This time of year, Hungarys capital looks like its straight out of a fairy tale. Weve put together a short guide to everything you should see and do in Budapest at Christmas.
It doesnt take much to fall in love with this city. Embracing the majestic Danube, with Budas hills to the west and Pest to the east, Budapest is undoubtedly one of Europes most captivating capitals.Come once and youll surely want to return. If itsChristmas, even better.
This season, the capital of Hungary feels straight out of a fairy tale. Strolls in Buda and Pest against the backdrop of the Danubes calm waters, iconic landmarks, historic cafes – all blend uniquely into a setting perfect for feeling the magic of Christmas.
The Christmas markets
Budapest hosts some of Europes finest Christmas markets. The citys largest Christmas market is set up in Vörösmarty Square, at the end of the pedestrian street Váci Utca. There youll find traditional handicrafts, plenty of treats from Hungarian cuisine and, of course, mulled wine. Its also worth visiting the Advent Feast at St. Stephens Basilica, which has a small ice rink, or the market in Óbuda where locals go.
Ice skating
Among Budapests must-do festive experiences is skating on the vast open-air rink set up in Városligeti (City Park), ranked among the 10 best places for ice skating in Europe. This is the largest park in Pest, which also hosts the fairy-tale Vajdahunyad Castle and the Széchenyi Baths.
Relaxing in the thermal baths
With more than 100 natural thermal springs, Budapest is one of Europes most famous spa cities.One experience you shouldnt miss is a soak in the healing waters of the Szechenyi Baths.The Szechenyi Baths are among the largest in Europe and have been operating since 1913. With an impressive setting of 18 pools (15 indoor and 3 outdoor), the Szechenyi Baths are housed in a Neo-Baroque complex that you could easily mistake for a museum! Equally renowned are the Gellért Baths, in the famous Hotel Gellért, which impress with their architecture and grandeur. The Palace of Baths, as locals often call it, was founded in 1918, and a visit there offers a unique experience of relaxation and well-being with its 10 pools of various sizes and temperatures.
Christmas shopping
Budapests most famous pedestrian street, Váci Utca,is decorated like no other. The beautifully adorned shops and building facades make this promenade the ideal place for strolls and shopping.
A walk in the Castle District
Cross the impressive Chain Bridge (the first to link the two sides of the city, Buda and Pest) and go up on foot or by the picturesque funicularto the Castle area, in Buda, which is rich in attractions (protected by UNESCO). Visit the Royal Palace, which houses, among others, the Hungarian National Gallery, the neo-Gothic Matthias Church with its exquisitely beautiful stained glass and frescoes, as well as the Fishermans Bastion with its seven turrets, from where youll enjoy a magical view of Pest.
For coffee and cake, dont forget to visit Ruszwurm, the café-patisserie that has been an integral part of the areas history since 1827. Leaving Castle Hill, head south toward Gellert Hill for panoramic views of the Danube and the entire city.
See the city by tram and by boat
Take a ride on tram 2along the banks of the Danube, between Margaret Bridge and southern Pest. This line passes by almost everything worth seeing in the city center and the ride will cost you no more than a regular ticket. Alternatively, for a more distinctive tour, book a boat trip. An evening cruise on the Danube, with views of the citys illuminated bridges and Budas hills, is perhaps the most romantic experience you can have in Budapest.
The flavors
You cant leave Budapest without trying the famousgoulash (youll find it in many versions, from traditional to with a twist). It is essentially a dish somewhere between soup and stew with beef. Another famous dish served everywhere is chicken with paprika (a hallmark of the local cuisine is its love of paprika). Nagycsarnok, the Great Market Hall, built in 1897, is the ideal place for local delicacies. For your strolls, grab a langos, a delicious cross between a doughnut and a pancake, a favorite Hungarian street food.
The historic cafés
The historiccafes of Budapest are attractions in their own right. The most important is the New York Café, once voted the most beautiful cafe in the world. The impressive Baroque decor will transport you to another era. Gerbeaud Caféand Centrál are equally good choices for a journey through time.
