Budapest is well known around Europe as one of those cities that constantly changes its personality, many times during the year, according to the seasons. The city’s vibes don’t usually repeat themselves as every year the city keeps getting better and better as a touristic attraction with a lot to offer to its visitors.
Overall, Budapest’s vibes are somehow hard to define but include a beautiful and romantic spring, a crazy and party-hard summer, a cozy and quiet autumn and, coming ahead of us, the magical and full-of-spirit winter.
With that being said, here is a to-do list for you to spend a movie-like winter in Budapest:
-
Watch the Nutcracker: In its Christmas repertoire the Budapest Opera House presents a newly buffed-up show that follows classical ballet traditions while still conforming to the requirements of 21st century dance and set design. The performances start on the 26th of November and continue all the way until the end of December with a show that is a must watch for the holidays.
-
Eat at the Christmas Market: While it is true that you can find several markets around the city, the traditional walk along Váci utca towards Vörösmarty tér while drinking mulled wine is a perfect night plan for both tourists and locals. A place where you can cross many items from your shopping list and enjoy the most traditional and tasty food with some winter specials that Hungary offers to foodies. Don’t forget to have some kürtőskalács, a popular type of sweet pastry.
- Enjoy the city lights on Andrassy út: You might want to get an extra jacket and gloves for this one, but going all the way along Andrassy út is one of my personal favorites during winter in Budapest. Whether you choose to do it alone with your preferred music playing on your headphones or you go with someone having a nice conversation, both options will give you the chance to get in the good holiday mood thanks to the light decorations on the trees and the street.
-
Go ice-skating to Hősök tere (Heroes’ Square): The ice rink is actually located around City Park, more specifically at the Városligeti Műjégpálya, but Heroes’ Square is a better reference for you to find it, if you are not familiar with the city landmarks. This place is on Lonely Planet’s top 10 of the best places in Europe in winter time thanks to not only its size and its location, but also the view that it offers, being next to Vajdahunyad Castle.
-
Take a quick trip to Vienna: In case it is not in your plans already, the Austrian capital is so close to Budapest that you can have a one-day visit, taking the first train and coming back with, as a personal suggestion, the second to last one. One day is perfectly enough for you to visit the most important places in the city and more importantly, the very famous markets and other winter attractions that make this time of the year one of the best times to visit.
And, as my Christmas present for you, one extra special suggestion that I would like to share as one of the best things I have ever experienced.
-
If you see snow in the weather forecast, make the Széchenyi thermal bath your choice for the day: Yes, I know, you might not be sure about going to an outdoor pool in the middle of winter, as getting out of the nice hot water to the freezing air sounds like a nightmare; but you have to trust me on this one when I say that the snow will be worth it. Laying in the warm water with the steam on your face and feeling the snow flakes falling on you is a very unique and beautiful experience that for sure will be the highlight of your trip and a story to tell everyone after going back home
Author: German
