Budapest
We were only here for a night, so this will be a quick one. Split by the Danube River, Budapest is actually made of two parts - Buda and Pest - which each have their own traits as they were their own cities up until 1873. Buda is on the west and is where you’ll find the castles and gorgeous views while Pest is where you’ll find the city and the baths. I also was basically dying from food sickness while here but we made the most of Budapest in our short time there.
Where to have a floating dinner with spectacular views: Spoon The Boat Restaurant
Solid food and incredible views from this restaurant. I had traditional pork knuckle and was not disappointed in the slightest. But no matter what you get, you have views of the castle to the west and the city to the east, with boats gliding by to make for a dynamic and unforgettable meal.
Where to get drinks under a cathedral: High Note Sky Bar
Ranked as one of the best rooftop bars in the world by Conde Naste Traveller, it’s easy to see why. Incredibly creative drinks that beg you to try them all underneath the shadow of the St. Stephen’s Basilica make it a must on any visit to Budapest. Make sure to make a reservation a long way in advance though, as it is quite the hotspot with limited seating.
Where to take a bath: Szechenyi Thermal Baths
This is also a must when visiting Budapest, of course. The thermal pools with their therapeutic and bodily benefits are incredible on its own, but add the beautiful architecture into the mix and you have the most popular site in the city. And with that said, get there EARLY. Like as soon as it opens. It’s worth it. We got there maybe an hour after it opened and there was no where to lounge left.
Where to get some history that isn’t a museum: Heroe’s Square
This is a massive square that represents the leaders and history of the country. Plus, it’s a photogenic spot, which is basically why we all travel at this point anyways.
Where to stay: Marriott Budapest
Yeah yeah yeah, its a Marriott, I know, but in classic Marriott fashion, it has an ideal location with views to match. Its also LARGE, so you have all the amenities you could ask for.
