The Perfect Long Weekend in Budapest

Description:

After visiting the adjacent synagogue, you will probably want to learn a little more about the history of Jews in Hungary. This popular museum traces their history from the early days up until modern times, with special emphasis placed on the tragic events of the Second World War. The Holocaust Memorial Room is also located inside. There is also a large collection of historical ceremonial items on display, collected from across Europe. From November to April, the museum closes two hours earlier than stated below.

Our Local Expert Says:

The second-largest synagogue in the entire world is simply a must-see for visitors of any religion; tours leave hourly on the half-hour. Arrive early to negotiate the crowds, purchase tickets, and pass through security.

Description:

The Neolog Jewish community of Budapest built the Dohány Synagogue or also called the Great Synagogue. Neolog Judaism is similar to Conservative Judaism, but is mostly located in Hungarian speaking parts of Europe. Due to this and its Christian architects, many are surprise that the interior of the Dohány Synagogue resembles a church more than a traditional Jewish house of worship. With 2,964 seats, this is the second largest working synagogue in the world, after one in New York City. During World War II, the Dohány Synagogue was a place of internment for Jews; hence, you will notice the graveyard on the synagogue grounds, which is against Jewish burial laws.

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:

The place to take a stroll enjoying the picturesque view of the Buda hills!

Description:

This pleasant elevated walkway is much less crowded than Vaci utca and has magnificent views across the Danube to the Buda side. You will pass several of the city's finest hotels - all of which are equipped with spacious, sun-drenched terraces - as well as many private restaurants and cafés. You will also see the famous, ever-popular Budapest wooden chairs and benches - if you have a good look around you'll eventually find a free one. The No 2 tram runs between the korzo and the river and down below is a road where cars rush by out of sight. If you continue walking to the northern end of the korzo, you'll reach the Chain Bridge.

Our Local Expert Says:

This public tram offers stunning views of the Castle District as it snakes its way by the Parliament and along the Danube, passing by the Vigado and Academy of Sciences, among others. Excellent photography opportunities abound. Recommended after dark.

Description:

Tram number 2 and 2a are used for normal public transport, but they also offer the tourist a wonderful ride. Running along an elevated section on the Duna side of the Danube, the tram windows offer exceptional views of Castle Hill, Gellert Hill, the Fisherman's Bastion and so on. Conveniently, the tram ends just past the parliament buildings. It's a great tour and only costs the price of a normal tram ticket.

Description:

This cool, mystic restaurant and bar is the perfect place to go eat, drink, and relax in downtown Pest. The atmosphere and décor is modern-Indian with deep reds and dark woods. The food is a mix of Indian, Asian, and modern international cuisine and the drinks are both traditional and tropical. Tandoori Chicken that has been seasoned all-night and slow-roasted served with naan bread is a Karma specialty and a favorite among customers. Choose from over 50 different teas and coffees and enjoy outdoor seating in the warmer months.

Our Local Expert Says:

Their caviar appetizer is phenomenal and their wine list very long.

Description:

The Café Bouchon is a homey, elegant restaurant on a quiet side-street behind the Opera House serving French and international cuisine. The name comes from the French word 'La Bouchon', typical little family-run restaurants in the province of Lyon, who aim to differ from conventional restaurants by creating a homey atmosphere whilst providing insight into the everyday lives of locals. Larger posters separate the tables from each other allowing a degree of privacy making it perfect for romantic dates.

Our Local Expert Says:

While in Budapest to film Munich, Steven Spielberg repeatedly dined here; apparently, he has excellent taste in food! Intimate space, reservations (several days beforehand at weekends) essential.

Description:

Cafe Kor first opened several years ago as a miniscule bar but has since occupied a more spacious premises near the Basilica. The warm orange walls and light brown wood give the impression of Mediterranean heat. This light, airy bistro is very popular with young ex-pats, students, and Hungarian yuppies seeking lighter fare (as opposed to the heavier European food present in the area). You'll find great salads, caviar and vodka, and their delicious carpaccio. Relax and enjoy.

Our Local Expert Says:

You may well be the only tourists here but this hole-in-the-wall will be packed with regulars. A longtime haunt of Jewish intellectuals, come not only for the cuisine but for the Fellini-esque experience, one you are unlikely to forget.

Description:

Kadar is only open at lunchtime and if you come on a Saturday it will be hard to get a table. It serves non-Kosher Jewish dishes, which are also traditional Hungarian standards. The walls are covered with photographs of famous or much-loved guests. Not only is Kadar atmospheric and friendly, the food is heavenly too. Matzo ball soup made with excellent chicken broth can be followed by one of the boiled beef dishes which is served with a choice of sauces (gooseberry, sour cherry or horseradish) and arrives on a ceramic airplane-style all-in-one plate. The crispy goose leg with tangy cabbage) and the stuffed cabbage are a hit with Hungarians and visitors alike. There's no alcohol but you can drink raspberryade or help yourself from the soda siphons on each table.

Description:

The Opera House is a visual delight at Andrássy út 22 with its Neo-renaissance architecture mixed with elements of Baroque. The architect, Miklós Ybl also designed the original Parliament building along with the St. Stephen's Basilica. It was Emperor Franz Joseph who funded and opened the Opera House in 1884.

Adorning the first level are statues of the Greek muses of the arts. There you may also recognize statues of Franz Liszt and Ferenc Erkel, the "Father of Hungarian Opera". Treat your senses by stepping into the lobby to see the fabulous frescoes. Though the interior is not so huge, only seating 1,261, the acoustics are considered the third best in the world. You may recognize the Opera House from the movie Munich. A Hollywood transformation turned the Opera House and all of the surrounding blocks into a Parisian venue for filming.

