CALENDAR
BUSÓJÁ R Á S
Set in Moh ács, 210 km south of Budapest, Busójá r á s is a six-day carnival whose roots lie in ancient end-of-winter rituals. Men in frightening masks and sheepskin cloaks parade around town, some arriving in rowboats along the Danube. A giant bonfire is set up in the main square, and everywhere you can find live music and stalls offering grilled food and local crafts.
February 8-13
TRAVEL EXPO
The Travel Expo is a popular yearly exhibition in Budapest, where visitors gather around to find useful travel tips and learn about exciting new opportunities. The expo will feature several national and foreign destinations, a wide range of travel options, the diverse fleet of vehicles of Budapest Boat Show and the Caravan Salon, with this year’s special focus being active and adventure tourism.
utazas.hungexpo.hu
February 22-25
INDOOR BEER FEST
Hungary’s only winter beer festival is set to be held at the Vá rkert Baz á r, on February 23-24. Guests will be able to find all kinds of special brews at the twoday festival. The entry price also covers a tasting cup and unlimited beer samples from the exhibitors. Apart from the excellent domestic and foreign brews, organizers are also hosting a six-course beer dinner this year, for which visitors need to apply in advance.
indoorsorfeszt.hu
February 23-24
CLASSIC BUILDINGS
“KLOTILD AND MATILD”
The Klotild palaces comprise two neo-baroque buildings, named Klotild Palace and Matild Palace, in the heart of the city, standing opposite each other on the northern and southern sides of Rákóczi út. The plans for the palaces were drawn up in the late 19th century by Flóris Korb and Kálmán Giergl. Both buildings are easily noticable from afar thanks to their 48-metre high towers. The palaces were the first two buildings in Budapest to feature elevators. After sustaining extensive damage during World War II, the palaces went through an extensive restoration in the 1960s and received monument status nine years later. Today, Matild Palace is a luxury hotel and a culinary paradise. Austrian-American chef Wolfgang Puck opened his first European Spago restaurant here just a few years ago, and those looking to grab a cocktail or two may ascend to the top of the building and enter The Duchess, a secret liquor library with a great view.
ROYAL RIDING HALL
The reconstructed Royal Riding Hall stands as a remarkable structure within Buda Castle, complemented by the refurbished Csikós Courtyard, an ideal open-air setting for various events. As visitors enter, they are greeted by the majestic and sophisticated hall, boasting a 640 square metre space and a ceiling nearly 15 metres high, making it a unique location for corporate gatherings, conferences, exhibitions, as well as for grand occasions like balls and weddings. The presidential box on the upper floor offers a spectacular perspective of the hall, alongside additional service rooms and a bandstand situated on the same level.
CHURCHES
MATTHIAS CHURCH
Architect Frigyes Schulek spent over two decades meticulously blending medieval elements with fin-desiècle elegance to craft the current form of Matthias Church. Originating as the Church of our Lady in 1247, this historic site witnessed numerous coronations and royal weddings, including the two marriages of King M átyá s during Buda's Golden Age. The church, ravaged by fire in 1526 and transformed into a mosque by Turks in 1541, was re-established as a church following the Siege of Buda in 1686. Schulek painstakingly reconstructed the church, infusing his interpretation of French Gothic medieval architecture into each block. He collaborated with the Zsolnay ceramics firm from Pécs for the vibrant, glazed roof tiles that now define the church's distinct look. Schulek's touch also includes the stone spire's gargoyles. Today, while no longer a venue for coronations, the church is a vibrant cultural spot, hosting classical concerts during the summer months.
SAINT STEPHEN’S BASILICA
The St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest, named after Hungary's founding monarch Saint Stephen, stands as not only the city's but also the country's most significant church. Its construction spanned over 50 years, culminating in its unveiling in 1905. The project, initially led by chief architect Miklós Ybl, who concurrently worked on the opera house, was completed posthumously under József Kauser, an alumnus of the École des BeauxArts in Paris. Echoing the height of the nearby Parliament building, the Basilica reaches 96 meters, a tribute to Hungary's 1896 Millennial celebrations. Dominating the downtown Lipótváros skyline with its dome and twin towers, the Basilica now offers visitors a lift to the dome for a breathtaking panoramic view of Budapest. The most revered relic within the Basilica is the thousandyear-old mummified right hand of St. Stephen, known as the Szentjobb (Holy Right). This relic, symbolizing Hungary's Christian foundation under St. Stephen's reign, has traversed through Dalmatia, Bosnia, and Austria, before being placed in the Basilica in 1950. Annually, on August 20th, a national holiday and St. Stephen's feast day, this sacred artifact is ceremonially paraded around the area.
