Rejuvenating Weekend: Spas, Nature and Relaxation

Description:

This museum has been waiting 1900 years for your visit. You will not hear anyone saying "Hail Caesar" here, but the remains of this Roman settlement and military camp with a governor's palace are more than impressive. It appears to be on the small side from the outer fence, but once you enter, you will realize how extensive it is. To reach it, from the Batthány tér metro station, take the Szentendre HÉV (suburban train) to the Aquincum stop. If you have a transportation pass, you do not need any additional tickets for the HÉV. When you get off of the train, cross the street and walk back in the direction you just came. The museum is one block away.

Our Local Expert Says:

This legendary au naturel Turkish bath should be at the top of a must-do list in Budapest!

Description:

Of the four remaining Turkish baths dating back to the 16th century, the Rudas is most famous. It is located at the foot of Gellért Hill on the geological fault line running along the embankment to the Margaret Island, where the medicinal thermal water surfaces. Its water is ideal for treating joint problems, calcium deficiency and lung disease amongst others.

The Ottoman cupola, octagonal plunge pool and four small corner pools of varying temperatures have been preserved in their original form, comprising the main part of the bath. A drinking hall for drinking cures can also be found, ideal for stomach problems.

The plunge pools still operates according to Turkish tradition: it's women's day on Tuesday and men's day on the remaining four days of the week. Saturday and Sunday are co-ed. A co educated swimming pool, a recent addition to the bath house, is open to men and women seven days a week.

Description:

This bridge is named for Hungary's most beloved queen. The original Erzsebet Bridge, completed in 1903, was destroyed during World War II (as were all the other bridges). The new version is a white suspension bridge shooting out from the base of Gellert Hill and into Kossuth Lajos utca, perpendicular to Budapest's main shopping street; Vaci utca. Constructed from a design by Pal Savoly, it was finished in 1964.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is a throwback to “old” Hungary, nothing here has changed in years. Look around for the pastry you’d like, pay for it ahead of time and then exchange your receipt for your chosen cake. Then stand at the window and watch the world go by. Very, very Budapest. Highly recommended.

Description:

A perfect example of Communist era buffets, this shop is a great place for a quick breakfast and people-watching. You can have a decent cappuccino or tea with pastry or cakes. The ice cream is pretty good too. Pay first and then collect your food at the counter.

Our Local Expert Says:

Shopping and coffee in a gorgeous setting! The beautiful Secessionist buildings lining the promenade are enough reason themselves to visit this elegant promenade, but the shops and cafés located in their ground floors add a little bonus!

Description:

This wonderful pedestrian-only street runs from Vorosmarty ter all the way to Vamhaz korut and the beautiful Market Hall. It is bisected near the Elizabeth Bridge (where there is an underpass)-this is the point where the pedestrian section used to end but a few years back a second section was made pedestrian as well. While the first section is lively and popular, the new area has more charm and authenticity. Together, they are both truly European: dozens of cafés, fancy shops and boutiques and some truly stunning architecture. Don't forget to look up as you stroll down Vaci utca - some of the façades are truly amazing.

Our Local Expert Says:

This "Central Park" of Budapest, situated on an island in the Danube between Buda and Pest, is a great escape from the heat and hubbub of the city. Ideal for kids, joggers, swimmers, bikers, or a long, romantic walk with your loved one.

Description:

Once called Rabbit Island due to a rabbit infestation, the name changed to Margaret Island honoring the daughter of King Béla; she spent her life as a nun on this island. Today, Margaret Island is a recreation spot for all ages. On Margaret Island, you will find walking and jogging trails, a petting zoo, bicycle rentals, beautiful gardens with seasonal flowers, and lush green spaces to sunbathe or benches to just relax. Historical remains include remnants of the Dominican convent and a 13th century Franciscan church. During warm seasons, Margaret Island hosts a number of eateries ranging from a quick snack to full meals. It is also the home to the seasonal Palatinus swimming complex and open-air theater.

Our Local Expert Says:

Eiffel was smitten with Budapest upon visiting and moved his family here soon thereafter; during the 10 years or so he lived in Budapest, his firm completed a larger number of projects, among them this imposing station.

Description:

This is a beautiful beaux-arts train station, befitting a grand European capital. It was designed by the Eiffel firm (the architect was August de Serres), and the relationship to the famous tower is evident in the gracious style of the cast-iron frame and ample windows. The station was finished in 1877 and nearly demolished in the twentieth century, but ended up being completely renovated. Nowadays, it is used as a point of departure for trains heading eastwards.

