Attractions

Old-world heritage and 21st-century comforts combine at the heart of Budapest!

Budapest combines past-century charm with 21st-century comfort. The cobbled Castle District towers above the Danube, and is home to the spectacular Matthias Church and the Hungarian National Gallery. Across the river you can stroll around the grand Parliament building, while the kids will love a trip to the zoo in City Park. And what better than a wallow in a thermal bath? This is the Spa Capital of Europe, with some baths dating to the 16th century. Full details in Bradt’s Budapest (www.bradtguides.com; enter code RYAN30 for 30% off). For further information, see www.visit-hungary.com.

Activities

Enjoy the sights Budapest has to offer either on foot, by bike or by Segway!

There are many ways to tour the highlights at the heart of Budapest. Walking tours leave daily from the city’s central squares – a few of them are even free of charge – while there are regular ‘hop on, hop off’ bus tours. You could hire a bike or, for something a little more quirky, take to a segway with City Segway Tours. For riverside views, book a Danube cruise – try Hungaria Koncert for a trip featuring a meal and live music. Check the tourist office website www.visit-hungary.com, and receive a 30% discount on Bradt’s Budapest guidebook (www.bradtguides.com – enter code RYAN30).

Restaurants

Tantalize your taste buds with food from all corners of the globe!

There are hundreds of restaurants in Budapest, serving flavours from all corners of the globe. Hungarian cuisine features soups and meat-based stews served with little pieces of pasta. For a cheap and filling traditional meal, try Lángos in the Great Market Hall or the brick cellar restaurant Fatál, just off Váci utca. Alternatively, you might take a table at the elegant Gundel or sample the fare at the Michelin-starred Onyx. For reviews, see Bradt’s Budapest (www.bradtguides.com; enter RYAN30 for 30% off). For further information, check the tourist office website www.visit-hungary.com.

Nightlife

Visit our sleek wine bars, cellar pubs and clubs!

Budapest has a vibrant nightlife – from sleek wine bars to cheap cellar pubs. ‘Ruin’ garden bars – in outdoor courtyards – are particularly atmospheric options during hotter months. The leafy Liszt Ferenc tér is surrounded by relaxing café-bars, while Shipyard Island has around 10 clubs playing music from cheesy disco classics to serious clubbers’ tunes, and includes al-fresco ‘beach’ areas in summer. For full nightlife details, see Bradt’s Budapest (www.bradtguides.com; enter code RYAN30 for 30% off). For further information, check the tourist office website www.visit-hungary.com.

Shopping

Shop until you drop at our designer boutiques, Great Market Hall, and Falk Miksa!

For those after the latest gear, there’s no shortage of designer boutiques along Váci utca or the broad Andrássy út. The Great Market Hall is a lovely starting point for traditional Hungarian gifts like dried paprika, lace tablecloths and Tokaji wine, while Falk Miksa utca is the city’s antiques heartland, selling everything from jewellery to furniture. And for the finest porcelain, look out for the globally renowned mark of Herend. For further information, check the tourist office website www.visit-hungary.com or Bradt’s Budapest (www.bradtguides.com – enter code RYAN30 for 30% off).

Events

Cultural activities are abundant in Budapest!

Whatever the season you’ll find a colourful event in full swing in Budapest. Summer sees high-speed thrills at the Hungarian Formula 1 Grand Prix and international pop acts at the Sziget Festival. There are performances of music and dance all over the city during the Autumn and Spring festivals, while from late October this year culture vultures can enjoy an exhibition of the works of Cézanne at the Museum of Fine Arts. For further information, see the tourist office website www.visit-hungary.com. And receive a 30% discount on Bradt’s Budapest (www.bradtguides.com – enter code RYAN30).