Something Slightly Different
Budapest may be a city steeped in history, but there is also plenty still going on today.
Buda Hills
Buda is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of Pest. It is, literally, a breath of fresh air, particularly in the hotter summer months. Take the time to admire the lavish residential villas, follow a nature trail, hire a bike and enjoy the views, explore the stalagmite caves, or just enjoy a meal in a leafy restaurant. The cog-wheel railway, which begins its climb a short walk from Moszkva tér, is an ideal starting point. And the Childrens' Railway is not just for kids, even though it is operated by them.
In addition to over 60 thermal springs, Budapest is also a city of caves. The Szemlő-hegy Cave (Pusztaszeri út, open Mon-Sun 10-16, closed Tue) and the Pálvölgyi Stalactite Cave (Szépvölgyi út, open Tue-Sun 10-16:15, closed Mon) are the most spectacular of those open to the public and contain fascinating fossils and attractive crystal formations. Access is limited to some of the caves, but some companies offer tours.
Extreme Sports
Budapest now enjoys a thriving extreme sports scene, including skate and snowboard parks, the Extrém Sziget, Hungaroring Adventure Park, paintball and karting. For team-building exercises, Fun Extreme Canopy operate an obstacle course in Visegrád, to the north of Budapest.
Watersports
The stretches of the Danube alongside the islands to the north and south are closed to motorised boats, making them ideal for canoeing and rowing. Boats can be hired just by turning up on the Pest side of Hajógyári sziget (Shipyard Island) or along the Római Part, the site of the ancient city of Aquincum. There are also various cable wakeboarding and waterskiing centres in and around the city.
Rent a Bike
The busy streets of Pest are reserved for those with a deathwish, but the Margitsziget and Városliget parks are ideal for a relaxing cycle ride – particularly in the two-person peddle cars that can be hired once you get there. For the more adventurous, the Buda hills above Moszkva tér are a great for touring and off-road exploration. If your legs are not up to the long uphill slog, the Cogwheel railway offers an easy alternative. Bikes can be rented here.
Vintage Railways
Trainspotters need look no further than the excellent Hungarian Railway Museum website. Not only is the museum a fascinating look back into transport history – it is even possible to fulfil your childhood dream of driving one of the engines yourself – the museum is also a top venue for events and concerts. The website is also a great way to find out about nostalgic train journeys to destinations outside Budapest.
Zoo
Most major cities have their own zoo, but none quite like Budapest's, nestled in Városliget (City Park) just behind Hősők tere. The buildings were designed by ground-breaking architects from the National Romantic School, giving the zoo a slightly surreal atmosphere.
Palace of Wonders
In the beautiful Millenáris Park near Moszkva tér, the Palace of Wonders (Csodák Palotája) is a chance for kids to get their own back for being dragged around the sights and museums. The colourful playground allows them to gain some hands-on experience of science at work, and have a great time doing it.
Shopping
Budapest, like any big city, offers plenty of ways to spend your hard-earned cash. The easiest option is to head for one of the city’s large, American-style malls, such as the West End City Center (behind Nyugati Station on blue line M3 on the metro) or Mammut (near Moszkva tér). For a more traditional shopping experience, take a walk along Váci utca or the nagykörút (Grand Boulevard). If you are looking for antiques, Falk Miksa utca near the Pest bridgehead of Margit híd is the best place to start. The Ecseri út flea market is a great place to pick up an unusual piece of furniture and the city’s market halls are great for picking up some Hungarian delicacies, like suasages, salami, pálinka (fruit brandy) and even lace tablecloths. The Bradt City Guide to Budapest contains an extensive shopping section.
The Tisza Shoe Shop
Hungarians now wear sports shoes from all the major global companies, but under the Socialist regime, Tisza Shoes were the only recognisable brand on the shelves. Today. the label lives on, Tisza’s stylish collection of retro shoes and clothing are manufactured in Hungary and can be purchased in the Tisza shop, just around the corner from Astoria.
Palatinus
More of a playground than a spa, Palatinus is where Budapesters go to cool off in the height of summer. Expect to find young and old frolicking, sunbathing, eating ice-cream and drinking beer in this huge outdoor complex on Margitsziget.
Be a Hungarian Chef for a Day
Yes, you too can don a toque and apron and learn to how to make the perfect goulash!
As part of its wide-ranging programme of presenting the best in local food and wine at Budapest's Great Market Hall, Bridge Tours has hired a local chef to teach visitors the fine art of Hungarian cuisine. Guests in small work groups learn how to prepare a main dish and garnish on the spot. Each light, enjoyable session on the
first floor by the Fakanál restaurant lasts about 90 minutes and is
conducted in English. Sessions (£17 in Hungarian forints in cash) start at 10am (arrive by 9.45) except on public holidays and days when the Market Hall (IX.Fövám tér) is closed. Participants can take advantage of the 30-minute baking time to make a shopping tour of the riverside market, beautifully restored to its 19th-century glory in 1994.
