Budapest Around the Clock
Explore by day, discover by night
In Budapest, every building, every tram ride, every panoramic view, every cosy coffee shop and every night out holds new surprises.
And the liveliest parts of town are not necessarily in the city centre – it is worth taking the time to take a look around. Wherever you go, there is an unmistakable feeling that something out of the ordinary is just around the corner. It may be a nuance of architecture, an interesting statue, a pretty smile, a courting couple, or a group of elderly men putting the world to rights.
The city also offers a mouth-watering selection of restaurants and an array of bars and clubs that will leave your head spinning. If you want to treat your partner to something special, Budapest offers luxury accommodation that won't hit your wallet too hard. You can also indulge in a relaxing soak and invigorating massage in one of the city's many spas – the best hangover cure known to man.
And you may well need a pick-me-up. Budapest is a city where people are on the move at all hours of the day and night – the call of that last drink is difficult to resist. But Budapest is not all about boozing, there are enough concerts, festivals and events to satisfy even the most committed culture vulture. The Sziget Festival in August, Europe's biggest, wildest and longest party, is not to be missed – there is so much going on that, for a whole week, you'll be wishing you could be in two or three places at once. Once it is all over, you might need to check in to a spa hotel for a week to recover.
If you find the time to do some sightseeing, the best place to start is the Citadella on Gellért Hill, or looking down from between the turrets of the famous Fisherman's Bastion in Buda's Castle District. A boat trip, a stroll along the embankment on the Pest side of the Danube or a ride on the number 2 tram is a good way to take in the hills of Buda and the giant Parliament building. Other must-see landmarks include Europe's largest Synagogue, the Szent István Basilica and the Buda Royal Palace – not to mention the Széchenyi Lánchíd (Chain Bridge) and the dramatic statue of St Gellért, perched above Erzsébet híd (Elizabeth Bridge). The long walk down the majestic Andrássy út ends at Hősök tere (Heroes' Square), an extravagant monument to Hungary's key historical figures, and Városliget (City Park), which boasts a host of attractions of its own.
One of the most endearing charms of Budapest is that the traffic and noise of downtown Pest quickly make way for leafy parks and forests. Margitsziget (Margaret Island) is a hub for outdoor activities, and the tranquil hills of Buda offer a haven for cyclists and hikers. The surrounding countryside also lends itself to scenic day trips, as well as a range of extreme sports and other exciting outdoor activities.