Description:

This short metro line (marked in yellow on all the maps) was the first underground railway to be built in continental Europe (London's was the first ever). It was built just below street level for the 1896 millennium celebrations. Only 11 stations long, it starts at Vorosmarty ter, followed by Deak ter and heads up through Opera and Oktagon, running under Andrassy ut to Hosok tere and finishing two stops later at Mexikoi ut. As it takes in many of the tourist sites, it's a very useful and quick way of getting about. All the stations were refurbished in 1995/6 and remain virtually exactly the same as they were when first built. Make sure you go down the correct entrance - trains run on the same side as the direction of the traffic above them. Normal metro/bus tickets can be used.

Our Local Expert Says:

The largest and most beautiful bath house of the city - no visit to Budapest is complete without a visit to Széchényi!

Description:

Though not the oldest thermal bath in the city, it is definitely the most beautiful! The pale yellow Neo Classicist building of the Széchényi Thermal Bath houses the largest spa of the city and of central Europe, though this will not be apparent from its exterior.

Once inside, an endless number of pools seem to unfold in a palace-like interior. Indoor and outdoor pools are filled with thermal water of varying temperatures and mineral content, all fed by two of the 123 thermal springs under Budapest. A swimming pool for those after some exercise, a wave pool for the kids, saunas and steam rooms plus a massage salon and a physiotherapy department can all be found in the complex.

Széchényi awaits guests with long opening hours between 6 am and 10 pm, so whether it'd be after a long day of sightseeing or a long night out, this is the place to relax!

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the classiest choices in the city. Pricey but worth every penny!

Description:

The Kogart Restaurant is one of the classiest choices in the city, located inside a beautifully modernized 19th century mansion below the Kogart Art Gallery. The walls are decorated by paintings and even the chair and table covers are a work of art, not to mention the exquisite cuisine comprising of modernized Hungarian standards.

Our Local Expert Says:

The so-called Champs Elysses of Budapest, perhaps the most glamorous address on the Pest side. Home to the Opera, Zenga, and Louis Vuitton.

Description:

No trip to Budapest is complete without a stroll down the historic Andrássy út or Andrássy Avenue. Often referred to as the Champ d'Illysees of Budapest, the avenue dates back to 1872, when it was created to span from Erzsébet tér (Elizabeth Square) to Városliget (City Park). When walking from the lower end, you will pass numerous buildings with eclectic Neo-renaissance facades. Many upscale designer boutiques have opened a shop on this tree-lined avenue, so you can window shop at Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Gucci, and Roberto Cavalli as well as others. For the 1896 Millennium celebration, the Yellow metro line was built. City officials at the time were concerned that too many horse and carriages would destroy the avenue. The Yellow metro is the first subway in continental Europe and only the second in the world after London. Once past Oktogon, the avenue expands into a boulevard where it is most obvious why it earned a World Heritage Site designation.

Our Local Expert Says:

Stunning view of the city from the top of the ferris wheel! Wonderful place to spend an afternoon, with or without children.

Description:

This is a must if you're traveling with kids or are a child at heart. Some rides in particular aren't to be missed. The 100-year-old Merry-Go-Round (Körhinta), constructed almost entirely of wood, has been restored to its original grandeur, though it still creaks mightily as it spins. The riders must actively pump to keep the horses rocking, and authentic Würlitzer music plays. The Roller Coaster, operating since 1926, has a wooden frame and is listed as a historic monument. You will rush over nine waves before finishing the ride. The Ikarus will tickle your senses with its 30m (98-ft.) height and 30kmph (18 mph) speed making for a titillating 3-minute ride.

Our Local Expert Says:

Second oldest zoo in Europe featuring a fabulous Elephant’s House designed by Eiffel. A dazzling array of exhibits and creatures spread over a vast terrain.

Description:

This zoo could do with more funds but it is slowly being done up. The main entrance is located right next to the famous Gundel restaurant, and a nice combination is to stop in there for a coffee before or after your visit. The zoo is just one part of this very entertaining part of the city. Within a few hundred meters you will also find Heroes' Square, two excellent museums, a huge park, an amusement park, thermal baths and more. The entrance is a delightful art-deco whimsy. There are elephants, giraffes, monkeys, rhinos and of course, ice cream stands. Check website for further details including admission prices.

Our Local Expert Says:

This vast park is home to the legendary Szechenyi Baths as well as the first statue of George Washington erected in Europe (1906). It also gives home to a fabulous, bizarre, trashy/chic flea market on Sundays - watch your wallets!

Description:

Formally established for the Millennium Celebrations of 1896, exhibitions were held all over the park to commemorate the Hungarian Conquest; the Magyar tribes settling down in the Carpathian Basin in 896. Today it remains the lovely park it used to be, covering an area of 302 acres. Scattered around the park you will find grassy areas ideal for picnics, the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Hungarian State Circus, a rather old Amusement Park, the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath, the Vajdahunyad Castle, built to represent all the Hungarian architectural styles, plus many other forms of entertainment depending on the season. The City Park is also home to a number of restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets.