The most popular jogging destination is Margaret Island with its 5.3km synthetic jogging rout along the island’s outer rim. The Danube and wooded park provide picturesque surroundings and fresh air in the inner city making for a pleasurable run.

Margaret Island Running Track (Photo courtesy of: http://shiitakeportobello.blogspot.com/2011/11/been-there-done-that-balaton-half.html)

Gellért Hill on the Buda side also has lots of green, but traffic as well. Even so, there are a few not-so-frequented routs up to the top, partially along some stairs if preferred. It will definitely work up a sweat and get those legs aching, but the view from the top will be worth the struggle!

One of the ways up Gellért Hill (Photo courtesy of: http://fr.fotopedia.com/items/flickr-5133642979)

Another favoured destination on the Pest side is the City Park behind Hero’s Square. Its 1.2 sq. km area of green is perfect for those inner city dwellers that don’t have the time to cross over to the Buda side.

City Park (Photo courtesy of: http://www.amadeus.hu/budapesti-apartmanok/varosliget_hu-ch_1558.html)

Grabbing a bite at the butcher's (Photo courtesy of: http://www.diningguide.hu/toplistak/etterem-informacio-4049)

Alongside the pork chops, steaks and chicken breasts one would expect to find in butcher shops are grill sausages filled with paprika, liver or black pudding served on paper plates with mustard and freshly baked bread. But not buns or baguettes, but real traditional white loaf bread. Grill chicken and tepertő – the equivalent of pork scratchings – are also on the menu. With none of these mouthwatering delicacies being light, pickles and other pickled vegetables such as hot peppers are a popular side. The luxury of chairs will have to be done without, with bar height tables around which these meaty treats are consumed standing.

Paprika-filled sausage with mustard (Photo courtesy of: http://travellina.hu/?page=gasztro&id=35)

Below are listed five butcher shops to pop into for this local authentic experience.

• Hajós Street 21. (near the Oper House, Andrássy Avenue)

• Budafoki Road 28. (near Allee Shopping Centre)

• Teréz Ring Road 51. (near Nyugati Railway Station)

• Ráday Street 49. (near National Museum)

• Vámház Ring Road 1-3. (inside Central Market Hall, near Váci Street)

Hero’s Square and Andrássy Avenue

Hero's Square side profile (Photo courtesy of: http://www.fotopedia.com/items/flickr-51281071159)

Pictures of the Hero’s Square are what one will most probably find decorating brochures, flyers or cover pages of tourist guides about Budapest. It is said to be the most beautiful square of the city, connected to the inner city by its longest boulevard at 2.5km, the grand Andrássy Avenue. Lined by ornate Eclectic architectural masterpieces that (regardless of being in dire need of renovation) carry old day charm and an aura of wealth, it will take any passerby back to the late 19th century when it was built and strode along by aristocracy. It, like the Hero’s Square, was planned to be completed for the Millennium Celebrations celebrating the 1000th anniversary of the Hungarian Conquest of 1896. The term monumental is overused, but none the less the perfect word to describe this huge semi-circular ensemble lined by 14 great monarchs of the country, in the centre of which a nearly 100m high Corinthian colonnade stands. The view is simply breathtaking. Two architectural masterpieces, the proud classical building of the Museum of Fine Arts and the ornate Art Gallery enclose the square, with the large City Park spreading out across 1.2 sq. km behind it.

Danube Embankment

Part of the picture: Chain Bridge and Parliament (http://www.fotopedia.com/items/flickr-5134205040)

Along the River Danube between the Liberty and Margaret Bridges lie the grounds that provide the breathtaking panorama from the Castle District and Gellért Hill. Both banks of the river have been added to the UNESCO world heritage list, with no building to be built taller than 96 meters – the height of the Houses of Parliament and the St. Stephen’s Basilica – on account of preserving its characteristic cityscape Budapest is so proud of.

