On to Hungary and welcome to Budapest
Leaving Austria behind, we’ve continued along the banks of the Danube and arrived in the beautiful city of Budapest - in just a week
Admittedly the shortest leg of our virtual run to Shanghai, Budapest still marks a very significant milestone in our venture, as we’ve now clocked up over 1000 miles on our journey. Our thanks go out to all our runners, joggers, skippers and hoppers, supporting our efforts to raise money for the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.
Lovingly known as the Queen of the Danube, Budapest graces both sides of this monumental river with magnificent architecture, romantic elegance and a buzzing culture. Originally two cities ‘Buda’ and ‘Pest’, visitors can still enjoy the contrast between the charming cobbled streets of Buda and the leafy boulevards and fashionable shopping areas of Pest. Combined together, you’re in for a fabulous stay dipping in and out of picturesque medieval neighbourhoods and bustling cafés and bars.
Where to stay, play and sway
If you’re looking to experience the more cultural side of Hungarian life, choosing a hotel on the west bank of the Danube in Buda will not disappoint. Wander up the historic Castle Hill, taking in the Royal Palace, museums and galleries as you go. The St George Apartments can be a great place to stay and get the most out of this part of town, offering 5 star accommodation in a 700 year old building just minutes from the President’s Palace. Alternatively the Lanchid 19 hotel is right on the banks of the Danube and offers a modern twist to staying in this historic district.
Over the river in Pest, the Corinthia Hotel puts you right in centre on the Grand Boulevard and a stone’s throw from Andrássy Boulevard, the Champs-Elysées of Budapest. Or take a look at the Moments Hotel right on the Andrássy Boulevard, recently renovated and just seconds from the Opera House.
Filling your days in Budapest will not be tricky. No trip is complete without a visit to the Royal Palace, stopping off at the Fisherman’s Bastion on your approach, and maybe a lunch break at Alabárdos étterem on Országház, to sample some delicious Hungarian cuisine.
The Parliament Building is another iconic structure well worth a visit, with its red dome and white stone spires dominating the banks of the Danube. To gain a clearer perspective of the whole of Budapest and the surrounding area take a trip to Gellert Hill and enjoy fabulous panoramic views. For lots more sightseeing ideas click here.
Nightlife in Budapest is also not thin on the ground, from music lounges and jazz venues, such as Fat Mo’s Music Club near the Ferenciek tere Metro, to trendy bars and nightclubs in the IX Raday utca area. Click here for more tips.
Great business venues
Hungary is becoming a significant player in hosting meetings and conferences and playing an important role in the international MICE market. Its popularity stems from a combination of plusses; convenient location with easy accessibility across Europe; a wide range of convention centres; over 5000 luxury hotel rooms; over 1100 years of culture and heritage, and very fair pricing.
The Danubius Hotel Gellert for example, shares its Art Nouveau building with the elegant medicinal city baths and is a popular choice for organisers looking for well co-ordinated event planning, excellent hospitality and first class cuisine.
Getting around
Budapest has a highly efficient and relatively cheap transport network; whether you prefer the underground, trams, trolley buses or trains – they all link together extremely well. Buses are probably the least tourist friendly option but still give good access to areas not covered by the metro, such as parts of Buda. Taxis should also be used with caution, stick to the ones with a yellow number plate and clearly displayed rates to avoid ‘being taken for a ride’!
Getting there
The airport ‘Budapest Franz Liszt’ is about 10 miles southeast of the city centre. Buses and minibuses are the best way to link up to the metro system and trains into the city; you can buy tickets in the Arrivals Hall. You can also reserve a taxi which should take about 20minutes depending on the traffic. For more detail on planning your travel click here.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our sojourn in Budapest; we’re now looking forward to continuing our exploration of the Danube as it winds its way to the Black Sea – next stop Serbia and its historic capital Belgrade!
If you’d like to support us in our pledge to the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, please donate what you can via our page on VirginMoneyGiving
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