Our Local Expert Says:

Being amongst the most stunning architectural masterpieces of the city (and that is making quite a statement), the museum is frequently used for film shoots and weddings. Worth a visit, if only to marvel at the truly breathtaking exterior!

Description:

If your purpose for traveling is to explore different cultures, then you must to see the Ethnographic Museum featuring the cultural history of Hungary. The building itself was once the Supreme Court, explaining why the ceiling fresco of Justitia, the goddess of justice adorns the entrance ceiling. The permanent exhibition named "Folk Culture of the Hungarians" displays the everyday life and festivals of the Hungarian peasantry with dioramas within thirteen rooms. Although this is the primary focal point, temporary exhibitions are continuously opened and cover a wide variety of topics.

Our Local Expert Says:

This legendary Budapest institution is always packed; if you’re looking for a fabulous taste of Budapest coffee culture, skip the overrun Muvesz and head here for the real deal- a coffee and pastry or full meal.

Description:

First opened in 1887, the Central soon became the haunt of writers, poets and journalists. There are now even Internet facilities. A non-smoking balcony offers fresh air. The tables are square blocks of marble with rather severe wooden chairs. Try the 'Maria Thereza' coffee, a lethal blend of Cointreau, espresso and whipped cream. Or a flodni, a divine Jewish pastry with layers of apple, walnuts and poppy seeds. A variety of salads, seafood, chicken and pasta dishes are also available.

Our Local Expert Says:

Tops a short-list of "must-see" architecture in Budapest; strongly recommended. English language tours daily at 10, 12, and 2. Reservations are essential, particularly as there are new security regulations due to recent political troubles.

Description:

The Hungarian House of Parliament designed by Imre Steindl stands 96 meters tall, reminding the nation of the glorious year of the Hungarian Conquest in 896, symbolizing the grandeur of the Habsburg Empire to this day. Its design is similar to the Palace of Westminster in London and is the second largest parliament building in Europe. Taking part in one of the scheduled tours around the building, you will be led up the magnificent staircase where a dome hovers over a 16-sided hallway and statues of Hungarian rulers ornament each of the sides. Here you will also be privy to viewing the legendary St. Stephen's crown that was kept at the U.S. Pentagon for safety during World War II. The dazzling stain glass windows are the work of the famous Hungarian artist, Miksa Róth.

Our Local Expert Says:

An exceptionally fabulous café in a city of fabulous cafés! On the surface it appears to be inhabited by chain smoking artists and their admirers like in the olden days, but today it is a down-to-earth café with great coffee, photos and atmosphere. Worth a visit, or two!

Description:

Mai Manó Café is located in the middle of Budapest 'Soho', in the vicinity of some good theatres the Opera, and the House of Hungarian Photography. It is named after the first owner of the remarkable building who was the emperor's photographer at the turn of the century. The Mai Manó Gallery that occupies the rest of the building is one the best photo exhibition halls in town. It is worth paying attention to the café's small collection as well. The interior design is a lovely mix of art nouveau and arabesque motifs. If you want a table on the terrace you'd better arrive before the plays are over in theatres (around 10p) because the place gets stuffed full of actors and thirsty spectators. On sunny mornings, you'll find regulars reading the newspaper and having one of 20 marvelous coffees the house offers on the terrace among the company of their dogs.

Our Local Expert Says:

Fifteen years ago, Liszt Square was quiet and full of Japanese students heading to the music academy. Then this bar opened up and changed Budapest forever.

Description:

This is the first café that opened on List Ferenc ter, one of the city's most popular downtown locations. The square is extremely accessible and consequently gets pretty crowded as soon as the bars open. Make sure you keep a watchful eye on your belongings as professional pickpockets prowl the area. Incognito has a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for sipping your afternoon coffee or evening beer, while seated on comfortable second-hand chairs with friends. The walls are covered with framed album covers of Sly Stone, James Brown, Steely Dan and other heroes of the 1970s. The music policy is predominantly acid jazz - the waiters even wear t-shirts with this emblazoned on the front. Needless to say, in warmer weather the outside tables are extremely popular.

Our Local Expert Says:

Because the Gresham Palace is rumoured to be the finest property in the Four Seasons portfolio, it is well-worth coming here for a coffee or pastry only if to marvel at the breathtaking architecture and bask in their pampering service.

Description:

The Gresham Restaurant, also known as the Páva offers one of the best fine dining experiences in an elegant Art Nouveau atmosphere, serving a wonderful mix of Mediterranean and contemporary delicacies. Even though because the menu changes every two weeks and there is never a wide range to choose from, it never fails to satisfy.

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:

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.

Our Local Expert Says:

Watching night fall upon Pest is an unbelievable experience from here. The crooked little medieval streets bathed in warm yellow light also create and unmatchable atmosphere.

Description:

After you've seen the Royal Palace, take a stroll northwards. The medieval street network remains unaltered and although most of the buildings have been thoroughly restored (the war damage was severe) many retain their original features. You will be able to see the remains of the Dominican monastery; note the Plague monument outside Matyas Church; walk along the castle walls on the Buda side and see the Turkish tombstones at the north-western corner. There are many places to eat out here, but you should expect to pay tourist prices.

Description:

The Ellátó is a cheap restaurant and bar located in the Jewish District. It does not advertise, as according to the owner the best advertisement is no advertisement at all. This word-of-mouth tactic works well for the Ellátó, but we at NileGuide could not resist writing a few sentences about them. The atmosphere is laid-back, interior slightly shabby-chick with great service and a terrace during the summer months.