungarian tavern.

Why Go?
Once part of the Austro-Hungarian’s dual monarchy, Budapest is a city of decadent theatres, Art Nouveau mansions and a Neo-Gothic parliament. It is also home to vibrant cafés and bars; try the rich cake with coffee or sample a dish of goulash to get a sense of how the Hungarians live.

When To Go?
The annual Spring Festival draws the biggest crowds of the season and with cold yet bright weather it’s a popular time to visit. Most Hungarians head to the outdoor bathing pools during the summer as temperatures soar to 24° C. Heavy rainfall is common during the autumn and winter months with temperatures dropping to -2°C. Cheaper flights to Budapest from the UK are available during this period.

How To Get There?
Budapest Ferihegy Airport (BUD) offers direct routes from the UK and is located 16km (10 miles) from the city centre. Shuttle bus services are available from Terminals 1 & 2; the journey into Budapest takes 20 minutes. The airport is also linked to the railway from Terminal 1 passengers can take a 25 minute trip directly into the city. Flying to Budapest from the UK can take 3.5 hours.

Must See
Pamper yourself with a traditional spa experience when visiting Budapest. Relax in the thermal springs of the Rudas Baths and indulge in a massage. Spend a morning discovering the small stone paths of the Buda Hills and dine on strudel in one of the Castle District’s many restaurants. Take a trolleybus along the Andrássy Avenue, Budapest’s very own Champs-Élysées, and marvel over the mansions and monuments.