Wake up surrounded by the Art Nouveau elegance of the Parisi Udvar Hotel Budapest, an architectural gem located a few blocks from the Danube in the center of the city. Thanks to booking your stay through our agency, you can enjoy complimentary breakfast for two at the Parisi Passage Cafe, where they serve Hungarian delicacies and premium coffee in the magnificent atrium of this historic building.
Budapest is a walking city, and there's no better place to begin your explorations than the 5th district, the heart of Pest, which forms a semicircle against the river. Be sure to admire one of the finest examples of Hungarian Art Nouveau in the city - the former Royal Postal Savings Bank and current National Bank of Hungary. Take it slow in this neighborhood, appreciating the intricate iron gates of the entrances and the nature-inspired artistry of the facades.
Afterward, you'll no doubt be hungry. Head to Espresso Embassy, with its vaulted ceilings and friendly service, for a cup from one of their award-winning baristas. If you're feeling peckish, grab a kakaos csiga - similar to a cinnamon roll but improved with chocolate - for a classic Hungarian snack.
From the Embassy, swing by the majestic Parliament building; it's a bit large for a modest Central European country, but it was built in an era when the Kingdom of Hungary stretched from the Adriatic to present-day Romania. After working up an appetite, backtrack up the street and hit Cafe Kor for lunch. The roasted duck leg with mashed potatoes and purple cabbage is a local favorite, but you really can't go wrong with the rotating menu of classic Hungarian dishes. And since Hungary is a land of soups, be sure not to miss their vegetable soup of the day.
Work off that duck by heading across Erzsebet Bridge and up Gellert Hill, where you'll find an outstanding view of the city. It's particularly magical at sunset, when locals and visitors alike flock there to admire Budapest in all its glory. The walled area at the top is known as the Citadella; after the failed revolution of 1848, it was built by the Habsburgs to keep watch over the restless Hungarians.
As evening falls, head to the city's up-and-coming 8th district for drinks, which is rapidly transforming into one of its most dynamic areas. Once there, let the welcoming and knowledgeable staff at Cintanyeros guide you through the wide world of Hungarian wines. Somewhat neglected during the communist era in favor of mass production, Hungarian wine is back in a big way. Try a dry white Furmint from the Tokaj region in northeastern Hungary or a red from the volcanic plains of Villany.
For dinner, there's no better way to experience Hungary's rich cuisine than at Rosenstein's, also in the 8th district. Tucked away on a street near Keleti railway station, the food is classic Hungarian-Jewish and an absolute treat. The menu is extensive and has something for everyone (except, perhaps, vegetarians), though one to aim for would be its solet, a tasty Hungarian take on the Jewish bean stew, cholent.
End the night back at your hotel, the Parisi Udvar Hotel Budapest, for a nightcap at Parisi Passage Brasserie. We recommend ordering the "Midnight in Budapest," a special cocktail experience made from a combination of Martell VSOP cognac, Marton es Lanyai apple palinka aged five years, pear, honey, rosemary and caramel. Egeszsegedre - to your health!
