Christmas in Budapest

Budapest is a beautiful European city with a relatively small, pleasant center that leaves you wanting more. We flew in for three and a half days, just before Christmas, and the atmosphere in the city was festive, with everything illuminated and decorated. We were blessed with weather around 9-10 degrees Celsius during the day, which is considered pleasant in European terms, and truth be told, it wasn't too cold at all. We could easily stroll around outside and soak up the magical atmosphere of the city.

The city is divided into two parts: Buda, which lies to the west of the Danube River, and Pest, which is on its eastern side. Everything is relatively close, and you can walk through most of the city.

Accommodation

We stayed at the M-Square Hotel, part of the Leonardo chain, a charming hotel with a central location. The rooms had a modern design, were clean, and well-maintained. The breakfast at the hotel was average; we tried it on the first morning, although we didn't plan on it initially since we intended to eat at more interesting places, which is also my recommendation. Venture out of the hotel and dine in the city; there's plenty to choose from.

Getting Around

We downloaded the local taxi app, Bolt, which was easy to use, offered cheap prices, and didn't require cash. Highly recommended! Besides that, most of the time, we walked around. The city is relatively flat, and it's enjoyable to explore on foot.

Points of Interest

Christmas Markets - The markets were scattered all over the city during the period we visited, adding significantly to the magical atmosphere. The central market is located near the Szent István Basilica, where light shows and live performances take place in the evening. At the fair, you can find handicrafts, jewelry, bags, and of course, stalls of local food and mulled wine to warm up with.

The Parliament Building - This beautiful and impressive building is located on Kossuth Lajos Square, on the banks of the Danube River. The construction of the building was completed in 1904, in a Gothic style with a tall dome in its center. You can take a 45-minute tour inside, although we opted out.

Fisherman's Bastion - Perhaps the most famous attraction in the city, it is located on the Buda side of the city, offering a beautiful view of the Pest side, the Danube River, and the Parliament building. As famous as it is, it's also crowded with tourists, so be prepared for that. Nearby is the renowned and recommended Ruszwurm pastry shop, where we tried the cream puffs and the milk jam cake. Both were delightful, honestly, I didn't understand what the fuss was about. From the Fisherman's Bastion, it's recommended to continue on foot towards Buda Castle. From there, you can enjoy a stunning view of the city and then walk along the Danube to the impressive Margaret Bridge and back to the Pest side.

Széchenyi Baths - We booked in advance for three different bathhouses in the city and debated whether to go for Széchenyi, which is the most famous and touristy. In the end, following a recommendation from friends, we chose Széchenyi, and we were not disappointed. It's a massive complex, consisting of two ancient buildings with two outdoor pools between them. Upon entry, you can choose whether to buy a ticket with a cabin, which is a sort of locker room for changing clothes and storing belongings, one such cabin is sufficient for a couple. Beyond the outdoor pools, in the second building, you can find dozens of pools with different temperatures, saunas, and showers. There is also a spa offering a variety of treatments and even a beer spa where you can soak in water containing beer ingredients and simultaneously enjoy a cold beer on tap, which requires an additional fee for entry.

City Park Ice Rink and Boating - This is the largest ice skating surface in Europe. It is located near Heroes' Square. The number of visitors varies, so to avoid waiting in line at the entrance, it's advisable to visit the website and book tickets and skates in advance. We did this in less than five minutes when we arrived and saw the line. Entrance costs 2000 Forints, and skate rental is 2500 Forints per person. There are lockers and free baggage storage for visitors, which is very convenient. We went in the evening, and the atmosphere felt like a big party where everyone was skating (instead of dancing), which was very cool for those who enjoy the experience.

Restaurants in Budapest

Budapest is definitely a culinary destination, rich in restaurants of various levels, from street food stalls in the Christmas markets to Michelin-starred restaurants. Here you can find a variety of options, from traditional and simple to modern and sophisticated. Since it's an Eastern European city, you'll find that prices are generally much lower than expected, which only enhances the experience.

Breakfast Places

Szimply - A small and charming place that serves interesting and tasty breakfasts. If you arrive during peak hours, there's a coffee shop next door (owned by the same owners) where you can wait for a table while enjoying an excellent cup of coffee.

Cirkusz Cafe - Offers an American diner-style breakfast where you can customize your meal. Very tasty! Most dishes come on fresh bagels, and you can watch the kitchen while waiting at the entrance. We arrived during peak hours and were surprised at how quickly they seated us. Don't give up if there's a line at the entrance.

A table - A French patisserie that serves sandwiches and French pastries alongside rich breakfasts served on fresh bread.

Lunch/Dinner Options

Aszu etterem - Offers traditional Hungarian cuisine at a chef's restaurant level. We had lunch there, and every dish was a success. Don't miss out on the goulash!

Costes Downtown - Decorated with a Michelin star, this downtown restaurant offers highly recommended lunch options at a very affordable price compared to Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide. It's advisable to book in advance.

360 Bar - Heated igloos on the roof of a large hotel in the city. The bar serves a selection of beloved cocktails, but the food options are not diverse, so I would recommend eating beforehand. The place is mainly a tourist gimmick.

Street Food Karavan Budapest - Built from caravans with a central area under the sky. Each caravan serves a dish in a specific style, and the variety is wide - from local food to falafel and pizza. What we tasted was excellent, fresh, and of high quality.

ONYX Restaurant - The best restaurant in Budapest. Winner of two Michelin stars and definitely the highlight of the city's culinary scene in my opinion. Reservations are required. It offers a delicious meal with two options: 5 or 7 courses, with a choice between a local cuisine-style menu and an international one. The dishes come progressively, and each one is a unique experience. Highly recommended!