Budapest offers more this Christmas

Shoppers seeking traditional and inexpensive gifts this Christmas should head to the Budapest Christmas Market starting at the end of November and take advantage of a winter promotion that offers a ‘free’ night at more than 60 of the city’s leading hotels.

The Budapest Christmas Market takes place in the central Vörösmarty Square from 29 November until 24 December and takes visitors back to a different era where Christmas wasn’t all about commercialism. Traditional arts, crafts and Christmas trinkets can be bought at the many stalls, delicious food and drink are on offer, including fresh baked gingerbread and hot wine and the overall atmosphere is magical.

To really get the most out of your visit the Hungarian National Tourist Office is running a special winter promotion in conjunction with more than 60 of the leading hotels whereby guests get either ‘three nights for the price of two’ or ‘four nights for the price of three’*.

This offer runs from 1 November 2008 until 31 March 2009 and is designed to give travellers an extra incentive to visit Budapest this winter, making a short winter escape to one of the world’s most stunning cities a very affordable option.

Budapest in the winter is as charming as it is in the summer with lots to do, from ice skating under the stars next to the fairy tale castle of Vajdahunyad to taking a dip in one of the many outdoor steaming hot spas. And travel before Christmas for the chance to stock up on unusual presents that won’t break the bank.

There are many airlines that fly to Budapest including Malév Airlines (malev.com), British Airways (ba.com), Ryanair (ryanair.com), Easyjet (easyjet.com), Wizzair (wizzair.com) and Jet2 (jet2.com).

A range of three, four and five star hotels can be searched and booked online at Budapestwinter.com.

* Hotels will be running either ‘three for the price of two nights’ or ‘four for the price of three’ offers – not both. Please check the hotel via the web site for which offer they are running.