Hungary’s capital has been finding its footing on the world’s stage as one of Europe’s great city break getaways over the last few years. Many people are jetting off for a weekend away, wandering its beautiful streets.

But with so much to do, it can be hard to make the most out of your time there, and not feel overwhelmed by choice. These activities are five of the most essential things to experience in Budapest and make for the perfect weekend itinerary.

Danube Cruise

photo: Creative Commons.

The Danube River is the lifeline of Budapest and its banks are lined with some of the most stunning architectural developments, from previous centuries, right up until the modern day.

Many cruises run up and down the inner-city stretch and allow visitors to sight-see whilst sitting back and relaxing on the water. There are many companies to tour with and many alternative trips, including Dinner Date Cruises, Wine Tasting, Opera Cruises and Cocktail trips!

There’s even a nighttime boat party cruise – but don’t expect much cultural and historic information along with this one!

Parliament Building

The Budapest parliament buildings are an iconic landmark and a sight of beauty, in their own right.  The complex Neo-Gothic design, with Renaissance and Baroque influence, took an incredible 17 years to complete and opened at the beginning on the 19^th century.

It’s the third largest parliament building in the world, and, faced by the Museum of Ethnography and the Ministry of Agriculture, this whole area is a must-see spot for any tourists interested in history, politics and culture!

Try The Local Food

No trip to Budapest would be complete without indulging in the local delicacies. Whilst Hungarian food is yet to find its relevance globally, visitors are shocked to find so many hearty and mouth-watering dishes on offer.

Try a delicious bowl of warming Goulash soup, flavored with local favorite, Paprika, or satisfy your sweet tooth with Palacsinta – Eastern Europe’s answer to the crepe. The city has a whole plethora of Michelin star establishments where you can try updated versions of the classic cuisine.

Visit A Tea House 

A true taste of Hungarian culture lies behind the closed doors and up the winding stars of the city’s many Tea Houses. These wonderfully relaxed establishments are where locals frequent to get a bit of down time and escape the tourists.

Usually draped in wonderful and intricate decorations, and serving a whole array of options, including classics such as Earl Grey and more unique fruit and herb varieties, you can see why these spots are in such high demand. It’s easy to while away a whole afternoon within their walls, and they’re a great place to meet and chat to locals.

Take a Bath

Another essential cultural pastime that can’t be missed on your visit to Budapest is taking the time to sit back and relax in one of the cities many thermal bathhouses.  Budapest sits on an intricate network of almost 125 thermal springs.

Throughout history, the civilizations who have settled here, dating all the way back to Roman period, have built their own sets of bathhouses to exploit this natural luxury. The oldest surviving come from the Turkish occupation, and there are super-modern art deco alternatives for those looking for a more updated option.

With this list, you are sure to have an incredible weekend away in the city, but there’s always more to do! If you have any suggestions for other attractions that deserve a place in this itinerary then be sure to leave a comment below!

Book your room at the Corinthia hotel.