One of my former employers use to conduct global sales meetings in highly desirable locations within each of our critical regions. I had the good fortune to attend these events every year as a presenter, which means, I worked my hinny off, but I always found time to squeak in some sightseeing with my colleagues. Budapest was one such location for our European region and it’s easy to see why!
Like most major European cities, Budapest has Roman roots, but it wasn’t until the 9th century that the Hungarians arrived and “re-settled” the area that eventually evolved into the city of Buda on the western bank of the Danube river. On the eastern side, a Slavic/German settlement called Pest was growing in prosperity and in 1873 “Pest-Buda” was renamed Budapest following a unification effort that would eventually turn the city into one of the top cities for innovation with one of the fastest growing economies in the world. I know, I’m oversimplifying the history of this amazing city but it’s out of necessity or this post would turn into a modern novel. Why? Because the history is long, complicated and littered with a level of conflict that makes the history of some of its contemporaries seem like child’s play. The art around the city reflects the “fight” to get to this point in Budapest’s history. Shoot, even Attila the Hun’s crest is painted on a street corner here.
Today, Budapest is a beautiful city drawing over 4 million visitors a year and is ranked the “second best” in the world by Conde’ Nast Traveler. I’m so glad that my work had sent me because it might not have been a city I would have singled out for a visit, but let me encourage you to consider it with my Top 10 things to do and see.
ONE: Walk the Szechenyi Chain Bridge ~ What the Brooklyn Bridge is to New York City and the Golden Gate Bridge is to San Francisco, the Chain Bridge is to Budapest. Opened in 1849, the Chain Bridge was the first to connect Pest and Buda across the Danube river and it was the impetus for the unification that ultimately changed the name of the city and anchored its place as a leading city in Europe. For those who’ve read my posts and followed me on social media, you know I love bridges. I love how they enable transition, taking one from here to there, but in this case, it unified.
TWO: Tasting at Faust Wine Cellar ~ This was definitely a trip highlight! To get to the cellar, we walked down 200+ steps underground, beneath a 500-year-old church to what is a true wine cellar. It’s a small intimate space where you will taste some of Hungary’s best wines pared with regional fare. Our sommelier/host was an absolute delight, with not just insights on the wine but the history of the cellar and its previous “occupants”. For the foodie, this is an absolute must do when you visit…food, wine and intrigue, make for the perfect evening!
THREE: Visit the Great Market Hall ~ I must confess to not actually visiting this site, and I regret it. My colleagues that did said it was amazing so I had to include it in my list. I would hate for you to suffer my FMO fate and miss this spot!
FOUR: Visit Matthias Church ~ Named after the 19th century King Matthias who ordered one of its restoration, the Matthias church has been rebuilt consistent with Budapest’s history of conflict, which means, a lot! It has been home to several coronations and today hosts the Ecclesiastical Art Museum.
FIVE: Hungarian Parliament ~ Properly known has the House of Nation is the largest building in Hungary and was built-in the early 1,800’s following the unification of the country to establish its sovereignty. Cool factoid about this building being, it’s design was the result of an international contest to which the 2nd and 3rd place designs were used for other municipal buildings within Budapest. (Featured Image)
SIX: Visit a Hungarian Bath House ~ With over 100 geothermal springs around the city you simply must hit a bath house. And no, it’s not a “bath house” in the shady sense, it’s a real BATH house. Visiting a bath is common practice in the Hungarian culture and as such, they come in a variety of price and luxury levels. I visited the Gellert baths and I’ll be honest, I struggled a bit during my visit. I had been to the German equivalent while living in Germany and found them so clean and sterile that the Hungarian version made a little uneasy. It wasn’t that it wasn’t clean, it’s just that we “germaphobe” Americans tend to struggle with less than hospital sterile in such a setting. This is something I’d like a “do-over” on because I’m certain I’d enjoy this much more now having broadened my horizons since this visit. So, for the western first timer, make sure you bring your own bathing suit, swim cap, flip flops and such. I would also recommend spending a little extra for the private changing room to ease into the Hungarian frame of mind.
SEVEN: Walk Hero’s Square ~ Hero’s square is one of the most significant squares in the city due to its iconic statues of the Seven Chieftains and other Hungarian leaders. As is the case with squares of this size, you might stumble across a festival or political event.
EIGHT: Take the funicular to Buda Castle: formerly home to several Hungarian Kings and is now the National Gallery and History Museum. The grounds and the view of the Danube from one of the many overlooks is amazing!
NINE: Visit Gresham Palace ~ and if you can afford to stay here, go for it. Now a Four Seasons Hotel, the Gersham Palace was originally the home to the Nako House, a neo-classical palace purchased by the Gersham Life Insurance Company. The original palace was not “palatial enough” for the UK-based insurer so it was torn down and the Gersham Palace was built. It didn’t just house the company headquarters, it was home to some of its executives. One has to wonder about a company that had a literal Palace as an office. Forget nap rooms and ping-pong, where’s the butler? Maybe I’m in the wrong line of work! 😉
TEN: My lodging ~ The Intercontinental on the Danube. You really can’t go wrong with the Intercontinental brand, particularly in Europe. Exceptional breakfast buffet, great concierge service and a room with a view. And as one would expect in Budapest, the spa is definitely worth a visit!
Click for a city map with attractions
