Caroline Winberg at the Four Seasons Gresham Palace hotel.
when you think of budapest , its spectacular Buda Castle is the first thing that comes to mind. Also its historic thermal baths. But in recent years the city's food and bar scene has flourished, and there has been a boom in the world of design, culture and fashion.
we have all essential addresses to meet her on a weekend getaway.
Buda and Pest, how beautiful you are.
It is the first piece of information that every new or initiated tourist in the city should know: Budapest is divided into two cities, Buda and Pest. Separated by the Danube River and connected by the imposing Chain Bridge. Most of the action takes place in Pest, east of the river, where the most popular cafes, restaurants and shops are. On the other side is the baroque Buda Castle and some of the most famous thermal baths in the Hungarian capital.
**BEST COFFEE: New York Café**
Budapest is known for its dedicated coffee culture and this impressive place played a fundamental role in the literary atmosphere of the city. It is one of the addresses that no one can skip on any visit. Because of its high ceilings, twisted columns and white tablecloths. You will go for its decoration and you'll come back for their traditional chocolate cake or caramel dobos.
In data: Erzsebet krt 9-11
Phone: +36 1 886 6167
STORES: Andrassy Avenue
You may not be able to get past the shop windows, but the elegant Andrassy Avenue worth a ride. There are the big international brands, such as Burberry, Louis Vuitton or Gucci. It's also a good place to try a classic schnitzel at the ever-trendy Bistro Fine, gain strength and then continue on the way to the District VII, in the Jewish Quarter, full of cool stores. Our favourite? Szputnyik, a gallery-style space with white walls and wooden floors where you can buy second-hand clothes.
**ONE SPA: Gellert Bath**
The history of Budapest goes back to Roman times. Therefore, its tradition of thermal baths throughout the city is not surprising. In fact, a trip to the Hungarian capital would never be complete without a visit to one of them. Our favorites are Gellert Bath, art nouveau style, with its decorated columns and its enormous blue pool: you will be amazed with its tiles, painted ceilings, mosaic dreams and stained glass windows.
In data: Kelenhegyi út 4
Phone: +36 1 466 6166
Every tourist deserves a break.
**FOR DINNER: Costs Downtown **
costs was the first restaurant in Hungary to get a Michelin Star, thanks to the Portuguese chef, Miguel Roche Vieira. Since then, Budapest has witnessed a gastronomic revolution both in restaurants and in an active street food scene. If you prefer something newer, you can also try the new Downtown Costs (which already has its own Star) . Choose from the four- and six-course tasting menu, which includes pan-fried duck liver with rhubarb and elderflower.
In data: Costes Downtown, Vigyázó Ferenc u. 5
Phone: +36 1 920 1015
A MUSICAL APPOINTMENT: Franz Liszt Academy of Music
This historic concert hall and renowned music conservatory is worth a visit just for the frescoes in its main hall, reopened after a thorough renovation in 2013. The most famous composers and musicians in Hungary trained and worked here and it is still one of the Most important in the world. You can see it in a guided tour or book a ticket for one of the concerts of their students in which they celebrate the country's traditional music.
In data: Budapest Opera House, Liszt Ferencter 8
FOR DRINKS: High Note Sky Bar and the Jewish Quarter
**Do you want a drink with the best views of the city? Head up to the High Note Sky Bar** and order a mezcal cocktail or a Unicum Spritz, Hungary's signature herbal liqueur. And if you still want to continue afterwards, when you come down, walk to the 'ruin bars' of the Jewish Quarter. This is what they call a series of abandoned and empty warehouses that have been transformed in recent years into bars with a hipster air. The pioneer was Szimpla Kert, which is still standing. Look for a program, because all these spaces usually have film screenings and art exhibitions. And the night goes on with fairy lights Anker't, where the most famous DJs in Budapest play.
In data: Hercegprímás u. 5
Phone: +36 20 438 8648
These are the privileged views from the Sky Bar.
WHERE TO SLEEP: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace
This classic art nouveau hotel is on the east side of the Chain Bridge in Pest. Its location is perfect as a hub: close to the best restaurants and shops and not far from the Castle District. The mosaic and glass ceiling of its lobby deserves, at the very least, to look out to see it. Special mention are the Hungarian treatments of its spa.
In data: Széchenyi István tér 5
Phone: +36 1 268 6000
FOR BREAKFAST: Liberté Grand Café
going through the liberty square you come across Liberté Grand Café, another of Budapest's historic cafés. Although it is over 100 years old, its interior is contemporary with velvet chairs and tile floors. Of course, it serves good coffee and on the breakfast menu they have everything from the international avocado toast to the local mangalica sausage.
In data: Aulich u. 8
Phone: +36 30 715 4635
Heroes' Square.
THE VISIT: The Castle District
Cross the Chain Bridge to reach the Castle District on the steep Buda. Following the winding cobbled streets, you will pass the baroque houses of the Buda Castle, which have been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout its history, and today house the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Continue your walk to the Fisherman's Bastion to enjoy the panoramic view of the Parliament buildings and the Danube.
The best views of Budapest.
TO EAT: Hold Street Market
This market in the center of the city is one of the best places to try the local gastronomy. It has a market with fruits and vegetables and good restaurants on the first floor, such as Booth25, of the famous chef from Budapest, Tamas Szell. And if you prefer something more casual, try a langos, a fried pita bread with sour cream and cheese, the perfect hangover cure after a night of drinking in the Jewish Quarter.