A tale of two cities
Budapest, Hungary
Split by the fabled River Danube, Budapest is a tale of two cities: romantic hilly Buda to the west and pancake-flat, cultured Pest to the east – and Cosa can help you discover both. Stroll through Buda’s charming cobbled streets admiring the medieval monuments before crossing the river to Pest for culture and quirky ruin bars in abandoned buildings. And in both districts, you can soak your cares away in mineral-rich thermal springs. The capital of Hungary may just be one of Europe’s most underrated cities.
Walk around Buda
Buda’s main draw is Castle Hill, home to fabulous Baroque architecture and some of Budapest’s most important monuments and museums. Visit the turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion, which pays tribute to the nomadic Magyar tribes who founded the country. Save time for the vast collection of art at the Hungarian National Gallery, and the dazzling golden interior of the 700-year-old Matthias Church.
Take a bath
For an introduction to Hungarian life, take to the waters. Locals love soaking in the many thermal baths, which have been prized since Roman times. The biggest is Szechenyi in Pest, with 18 indoor and outdoor pools to relax in. More ornate is Gellert in Buda, where you can unwind in a striking Art Nouveau interior. The 16th-century Rudas baths come with a rooftop hot tub.
Have a drink
Budapest may be known for its historical treasures and thermal baths but a more recent addition are the ruin bars. These atmospheric drinking dens have sprung up in derelict buildings or old factories and are now one of the city’s top draws. Of course, not all ruin bars are created equal but Cosa can take you to the best in Budapest.
Cruise the Danube
For a fresh perspective on the city, try seeing it from a private boat on the River Danube. It’s especially impressive at night when many of Budapest’s greatest landmarks, such as the ornate parliament building, are illuminated. Cosa can arrange an unforgettable evening cruising along the Danube admiring Buda’s glittering castles on one side and Pest’s Art Nouveau façades on the other.
Essential Budapest
Hungary’s capital was divided into separate towns until 1873 when they merged to form modern Budapest. The novelist Evelyn Waugh described this as ‘one of the most beautiful cityscapes that exists along a river’, and today Budapest remains the dame of the Danube. Its blend of history, culture and relaxation is captivating, with most sights never more than a short walk away or you could hop on continental Europe’s oldest metro. You might be tempted by the hand-painted Herend porcelain – Queen Victoria was a fan.
Where it is
Eastern Europe
When to go
All year
Why go there
Thermal baths
City architecture
Nightlife
What to see
Castle Hill
River Danube
Ruin bars
