The perfect romantic spring weekend in Budapest – Eastern Europe’s answer to Paris
Since emerging from behind the Iron Curtain, Budapest has become one of Europe best-loved, short-break destinations – and with good reason. The city has been called the Paris of the East, and romance is all around. Through the middle runs the Danube, lights from illuminated bridges dancing on its surface. The hills of Buda rear from the western bank, home to the cobbled medieval quarter with its grand palace and multi-coloured Matthias Church. Across the river sits the magnificent domed Parliament building, and around it the elegant 19th-century mansions that today contain the shops, bars and cafés that give Pest its buzz.
Since emerging from behind the Iron Curtain, Budapest has become one of Europe best-loved, short-break destinations – and with good reason. The city has been called the Paris of the East, and romance is all around. Through the middle runs the Danube, lights from illuminated bridges dancing on its surface. The hills of Buda rear from the western bank, home to the cobbled medieval quarter with its grand palace and multi-coloured Matthias Church. Across the river sits the magnificent domed Parliament building, and around it the elegant 19th-century mansions that today contain the shops, bars and cafés that give Pest its buzz.
You can browse a colourful market for wooden crafts in the morning, soak in a thermal bath after lunch and head for the crumbling courtyard of an atmospheric ruin pub after dark. Every type of cuisine is represented in the restaurants, there’s accommodation to suit any pocket, and the sights are rarely more than a short walk away.
For more Budapest inspiration, see our guides to the city best hotels, restaurants, nightlife and things to do.,