Castle District

Úri Street of the Castle District (Photo courtesy of: http://www.ivan-herman.net/Photos/Budapest/target51.html)

The Castle District occupies one of the two hills along the Buda embankment and is the oldest district of the inner city. It is named after the first castle built on the hill at the end of the 13th century. Regardless of having seen waves of destruction by former oppressors, with the castle being reduced to rubble first by the Turks, followed by the Habsburgs, the Nazis then the Soviets, reconstruction projects were successful in maintaining its medieval charm to this very day. That definitely deserves some sort of recognition, and coming under UNESCO protection is a worthy acknowledgement by any standard! The district today is divided into two parts; the royal (in which the Royal Palace can be found), and the civilian part with cafés, restaurants and lovely Gothic and Baroque residential houses lining romantic cobble stone alleys. Architectural masterpieces such as the Fishermen’s Bastion and the Matthias Church also decorate this lovely district.

Fishermen's Bastion (Photo courtesy of: http://www.fotopedia.com/items/flickr-4110544278)

Fruccola Juice Café

Fruccola's salad bar from bird's eye view

A centrally located salad, juice and baguette bar also serving hot meals. Ingredients used come straight from local suppliers and the meat directly from countryside farms. The salad pick and mix is its main attraction, with a variety of toppings including cheese, fish and nuts to choose from. The hot soup of the day always delights with a surprising blend of spices. Breakfast specialties like yoghurt with honey and oat flakes, or the classic English breakfast, and delicacies such as butternut squash, spinach and walnut spaghetti are also on the menu. Fresh fruit juice is squeezed on the spot from fruits of your choice, with seasonal drinks including the winter hot ginger lemonade to warm spirits and tickle taste buds.

Fruccola fruits and baguettes

The interior has a homey feel with a selection of natural materials – mainly wood – used for furnishing and decoration. With smaller booths at the back and plugs scattered around, it is the perfect place for working out of the office, as well as a relaxing breakfast, lunch or dinner with friends.

Govinda

Vegetarian restaurant chain serving vegetarian dishes prepared according to traditional Indian recipes whilst including aspects of reform cooking to provide a characteristic combination of tastes and textures. No more than six flavours are combined in various ways, in accordance with the science of Ayurveda (science of healthy living), to provide a balance of nutritious foods necessary for the body paired with an immaculate harmony of flavours. 20 types of hot meals await guests, as well as a salad bar and non-alcoholic cocktail selection. With an ever-changing menu, regulars have no time to get bored!

Govinda (Photo courtesy of: Os Rúpias)

Two restaurants can be found in Budapest, one on the Buda and the other on the Pest side. With a no-alcohol and non-smoking policy, the restaurants provide a peaceful, healthy atmosphere.

Hummus Bar

A chain of vegetarian restaurants with a menu centered on chick peas and hummu bringing the flavours of the Middle East to Budapest. Serving hearty portions of nutritious dishes of a large variety with an optional side of pita or laffa bread, you will be left full to the brim whilst treating your body to the care it deserves. Refreshing dinks such as peppermint lemonade are the perfect complement. The kitchen prepares all dishes in complete compliance with kosher rules and regulations, using fresh and carefully chosen ingredients.

Hummus Bar's laffa bread (Photo courtesy of: hummusbar.hu)

There are three locations to choose from, each with a warm and welcoming, yet simple interior design. Home delivery service is also available.

Platan Pension in Dobogókő (Photo courtesy of: http://www.platanpanzio.hu/)

1. Eplény – Holle Anyó Pension

This on-piste pension located 30 meters from the ski lifts by a wooded area boasts a lovely homey atmosphere. Its modern facility however is more suited to younger guests, as the rooms don’t have individual bathrooms with two communal showers located on either end of the corridor create a dorm-like feel. The ground floor is a restaurant above which the rooms are located, housing a maximum of 22 people. The prices are friendly with a two person room with breakfast included costing a sum of 14 000ft. Equipment rentals are also located inside the building.

2. Mátraszentistván

• Canadian Log House

This authentic Canadian log house is an exclusive guest house overlooking the slopes. Its three-storey complex boasts with one of the best panoramas of the Mátra mountain range and an enchanting atmosphere. Housing 10-16 persons it is perfect for family and business weekends as well as for larger group outings. For smaller groups or couples the first floor has separate two to four person apartments. A pool table, sauna and wine cellar are at the guest’s disposal. Other services include free parking and pre-paid meals from the neighboring restaurant (home delivery on request). Prices start at 6000ft per person.

• 3 Patak Pension

This pension complex divided into three blocks is a real budget option with prices starting at 2500ft. It also boasts with a great location being 50m from the center of Mátraszentistván yet close enough to the slopes for one to ski back if weather permits. Dining options include a la cart breakfast and two-course dinner of local specialties.

