Budapest: two cities in one
The architecture, witness of everything, is one of its best assets, and gives great moments to the hunters of Art Nouveau details , replicated block after block in buildings by Ödön Lechner, the Hungarian champion of Jugendstil, and his followers. UNESCO has recognized its heritage with mentions to Andrássy Avenue and Heroes' Square, the Buda Castle and even the subway, with a historic line for being the second oldest in the world.
A RESTAURANT
new york cafe It is a mansion built in 1895 where it's hard to look at the plate . Columns, frescoed vaults, crystal chandeliers and stucco-framed mirrors reinforce the neo-baroque apotheosis of a mythical venue that was the social center of Budapest in the interwar period , when the Hungarian capital was one of the most flourishing centers in Central Europe. Is very popular as a place to have breakfast or a snack due to the well-deserved fame of its chocolates and cakes , although it also has a restaurant, and a very good one. Its chef, Andras Wolf, is one of the inventors of the concept of "essential Hungarian gastronomy", which reinterprets traditional dishes with creativity and good taste.
New York Cafe: here it is difficult to focus on the plate
A WALK
There's a underground budapest and extensive in which natural caverns formed by thermal waters, cellars, passageways and chambers weave an intricate network that is currently adapted for visits . This fascinating underworld has different sections and museums, but perhaps the most interesting is under the hill of Buda. For the more adventurous, Pálvölgyi caves They offer a 45-minute tour between stalactites and narrow rock passages. Another option is the so-called Labyrinth, used by the Turks for military purposes in the 16th century (harem included), and as a refuge and hospital during World War II. The tour covers just over a kilometer and, from 6:00 p.m., is illuminated by lanterns.
Budapest: underneath there is also crumb
AN EXPERIENCE
You can't leave Budapest without doing something typically Hungarian like taking a dip in its hot springs. To fulfill the ritual, it is best to go to a classic: the **Széchenyi spa**, the first to open in the Pest area in 1913. The buildings painted yellow and the balustrades with sculptures give the ensemble a royal touch. of pools at different temperatures, effervescent waters and currents to relax the muscles , in which they also develop brainy chess games . For a bath in an environment of interesting architecture with a romantic and decadent air, the spa Gellert is also a good choice.
The Széchenyi spa: hot springs and chess
A HOTEL
The Four Seasons Gresham Palace It is our bet for a few nights in a big way in Budapest. The building itself, erected in 1906 as the headquarters of an insurance company, is one of the best examples of Central European art nouveau, a feast of leaded glass, sculptural reliefs and fairytale-like mosaics. The rooms and suites reflect this architectural heritage in their vaulted ceilings and balconies with views of intimate courtyards, the Danube or the city . Large meetings are held in the conservatory, a beautiful glass structure, and for dinner the best of Italy comes to the Gresham Restaurant from the hand of the chef Walter Miculan , although they do not forget the goulash and other Hungarian dishes, to which chef Csaba Sztrinyi gives his personal touch, directing them towards local and seasonal products. For honeymooners the hotel offers champagne breakfasts, candlelit dinners, a massage for two or a picnic basket to get away on an excursion without forgetting detail.
The Four Seasons Gresham Palace and its views of the Danube