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Outstanding architecture, illustrious history, and unbeatable culture: there’s so much to discover on Budapest holidays. Sliced in two by Europe’s second-longest river, Budapest is home to an impressive collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, museums, and art galleries. Prepare to immerse yourself in learning and celebration across Hungary’s thriving capital.

Often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’, this youthful city boasts a unique atmosphere that captivates visitors worldwide. Watch the world go by from former café hangouts of artists, poets and philosophers, and explore unique boutiques and design stores. After a scenic riverside bike ride, enjoy a muscle-soothing soak in one of the city’s famous thermal baths. Or dig deeper to discover a network of stalactite-covered caves for an unmissable adventure underground.

Things to do

Visiting the palace, parliament, and churches should be top of any list of things to do in Budapest. Whether you choose to travel by boat or bike, make sure to explore the lush banks of the mighty Danube River. To help you make the most of your holiday, we’ve picked out our top recommendations for your Budapest bucket list so you can choose what you’d like to do.

Keen wanderers will love exploring this vibrant city. Hire a bike and cycle along the river between the best of the sights, or take a walking tour of the iconic Castle Hill. This is where you’ll find the Royal Palace with its museum, gallery, and library and some excellent opportunities for getting great pictures to treasure long after your holiday is over. Walk over the famous Chain Bridge to Széchenyi Square on the Pest side, stopping to take in the view back to Castle Hill.

Impressive landmarks

Just as impressive as the Royal Palace is the Hungarian Parliament Building, the largest building in Hungary and Budapest’s tallest. Embark on a tour and wander through the grand interior before heading to Heroes’ Square or St. Stephen’s Basilica. While you’re exploring the city, don’t miss out on a tour of Halászbástya. Situated in the Buda Castle District, this iconic landmark boasts striking architecture and panoramic views of the Danube.

And if your legs start to feel a little weary, head to one of Budapest’s thermal baths for a spot of relaxation. Or sit back and enjoy a dinner cruise down the river as the evening draws in.

Food and drink

Budapest city breaks mean outstanding food and drink that is sure to satisfy even the most hard‐to‐please foodies. Defined by rich flavour and exquisite taste, traditional Hungarian cuisine has been shaped by thousands of years of Magyar history. Today, it remains an essential aspect of the country’s cultural heritage.

When you visit Budapest, be sure to sample one of the city’s most famous dishes, goulash. A traditional stew consisting of meats, vegetables and heaps and paprika, goulash is rich, enticing and utterly delicious. During the 1800s, goulash became a national symbol across the country. Other popular dishes include chicken lángos (deep-fried flatbread) and somlói galuska (a delectable sponge cake dessert).

For the best goulash in the city, head to Budapest Bisztró. Situated a stone’s throw from the famous Parliament building, this restaurant boasts a modern interior and impeccable service. If you’re looking to eat out on a budget, try Borkonyha Winekitchen, one of three Michelin-starred restaurants in Budapest. Offering an affordable menu packed full of authentic Hungarian dishes, it boasts skillfully executed food and over 200 wines to choose from.

Thermal baths

Commonly referred to as the ‘City of Spas’, Budapest has hosted a rich thermal bath culture for over 2,000 years. Fed by natural hot springs, the city’s thermal spas continue to attract visitors from far and wide today.

Historically, Budapest’s natural thermal springs have been utilised since Roman rule when a major bathing complex became an important landmark. By the turn of the 21st century, the city had established itself as the home of therapeutic medicinal waters. ‘Taking the waters’ became a significant pastime. People across the city used the healing properties and other health benefits that the natural springs supposedly provided.

When holidaying in Budapest, be sure to take a dip in a thermal bath and feel your troubles slowly slip away. For a truly memorable experience, pay a visit to Király Bath, the city’s oldest thermal spa. Constructed during Ottoman rule, it features an octagonal pool set beneath a light punctured dome – the perfect place for a relaxing swim. Or spend a day down at Szechenyi Bath, one of the more popular thermal bath locations. With 18 pools to choose from, you can also enjoy various massage treatments, make use of the saunas, or try out the gym.

Interesting nightlife

Unique, bohemian, lively: these are just some of the words to describe Budapest’s nightlife. When the sun begins to set, the Hungarian capital comes alive with the bustle of restaurants, ruin clubs, and wine bars scattered across the landscape.

Ruin bars are all the rage in this compelling city. Built into the remains of pre‐war shops, car parks and buildings, they were born from the decay of Budapest’s old District VII neighbourhood. These unique spots boast an impossibly relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy cheap alcohol and thudding music from dusk ‘til dawn within the sprawling interiors of these quirky venues.

First opened in 2002, Szimpla Kert is one of the most famous ruin bars in the city. Here, partygoers can throw on their dancing shoes and soak up the electric atmosphere while enjoying a tasty local beer. Located in the Jewish Quarter, Mazel Tov Budapest is another famous haunt, considered one of the more upscale ruin bars of the city. Head here to sample delicious cocktails and mezze platters while relaxing on modern furnishings.

It’s no secret that Budapest is a celebrated destination for wine‐lovers. Those looking to enjoy a glass of vino should wander into one of the city’s wine bars to sample a range of traditional and natural beverages. From Cultivini to Cintanyeros, Budapest is home to a wealth of atmospheric bars to take your fancy. Cheap, cheerful and quirky, this city offers an unbeatable night out to round off a day packed full of sightseeing and exploring.

More City Breaks

We also have travel guides available for City Breaks destinations, including: Bruges | Istanbul | Nice | Venice

Old meets new in the lively city of Marrakech, full of rich sights, sounds and smells to leave you with a magical experience. Home to more than 10 century-old markets, full of quirky characters, stunning gardens and many hidden treasures,  there’s never a dull moment in the hot sunshine of Marrakech.