3. Kékestető – Mátra Health Centre

The Mátra Health Centre located 250m from the slopes at 1000m has become very popular for weekend wellness getaways. The two-person rooms from a price of 6000ft per person per night are equipped with a bathroom, TV, fridge and safe. One five-person suite is available. Price includes a la carte breakfast and the use of the wellness facilities, which include:

• sauna/steam room
• Jacuzzi
• gym
• infra-sauna

4. Dobogókő – Platán Pension

This pension and restaurant with rooms ranging from small 3-star to luxury suits and family apartments is located at 700m right next to the slopes in a romantic wooded area. Price start at 5000ft per person per night with breakfast included. Bonus: pets allowed!

5. Visegrád – Hotel Silvanus

A 144 room hotel located on the picturesque Black Mountain at 352m boasting with an amazing panorama, five  minutes from the slopes by car (20 minutes y foot). Rooms are equipped with bathrooms, balcony, mini bar, TV and Wi-Fi. The wellness centre belonging to the hotel has:

• pool
• Jacuzzi
• steam room
• salt cave
• sauna
• solarium
• massage

Other services include a restaurant, drink bar, pub with pool table, darts and table football, a squash court, gym, playground and babysitting. Prices start at 17 000ft per person per night.

Winter in Budapest (Photo courtesy of: Andras Csore)

• Warm clothes: the average temperature in the winter months is between 2 and minus ten degrees so large jumpers, ski socks, hats, scarves will be welcome.

• Waterproofs: as precipitation in the form of slush and snow is not uncommon, wellies, raincoats, ski jackets will come in handy!

• Swim suits/bikinis: it’s wellness facilities and bath houses galore in Budapest, so do not leave those swim suits at home! Five star wellness hotels as well as 19^th century bath houses like the infamous Széchényi await visitors who need to unthaw after a few hours of sightseeing in the freezing cold!

• Ice skates: ice skating is one of the best winter activities to do in Budapest, with Europe’s largest ice skating rink only recently renovated and opened in the picturesque surroundings of the City Park, Vajdahunyad Castle and Hero’s Square.

• Hiking boots: the Buda Hills have many scenic hiking trails perfect leisurely strolls interrupted by mulled wine stops.

The City Park ice-skating rink reopens to be the largest one of not just of the city, but the whole of Europe! Back in business after a 3-year break, its long awaited opening originally scheduled for August was postponed several times and finally happened at the beginning of November. Budapest could not be happier! Since its grand opening, it has already hosted the Fridge Festival, a worthy comeback for this grand facility.

Its reconstruction fully conserved the main building’s late 19^th century essence, preserving its original gold clad pillars and banister, just one of the many aspects that will make a visit feel like a trip back in time. Alongside oozing old-day charm, the facility now boasts with the most modern technologies. The new rink is 15% larger than the original one, with a sweeping capacity of 4000 to 10 000 people. Winter in Budapest is not the same without it – welcome back!

Cram-packed with the city’s Jewish culture, it’s kosher restaurants and shops galore. The Blue Rose – a restaurant with traditional Hungarian and Jewish cuisine – is located just behind the Dohány Street Synagogue. The Hannah, another traditional Jewish restaurant not far from the Blue Rose, is known for not only its affordable prices, but its charm and delicious kosher cuisine. Like most such restaurants of the district, it is attached to a small synagogue and school building.

Blue Rose (Photo courtesy of: www.kekrozsaetterem.hu/)

The narrow streets  of the Jewish Quarter oozing eclectic charm are also house numerous kifőzdes, where home cooked style Hungarian dishes can be had at real Hungarian prices. The Kádár Étkezde is a renowned example of its kind, winning several awards, all hung on the walls alongside retro pictures and articles cut out from old newspapers. It also serves traditional Hungarian and kosher dishes.

Kadar Kifőzde (Photo courtesy of: ilzer.freeblog.hu)

The cukrászda (coffee house) culture of Budapest thrives in the neighbourhood on a whole different level. Unlike the glamorous cukrászdas along the Andrassy Avenue, Great Ring Road or Vörösmarty Square with luxurious furnishing in spacious renovated turn of the century buildings, the coffee houses and patisseries of the 7th District are smaller and more romantic, a fine example of which is the Café Noé. Walking in from the Ring Road towards the heart of the district along Wesselényi Road, one will past this tiny gem. Its homey atmosphere and delicious home-made cakes has secured a base of regular local customers as well as catering to the occasional visitor whose fancy it catches on a stroll through the neighbourhood.

