While the cold is well and truly here, you are thinking of going as far as possible in search of sun and warmth… Error: certain destinations take on a particular charm in winter, like Budapest!
Renowned for its grandiose architecture and thermal baths, Budapest offers a unique experience in the cold season. When winter spreads its blanket of snow on the banks of the Danube, the city transforms into a true winter tale.
What to do in Budapest in winter?
The Hungarian capital is divided into two parts: Buda and Pest. In Buda, a quiet and luxurious part, there are the Mathias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion and the Royal Castle. In Pest, we visit St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Halles on Hold Street and the Parliament, and we scour the good places to eat and go out. The two parts of the city thus form Budapest, a city with a thousand and one facets with which it is easy to fall in love.
It is a popular destination during all four seasons, but winter offers some wonders that other times do not. Good to know: here, the sun sets around 4 p.m., you will take this into account when planning your activities.
1. Wander the streets
Budapest is a particularly charming city with its baroque and neoclassical architecture. The atmosphere that reigns in the deserted streets as the fresh air tickles you and the winter sun comforts you, makes the landscape even more beautiful. And with a little luck, you will be able to enjoy the first snowflakes of the year…
2. Warm up at the thermal baths
Ending your day of walking with hot baths is synonymous with joy. The Szechenyi thermal baths, the most famous in the city, are open until 10 p.m. In the evening, the contrast between the cold of the air and the warmth of the water makes you feel alive. It also causes steam above swimming pools: an impressive aesthetic spectacle.
3. Drink hot chocolate in a prestigious café
Book Cafe, New York, Gerbeaud, Müvesz, Emile, Central… Many cafes have opened in buildings dating from the 20th century, where columns, gilding and baroque sculptures mingle. Sumptuous places where you can enjoy a hot drink while watching the snow fall.
4. Skating on ice
Budapest is home to one of the largest outdoor ice rinks in the world, a stone’s throw from the Szechenyi thermal baths, between Vajdahunyad Castle and Heroes’ Square. In winter, Lake Városliget (Bois-de-Ville) is frozen while in summer, you can sail there by boat. It covers no less than 15,000m2 and welcomes skaters every day, until around 8 p.m.
Bonus: holiday magic
Going to Budapest in December means diving head first into the magic of the end-of-year celebrations! The town is home to two main Christmas markets (Vörösmarty Square and in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica), as well as numerous chalets. The streets are decorated and lit up for the occasion. So stop to drink a mulled wine and eat a kürtőskalács: heaven on earth!
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