Budapest Bliss: Discover the Hidden Gems of Central Europe's Best City.
- Onyeka Ehie
- May 20, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 8, 2024
If you’re looking for the perfect winter European vacation – Budapest is the perfect choice for you. Honestly, you can go at any time of the year. I feel like Budapest is this hidden gem in Europe. It’s such an amazing country and belongs on everyone’s list.
After spending Christmas in Denmark with Martin’s family, we were in between a couple different options for New Years. We looked into logistics and Budapest landed at the top of the list. We had both been to Budapest at very different times of our lives. I had gone when I was studying abroad at age 20 (how tf has it been a whole decade) and Martin went when he was 23 with a group of guys friends. Needless to say, it was a very different trip for us with less alcohol and earlier nights!
What We Did
There are so many reasons why I love Budapest. It’s walkable, the food is amazing (please burry me with a plate of goulash when it’s my time), the shopping is spectacular, however my favorite aspect is the architecture. I’ve been to 12 countries in Europe and I truly believe Budapest has the best architecture in all of Europe. Martin basically had to pick my jaw off the ground at every corner. I blame probably my realtor side for my deep obsession with architecture.
There are a few spots that really took my breath away and the Hungarian Parliament building took the cake. It covers over 5 million square feet and if you go, keep in mind that it takes a little bit of time to walk around the whole building. It’s 100% a must see and is the perfect starting point before walking to St. Stephens Basilica (also amazing).
Where We Stayed
One of the things that really took our trip to the next level was the hotel we stayed at. Hats off to The Matild Palace. When I tell you every detail was executed perfectly, I mean it. We stayed in a standard room with a balcony (almost splurged on the suite but knew we wouldn’t be in the room much).
Our room was $550 a night, which given the price spike during New Year weekend, we thought it was pretty reasonable. That same room is about $250-$300 a night at other times and given the experience, we both agreed that our room would be triple the price in other cities in Europe. Not only was the room and service perfect (I still dream of the bathroom) but there was also a spa so we were able to enjoy the sauna, steam room, and a salt room (didn’t even know this was a thing) throughout our stay.
We also got a couples massage on New Year’s Day which was so amazing. Also, if you’re looking to get a drink with the most amazing views, I highly recommend The Duchess. It’s on the top floor of the hotel and has the best rooftop. Martin and I were not trying to entertain taxis/ubers on New Years so we went up there to celebrate the start of 2024 and it was magical (and convenient)!
Lastly, here are my recommendations for restaurants and cocktail bars. There are SO many great options and I wish we would have had more time but here are a few of my favorites! I can’t wait to go back and add to the list!
Restaurants Recs:
Rezkakas Bistro
Mercatino
Final Table
Rosenstein
Gundel
Cocktail lounge Recs:
The Duchess
Saint Andrea Wine & Skybar
Warm up, Black Swan
Hosty Totsy
Boutiq Bar
Thanks for reading!