Café Noé (Photo courtesy of: http://brow.hu/projects/torta/index.php?menu=uzleteink)

There’s more. A Japanese sushi bar, Sushi Sei, has recently opened to further extend the district’s repertoire. Sushi and sake in a stylish modern restaurant amongst 19th century facades – a real experience!  El Rapido, also a fairly new addition to the dining scene of the 7th District, is a small Mexican restaurant with an alternative design, which not only serves Mexican foods from an open kitchen, but also has a wall full of import delicacies such as spices, sweets and drinks.

Sushi Sei (Photo courtesy of: http://bpex.hu)

The Váci Street and Vörösmarty Square ensemble, a magical part of Budapest regardless of season, puts on a whole new face around Christmas time. Everything is bathed in orange light, and the mouth watering smell of gingerbread, mulled wine and grilled sausages fill the air, much like during the infamous Vienna Christmas Fair. Those cliché Christmas lights that decorate the streets mid-November on never get old, recreating the same magical atmosphere year after year. The streets fill with locals and visitors alike, all united in their goal of indulging all their senses in the invigorating atmosphere, spoiled rotten for choice by stall after stall of food, drink and hand-made goods.

Ski Arena

Being the newest ski resort of the country, the Ski Arena boasts with the longest pisted runs and first ever four-seat chairlift of the country. Its only setback is the huge crowds it attracts on weekends, which can take away its leisurely charm.

Ski Arena (Photo courtesy of: sielok.hu)

On arriving, don’t let the surrounding plateau put you off, as the resort itself is built on a set of artificial hills on the southernmost part of the Bakony (for lack of a better term) mountain range. 132km from Budapest, it is roughly an hour and a half by car, but a direct transfer is also available for those without a ride and wanting to avoid the hassle of trekking down via public transport with skis or snowboard in hand. Additional services include rentals, lessons, restaurant and on-slope café, free parking and a number of accommodations for those wishing to extend their stay.

Sí Park

Set on the slopes of the Mátra mountain range famous for its outstanding microclimate, the Sí Park with its 3.4km worth of pisted runs allows for 90 days of skiing a year! The whole resort including a small fun park and an on-piste wooden restaurant has a lovely alpine atmosphere.

Sí Park (Photo courtesy of: sielok.hu)

Flood lights along the main blue run allow for late night skiing, plus a number of extra services such as rentals and accommodations for those wishing to extend their stay are also available. Located 111km from Budapest, it is roughly an hour and a half by car, or by bus, which conveniently stops at the top of the resort.

Kékestető

Located on the tallest slopes of the Mátra mountain range with a peak of 1014m, Kékestető’s 3km worth of pisted runs comprise the highest ski resort of the country, which has come to be known for having the longest uninterrupted ski run of something over 1km (yay!).

Kékestető (Photo courtesy of: sielok.hu)

Like all the above mentioned resorts, Kékestető also provides a number of extra services including rentals, restaurants and accommodation for those wishing to extend their stay, some with excellent wellness facilities. Located 99km from Budapest, it is under an hour and a half by car, two hours by bus.

Dobogókő

Dobogókő in the Pilis mountain range boasts with one of the best microclimates of the country, also providing snow covered slopes for up to 90 days a year. Its 2.2km worth of pisted runs are located in a picturesque wooded surrounding also perfect for sleigh rides, strolls, cross country skiing and freerideing for the more advanced riders. A ski lift with an extra stop half way up the slope provides beginners with the opportunity of popping off before the steeper runs. Located 36km from Budapest, it can be reached within under an hour by car, but no convenient bus services are available.

Dobogúkő (Photo courtesy of: sielok.hu)

Visegrád

Visegrád with its 1.7km worth of pisted runs is one of the smallest resorts of the country, but very homey for that reason. It is a roughly 15 minute drive from the lovely little town of Szentendre, and can be reached from Budapest in under an hour. A number of jumps serve to entertain the more advanced riders, while the children’s slope is perfect for beginner to acquire those first moves.

Visegrád (Photo courtesy of: sielok.hu)