Budapest city breaks

A little culture here, a little nightlife there – elegant Budapest ticks all the boxes. Split by the Danube River, it's a tale of two cities. On the UNESCO-stamped west side, amble through the tree-lined boulevards and cobbled streets of Buda and baroque buildings spring into view. Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church and Buda Castle will make you swoon. But that's just one part of this cosmopolitan city. After dark, over in the east, edgy Pest is the place to be. What are you in the mood for? Take your pick from quirky ruin pubs and underground clubs to rooftop terraces and cool cocktail bars. Hangovers can be cured at the grand, centuries-old bathhouses peppered throughout the Hungarian capital – there are lots to choose from!

Top things to see in Budapest

Budapest City Break Holidays, Chain Bridge

Riverside views

Walk to the top of Gellért Hill and get the best view of the city and its grand architecture. At the very top is the Citadella, a fortress-like building with views up and down the Danube. On your way, stop at the caves and be dazzled by the white crystals that cover the interior walls.

Beautiful bathhouses

Tired from sightseeing? Make the most of Budapest’s soothing thermal waters at the bathhouses found right in the city. Swing by spectacular Széchenyi Thermal Baths for a relaxing soak in the bubbling waters and keep a look out for the famous spa parties on Fridays and Saturdays.

Chilled nights

As the sun goes down, you’ll find the trendiest joints for after-dark tipples. From the bar top to your champagne flute, Icebar keeps things cool, so don the thermal capes and get acquainted with this wintery wonderland. If edgy haunts – all rustic and neon – are more your thing, don’t miss the ruin bars.

Continental Hotel Budapest

Budapest City, Budapest

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Our rating

Based on 5456 reviews

Modern and elegant rooms
Luxury rooftop spa
1.2km from Vaci Street
40m from the nearest bus stop
Close to ruin pubs

Hilton Budapest

Budapest City, Budapest

Our rating

Based on 5479 reviews

Great views of the city
Modern design
Set on the historic Buda side
180m from the nearest bus stop
1km from Buda Castle

Hotel Erzsebet City Centre

Budapest City, Budapest

Our rating

Based on 3324 reviews

Great for shopping
Excellent steak restaurant on-site
150m from the nearest bus stop
500m from Vaci Street
800m from Vorosmarty Square

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Budapest Christmas markets

See the city in all its seasonal glory with a Christmas market city break! Starting in November, the markets here spell magic – think ice skating rinks and twinkling stalls selling sweet stocking fillers and sugar-dusted chimney cakes. And the bathhouses don’t get more atmospheric than this time of year – relax into steaming waters while snowflakes begin to fall.

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Buda Castle

Budapest

Sprawling over a hill above the city, Buda Castle's Versailles-like appearance suggests it's all plush, opulent luxury inside, too. But World War II's looting left the castle an empty shell. Today it hosts...

Central Market Hall

Budapest

Head to Budapest's biggest market in the Central Market Hall to buy Hungarian sausages, salamis, wines and fruit brandies. It's also a great place for sampling traditional Hungarian fare at the long buffet...

Chain Bridge

Budapest

The Chain Bridge does more than just span a river. After its opening in 1849, it was seen to connect east and west. Now, this awe-inspiring suspension bridge is known for its beauty. Visit after dark and you'll...

Language

Hungarian

Currency

Forint

Time difference

+1hr

Cost of a beer

£1.40 / 509 Ft

48-hour travel card

£27.70 / 9,990 Ft

Three course meal

£24.60 / 8,942 Ft

Sightseeing

Stand in awe outside Parliament Building, a structure of incredibly striking spires and domes. Cross over the unmissable suspension bridge of Budapest, the Chain Bridge, and you’ll reach the staggering castle grounds. Buda Castle’s a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site. Be there on the dot for the Changing of the Guard.

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Eating and drinking

Take your taste buds on a foodie adventure through Budapest. There are lots of cosy cafés to try local favourites like hearty bowls of goulash and street food stalls selling sugar-topped chimney cakes. The city’s culinary scene is star-spangled too, with Michelin restaurants to dine out at, along with lots of vegan eateries.

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Shopping

For unique souvenirs, Hungarian folk art shops sell traditional embroidery, delicate dolls and local pottery. The really grand, glamorous shopping starts on Váci Street – the main medieval thoroughfare in Pest. If you want to bag a bargain, hit the Great Market Hall. This amazing neo-Gothic building is home to three floors of eateries and stalls selling wine, souvenirs and produce.

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Getting around

Travelling around Budapest is a beautiful, unique experience, all thanks to the Millennium Underground Railway. The oldest system in mainland Europe, its stations have a classic style that harks back to the late 19th century when they were built. Many areas of the city are pedestrianised too, including Heroes’ Square, plus there's an overground system to utilise.