Photo: PortocalaMecanica – Bucharest CycleChic / Flickr

If you’re a lover of art, music or architecture, Hungary’s elegant capital should be on your travel wish-list. Once you arrive at the airport, it should take about half an hour to get to Budapest by taxi, depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. You’ll need to carry Hungarian forint with you as Euros aren’t widely accepted. Once in the capital, you can get around by metro, railway and buses. Read on for things to do.

Dressing up and dressing down

Budapest’s thermal baths are well worth visiting. There is a vast array of pools, thermal tubs, spas and saunas on offer. Szechenyi Bath and Spa is highly recommended as it boasts several outdoor pools and good indoor facilities. Besides, you’re bound to catch a glimpse of gentlemen playing chess in the pools.

Dress up for the Budapest Opera which is a must for the building and the acoustics alone. And if you’re after a glamorous end to the evening, stay at the Four Seasons Gresham Palace. It is one of Budapest’s finest hotels, complete with suites that overlook the Danube.

Taking it easy and stepping back in time

Take the funicular to Castle Hill for a view of the Buda hills and the Danube. After that, spend some time wandering around the Royal Wine House and Wine Cellar Museum. For food, visit Cafe Kor as it is an establishment that serves staple Hungarian food.

Falk Miksa Utca is a tree-lined street that’s good for walkers and antique lovers alike. The Terror Haza is a museum of the communist Red Terror of 1919 and the White Terror that ensued. Parliament will also take you back in time, with its gilded arches, frescoes and stained-glass windows.

Liszt Ferenc Ter shouldn’t be missed as it is thought to be one of Budapest’s loveliest squares, complete with all its cafes and plane trees. You’ll find the Liszt Academy of Music at the end of the square. If you’re a music lover, you’ll be pleased to know that regular concerts are held in this art nouveau building.

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