HOLIDAY TIME
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Brimming with historical landmarks and wonderful thermal baths, head to Budapest for a romantic Valentine’s trip away
WORDS: KATE O’GORMAN. PHOTOS: ALAMY, GETTY, FACEBOOK.COM @THE SWEET BY VINTAGE GARDEN
Souvenir shopping
2 Visit the historic Buda Castle
Beautiful sights
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Visit Castle Hill and explore its historic sites, starting with Buda Castle. The castle is free to enter, and the courtyards are open 24 hours a day for night owls wanting a midnight stroll. Its stunning architecture was restored after the damage from World War Two. It now houses the Széchényi National Library, the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery. While there, take in the breathtaking views from the Fisherman’s Bastion of the city and the River Danube and Chain Bridge.
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Head to the indoor Great Market Hall filled with Hungarian culture and traditions, where you can purchase gorgeous handcrafted items and artisan delicacies, regardless of the weather outside. The threefloor market is overflowing with souvenirs, food, jewellery and fashion accessories. Sample the city’s popular specialities with some decadent marzipan and mouth-watering chocolates.
Shop in the Great Market Hall
Float around in thermal baths
Time to relax
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Spend the day at the tranquil Széchényi Thermal Baths with 15 indoor and three outdoor pools (for around £17 per person, it’s worth the money). You must visit the large outdoor heated bath for an unforgettable experience with temperatures as high as 38C. Enjoy a game of chess or simply float around in the therapeutic spring water rich in sulphate, calcium and metaboric acid. If you want to splash out, indulge in a couple’s massage, but book this when buying your ticket.