MUSEUMS
MUSEUM OF ETHNOGRAPHY
The new Museum of Ethnography in Budapest's City Park, a key part of the Liget Budapest Project, is a significant cultural landmark. Designed by Marcel Ferencz (NAPUR Architect), it is the first purpose-built ethnographic museum, offering vastly expanded exhibition space compared to its former location. The building, symbolizing embracing hillsides, features a unique facade with nearly half a million pixels depicting Hungarian and international ethnographic motifs and a sprawling 7,000 square metre rooftop garden with panoramic views. Awarded as the world's best public architecture at the International Property Awards in London in 2018, the museum now appropriately houses its diverse 250,000-piece collection, which includes items from the Carpathian Basin and around the globe.
HOUSE OF TERROR
Few museums in Budapest are as evocative as the House of Terror. Set in the same building where the events it describes took place, Andrássy út 60, the museum focuses on the torture of political opponents by the authorities during the war-time fascist and postwar communist eras. Torture cells and techniques are displayed, along with filmed interviews with some of those involved. The exhibition broadens out to show life in Budapest under communism from 1947 to 1989; the visitor is left in no doubt as to its negative consequences.
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
The Museum of Fine Arts, inaugurated in 1906, is one of Europe's foremost museums, renowned for its extensive collections. It features an array of domestic and international artworks from ancient times up to the 18th century and is known for hosting large-scale temporary exhibitions. Following an extensive renovation, the museum reopened in 2018, now meeting 21st-century standards for collection care and visitor experience.
Photo by Kurka Geza Corey
URBAN LEGENDS
LITTLE PRINCESS STATUE
Located on the Danube Promenade, this charming statue by László Marton is said to bring good fortune to those who touch it. Many tourists and locals alike rub the knees of the statue for luck, making them noticeably shinier than the rest of the figure. The artist was inspired by his eldest daughter born from his first marriage. She often played in the Tabán wearing a princess costume and a crown made out of newspaper by her father, and at home as well, pretending her bathrobes were a mantle.
ZERO KILOMETRE STONE
Located in Clark Ád á m tér, this stone marks the reference point from which all road distances to Budapest are measured. It's believed that touching the stone can ensure a safe journey and return to Budapest, making it a popular spot not only among tourists, but also locals embarking on a long trip. The stone is also one of the most popular geocaching locations in the country.
POLICEMAN STATUE
Situated at the corner of Zr í nyi utca and Október 6. utca, this statue of a portly policeman is believed to bring good luck in love and happiness if you rub his belly. It's a popular spot for both tourists and locals seeking a bit of fortune. It is a popular belief among foreign visitors that you can eat as much as you want without gaining any weight after rubbing the statue’s belly.
Photo by Frog Dares / Shutterstock.com
Photo by Nataliya Nazarova / Shutterstock.com
Photo by Gilmanshin / Shutterstock.com
GETTING AROUND BUDAPEST
TRAM 2
Tram No. 2 in Budapest offers one of the most picturesque public transport experiences in a European capital. Gliding along the Pest bank of the Danube, passengers enjoy views of the Parliament, the Buda hills, and the bustling Pest downtown. During Christmas, the tram becomes a festive attraction with its special light decorations, adding to the city’s charm.
FUNICULAR
Once a means of transport for Habsburg-era civil servants, the funicular now carries tourists from Clark Ád á m Square to the Royal Palace in mere minutes. Restored in the 1980s to its historic appearance, the funicular offers stunning city views as it ascends. With a capacity of 48 passengers, it offers a quick route to the top, near the National Gallery.
COG-WHEEL RAILWAY
Drawing inspiration from Nikolaus Riggenbach’s Alpine rail system, Budapest’s cog-wheel railway, originally a horse-drawn tram, travels from Vá rosmajor through the scenic Buda Hills to Normafa. Known as Tram No. 60, this unique transport option is fully integrated into the city’s network, offering picturesque journeys through Svábhegy and Széchenyi-hegy.
METRO 1
Metro Line 1, the oldest metro line in Budapest and second oldest in the world after London’s Underground, has been operational since 1896. Inaugurated by Emperor Franz Joseph, it was built to provide access to City Park while preserving Andrássy út’s streetscape. Commencing construction in 1894, it now transports over 100,000 passengers on a typical weekday.
