WHEN -

March - May or September - November. It's best to go in Spring or Autumn when you still get nice weather but avoid the big crowds and inflated prices. March, April, September and October have the lowest rainfalls.

STAY -

Corinthia Hotel ***** - 

Everything is very opulent starting with the charming Neo-classical facade that illuminates in a most wonderful way, Bridal Suite, rooms, suites and residences, marble bathrooms, walking distance to the city highlights, nearby tram and underground stops to explore the rest of the city, Concierge, 24 hour desk, safety box.

If book a suite you get access to the fabulous Executive Lounge where you can relax with snacks and drinks while reading the paper. The hotel has undergone the largest refurbishment in Hungarian history.

ABOUT -

Budapest 

is the perfect metaphor for a conjugal union. Buda and Pest were two cities separated by the Danube River. They were united in 1873 and became Budapest. They were stronger as one than they were on their own and became one of Eastern Europe's great cities.

Budapest is listed as a UNESCO site with the three areas being the banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Area and Andrassy Avenue.

Fly into Budapest 

and make your way to the hotel (said to have inspired the fictional Grand Budapest Hotel). If you are coming from outside Europe you will probably need to make a connecting flight somewhere. Budapest is a romantic city and the perfect place for couples.

There is so much to see and do around the hotel you won't need to move too far. Plus you'll want to spend a bit of time luxuriating at the hotel. If you do feel like something different head out on one of the day trips not too far from the city. A day out on Margaret Island getting some fresh air would be worth doing as well. No matter how long you decide to stay you won't get bored.

ADD ONS -

There are some good day trips you can do from Budapest

1. Old Village Holloko - 

and its surroundings are a UNESCO Listed Site. It was the last inhabited towns which shows how rural Hungarians lived centuries ago. it is an hour away by car.

2. Szentendre - 

colourful and cosy riverside town with cobblestone streets, markets, arts and crafts and a must see. Since the 1930's artists and other creative types have been settling in here and have made it a vibrant exciting place to be. Just nearby is the  fascinating open air Szentendre Skanzen Village Museum.

3. Vac - 

only 40 km away a quaint little Baroque town on the riverside that makes for a romantic day out. Explore the town on foot and take a river cruise for a different perspective.

ROMANCE -

· Budapest is considered the most romantic city in central and Eastern Europe. It is known as the Paris of the East.

· Couples treatment room in the Royal Spa

· The Labyrinth at Buda Castle - 

hold hands as you wander through the pitch black hallways where Dracula was once imprisoned. Have something to eat at the amazing eatery while you are there.

· Gellert Baths - 

you'll feel like you're in the great Gatsby

· Candle lit dinner cruise on the Danube

· Have a picnic in City Park

· Night time stroll hand in hand across the Szechenyi Chain Bridge and leave love locks

· Go to the Opera - 

the Hungarian State Opera House is one of the oldest in the world

SUNRISES & SUNSETS -

Danube Promenade - take a sunset stroll along the river

Gellert Hill 

near the Citadel and the Liberty Statue

BUDGET -

High - not at the top of the range but still quite high. You'll get a slight discount for being in Eastern Europe. But. You're still in Europe, staying in a 5***** hotel with spa treatments and surrounded by wonderful restaurants, bars, sights, shops etc etc. You could try and do it on the cheap but you'll miss out on all the good stuff.

HIGHLIGHTS -

Thermal Baths - 

Budapest is famous for them

Food - Budapest is an epicurean city

PAMPER -

Royal Spa - 

in the city of spas this is one of the best. Dating back to 1886 this art-deco landmark features a 15 metre heated indoor swimming pool surrounded by Corinthian columns and covered by a stained glass ceiling, complimentary juice bar, 2 Finnish  saunas, a steam bath and Jacuzzis.  You can get body treatments (algae and mud body wraps), facials and massages.

RELAXING -

Have a spa session to relax before the big event

In the Rooftop Garden

Light yoga and meditation

VIEWS -

The City and the Skyline, the Gardens or the entertaining street out the front.

FOOD -

Plan the menu for your Wedding breakfast

Brasserie & Atrium - for buffet breakfast and meeting up and meals featuring Hungarian and international cuisine - Sunday brunch with live folk music

Coffee House - with pastries, tarts and cakes

Rickshaw - Far Eastern Restaurant

Caviar & Bull - Maltese with a Hungarian twist

Uncensored - through a secret door in Caviar & Bull - fine dining from around the world

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Pierrot Cafe & Restaurant - for Hortobagyi Palacsinta

DRINKS -

Le Bar - piano bar - Happy Hour

Orfeum Club - dinner and a show cabaret style - a swing band and a theatrical revue in an atmospheric space (connected to the hotel)

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The New York Cafe - a famous member of the famous cafe culture here where you can eat some famous Esterhazy Cake

Leo Rooftop Bar - in house DJ's with a laid back sound track - buffet brunch 12 pm - 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays with unlimited prosecco - book ahead

Ruin Bars - 

a unique part of Budapest's nightlife in the 7th District

SIGHTS -

· UNESCO Listed 

Andrassy Avenue the most famous street in Budapest - just 5 mins walk from the hotel

· Heroes Square - 

famous landmark

· The Royal Palace

· Matthias Church  - 

attend a concert

· Fishermans Bastion - 

best views at night time

· The Castle Museum / Castle Hill Funicular

· Szechenyi Baths - 

one of the largest in the world, book in advance

· St Stephens Basilica

· Vaci Street - 

famous pedestrian street full of shops and cafes

· The House of Terror Museum - 

to understand what the people went through

ACTIVITIES -

24 Hour Modern Fitness Centre

Szamos Chocolate Museum - learn about chocolate, make chocolate and eat chocolate

Wine tasting - there are many places around Buda pest

Go to Margaret Island (in the middle of the Danube) - it was known as Rabbit Island in the middle ages and the Royals used to hunt rabbits here. These days it's a public park and you can cycle, ride golf carts, e-scooters and some other strange contraptions. Have a look at the musical fountain. It has hourly shows and a sound and light show in the evening.

Cool down at the stunning Palatinus Strand which has been named one of the best outdoor swimming pools in the world. There are gardens, religious buildings and a musical fountain. When you get hungry go to Hippie Island a big open air pub and cafe. The best way to get here is to take a public boat from Pest.

SOUVENIRS -

There is a souvenir shop in the hotel.

Chocolates - from Rozsavolgyi Csokolade - go here even if you don't want any souvenirs

Paprika - is taken seriously in Hungary. There are many different types but the best one is The Rose of Hungary. The best brands are Szeged and Kalosca. You will find them at the Central Market Hall.

Tokaji Wine - Palinka (Fruit Brandy) - Hungarian Puzzle Boxes

Central Market Hall -

is one of the most popular shopping destinations in the whole country.

TIPS -

· Have a look at the Budapest Card and see if it will save you money.

· Europe has a problem with pickpockets around crowded tourist attractions.

CHEAPER OPTIONS -  all on Booking.com

Hotel Moments Budapest **** - 

6 types of rooms

Prestige Hotel Budapest **** - 

a renovated historical building

Boutique Hotel Victoria Budapest **** - 

on the other side of the river (Buda), rooms with river views.

VISAS -

Hungary is one of the Shengen countries.

Click here to check your requirements.

TRANSPORT -

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport  (BUD) -

Has direct flights from 129 destinations in 42 countries, most of them in Europe. There are also flights from New York, Toronto, the United Arab Emirates and Seoul.

Check here for airfares.

The hotel does airport transfers for a fee. It is 22 km and half  an hour away.

EXTRA -

See #34 Serbian Road Trip in 'Countries M - Z'.