Things to do

Jump in to the hustle and bustle of the traditional souks, visit the amazing museums and galleries and chill out in the lush gardens. Circle the stunning Koutoubia Mosque with its four copper globes and traditional designs.  Spend your days teeing off at one of three golf courses, then in the evenings, head to one of the bustling night markets. But if you’re looking for a totally different African experience, escape to a ski resort in the Atlas Mountains – just a one hour drive away in Oukaimeden.

What do I need to pack?

For anyone taking Marrakech holidays, sunscreen is an absolute must. When it comes to clothing, think light and airy by day and something a little warmer for the evenings. As the ‘Red City’ is relatively conservative, there are a few observations you should make. For women, it’s important to keep your shoulders and legs covered, so leave the strappy tops and tiny shorts at home. Instead, think t-shirts or light shirts and dresses, skirts and shorts that go below the knees. While headscarves aren’t required in public, you’ll need to wear one as a sign of respect if you’re visiting any sites of religious interest.

Because of the heat, comfortable shoes can be important, and you might want to protect your feet from the dust, so ‘closed’ footwear is a good idea. Sun hats are essential for the little ones.

If you’re taking gadgets with you on your holiday to Marrakech, be sure to take an adaptor plug and a portable power-bank.

The capital of Greece and one of the oldest cities in the world, Athens is a fascinating destination where ancient landmarks jostle together with bustling neighbourhoods and huge cosmopolitan nightclubs.

A city break in Athens promises plenty of history, culture, nightlife, and unforgettable sights that you’ll treasure the memory of forever. Explore the city’s rich past at the Acropolis, browse the boutiques in Plaka, then round off your day at the spectacular Odeon of Herodes Atticus theatre.

Things to do

There’s something to suit every holidaymaker in Athens. History fans will love exploring ancient ruins, like the world-famous Acropolis of Athens and the Parthenon. The Temple of Olympian Zeus is another must, while the Ancient Agora of Athens is similarly impressive.

Enjoy modern Athenian culture when you explore beautiful and bustling local neighbourhoods. There are plenty of shops and traditional eateries scattered around. At the same time, the nightlife is sure to meet even the highest expectations of the Greek capital city.

Sights

Athens is an ideal destination for keen historians and those looking to immerse themselves in ancient culture. Start at the Acropolis, the ancient citadel of Athens, where several ancient remains remain for visitors to explore. The Parthenon is the most iconic, while the modern Acropolis Museum is the perfect place to learn about the area. You should also try and make time to see Ancient Agora, the heart of the city centuries ago, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Athens doesn’t have many green spaces, which makes Stavros Niarchos Park even more special. Its landscaped paths, children’s playground, and proximity to the ocean make this park an ideal place to cool off.

Neighbourhoods

Like many major cities, Athens is home to several neighbourhoods, attracting diverse residents and visitors to the one that suits them best.

Start with Plaka, a busy tourist-favourite at the centre of old Athens. It’s a beautiful area to stroll around, getting lost in small lanes among rows of pastel buildings. Next, Kolonaki is a wealthy residential neighbourhood with lots of luxurious bars, restaurants, and shops.

Syntagma is Athens’ political heart, while Monastiraki is famous for its flea market and bustling narrow lanes. Gazi-Kerameikos is the city’s youthful art, design, and nightlife district, transforming to accommodate local and tourist revellers when the sun goes down.

Searching for something quieter? Head to Thissio, a beautiful residential neighbourhood with plenty of independent eateries and shops.

Food & drink

Greek food uses typical Mediterranean ingredients, with many unique elements and dishes you won’t find anywhere else. When in Athens, expect plenty of grilled meat and fish, delicious fresh salads, olive oil, and flatbreads. Try traditional meze, selecting small plates including various dips, olives, bread, vegetables, meat, and cheese. Moussaka is another must, with layers of aubergine, minced lamb, tomato, and spices. Charcoal-grilled meat and fish is always a good option in Athens, often served with fresh tomatoes, yoghurt, and flatbreads.

In the mood for something sweet? Athenians have plenty to offer, including flaky filo pastry desserts sweetened with honey and basted in olive oil. Grab some traditional baklava for a perfect end to any meal, or enjoy local honey on Greek yoghurt for breakfast.

Nightlife

If you’re interested in experiencing Athens’ vibrant nightlife, you’ll have plenty of choices no matter what you’re into. Enjoy a luxurious evening of dinner and cocktails or party like a local in a lesser-known bar or nightclub.

Koukaki is ideal for floating between sophisticated bars, while Gazi is a must for fans of super clubbing. Psyrri is a trendy, gentrified area with endless bars and music spots. Patsion is home to one of Athens’ oldest bars, Au Revoir Bar, a must if you’re exploring local history.

Athens Riviera

Athens Riviera is the coastal area south of the city, where visitors can enjoy sunbathing and swimming along the beautiful shore. The sheltered coastline is fringed with palm trees and dotted with parasols and sunbeds. There are beach bars and clubs where holidaymakers can grab a drink or bite to eat and settle in for a comfy few hours in the sun or shade.

The beach is just 20 minutes drive out of Athens, and while you might not want to hire a car for your city break, many taxis and busses can get you there for just a few Euros.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Corfu | Crete | Halkidiki | Kassiopi | Kavos | Kalamata | Kefalonia | Kos | Mykonos | Olympius Riviera | Parga | Rhodes | Roda | Santorini | Sidari | Skiathos | Skopelos | Zante