EXCITING FLAVOURS
FINE DINING RESTAURANTS IN HUNGARY
The culinary evolution in Hungary has accelerated spectacularly over the past few years. While Budapest is already world famous for its quality restaurants, the Hungarian countryside seems to garner more and more recognition as we dive deeper into the 2020’s. According to the latest edition of the Michelin Guide, all restaurants that received stars last year managed to retain them, including the two-starred establishments Platán Gourmet in the town of Tata and Budapest’s Stand. The aforementioned culinary evolution is evidenced by the fact that, apart from the “stars”, seven countryside restaurants managed to get on the Bib Gourmand list. While all places in the following chapter offer world-class delicacies and top-notch guest experience, the diversity of their culinary offerings is truly remarkable. Whether you are looking for the tastes of Portugal, a memorable wine dinner, or just elevated Hungarian cooking, you simply cannot miss if you pay these restaurants a visit.
Photo by D á vid
Horp á czi
THE ENCHANTING WORLD OF BUDAPEST’S COFFEEHOUSES
Caf é culture in Budapest is now in its second golden era. Many of the capital’s coffeehouses, some having traditions that date back to the Dual Monarchy before World War I, have been restored to their former splendour and are once again awaiting guests. Naturally, there are also establishments following a more modern path, adding a twist to classical elegance and surprising coffee lovers with more than just excellent coffee.
While it was the Turkish invaders who first brought coffee to Hungary in the early Modern Age, the coffeehouse culture in Budapest really began to shine in the 19 th century, thanks to Viennese influences. It is also no wonder that Hungarian coffee culture also has links to the Italian one, as the port city of Trieste was also part of the monarchy’s territory. Interestingly, it was a Hungarian coffee merchant living in Trieste called Ferenc Illy who invented the world’s first automatic coffee machine which became the predecessor of today’s espresso machine.
At the turn of the 20 th century, there were about 500 caf é s operating in Budapest, and these establishments quickly became the favourites of intellectuals, poets, writers, and journalists. Coffeehouses such as New York and Central served as the centres of culture in the country, while other places like Gerbeaud invented marvellous cakes and sweets which would remain staples among confectioneries in the country to this day. Although the caf é culture was alive and well after the Great War, it fell victim to the after-effects of World War II and the communist takeover.
Many of these iconic venues were neglected until the change of regime in the country in 1989. Today, these places have once again popular spots for locals, expats, and tourists alike. Following modern trends, many caf é s in the capital now offer carefully roasted specialty coffees in an environment that evokes the classic elegance of the golden age of Budapest’s coffeehouses.
SPAS & SPORT
A Guide to Bathing, Playing, and Spectating in Hungary
Hungary, while renowned for its cultural landmarks, also offers a plethora of activities in sports, spas, and recreation. Budapest boasts a rich history of spa culture that dates back to Roman times, evident in the ancient name of the city, Aquincum, which highlights its healing waters. Enhanced by Ottoman influences, Budapest today is home to some of Europe's most celebrated bathhouses, like the Sz é chenyi and Rudas baths, now key attractions for visitors. These spas have evolved to become more inclusive and family-friendly, with many also serving as lidos for all-day leisure. Across Budapest, a variety of spas, day spas, and luxury hotels offer an array of treatments, therapies, and massages. Beyond relaxation, Hungary has made significant contributions to water sports, beginning in 1896 with the legendary swimmer and architect Alfr é d Hajós, also the first captain of Hungary's national football team, who won two gold medals. On land, Hungary marked a milestone in sports history in 1986 when Mogyoród, just 20 km northeast of Budapest, hosted the first Formula-1 Grand Prix in the Eastern Bloc. The Hungarian Grand Prix has since become an annual spectacle, drawing thousands of fans from across Europe to Mogyoród each summer.
BELVÁ ROS
The Vibrant Heart of Budapest
Belvá ros, nestled in the core of Budapest, is a dazzling downtown area brimming with life and luxury. This district, a blend of historical charm and modern allure, offers visitors an array of firstrate shopping experiences, five-star hotels, prestigious universities, exquisite restaurants, lively bars, and splendid museums. At its heart lies Vör ö smarty t é r, a square that pulsates with the city's rhythm and is named after Mih á ly Vör ö smarty, one of Hungary's most celebrated poets. His statue, towering three meters high, is surrounded by figures from his literary works. During the Advent season, Vör ö smarty t é r transforms into one of Europe's most enchanting Christmas markets, renowned for its soul-warming mulled wine, local delicacies, and festive atmosphere. The square is also the site of the historic Gerbeaud Coffeehouse, a testament to Budapest's caf é culture, offering sumptuous desserts and fine coffee. In warmer months, its outdoor seating becomes a prime spot for relaxation and people-watching. From here, Vá ci utca, one of Budapest's most vibrant streets, extends like a bustling artery. Frequented by tourists year-round, it is lined with a plethora
