Romance in Budapest

Budapest is often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’ and can easily compete as one of the world’s most romantic cities.

With its picturesque backdrop, the majestic Danube at its centre separating the ‘Buda’ and ‘Pest’ sides of the city, cosy cafes and trendy bars, plus the quaint cobbled streets of the old Castle district, it makes the ideal Valentine’s destination.

Romantics, young and old, can enjoy the city that is a cultural gem for its unique history, majestic architecture and UNESCO world heritage sites that co-exist alongside its vibrant contemporary side, seen in its trendy nightlife, boutique hotels and fashionable shops.

For those looking to whisk their loved one away to Budapest this Valentine’s here is a list of the top romantic things to do in the city that will surely guarantee you some brownie points:

Glide with your partner around the ice
Budapest's oldest and most popular ice-rink is located in Városliget (City Park) on the lake next to the fairytale Vajdahunyad castle. Take your partner by the hand and enjoy gliding around one of the most romantic rinks in the world. You will have plenty of room as it’s the world’s largest outdoor rink at 15,000 square metres. Afterwards warm up with a glass of hot mulled wine or hot chocolate. The rink is open until the end of February, Monday-Friday 9am-1pm and 4pm-8pm; Saturday 9am-1pm, 2pm-6pm and Sunday 10am-1pm and 4pm-8pm.

Kiss your loved one in a steaming outdoor spa
The Szénchenyi Baths (Szechenyifurdo.hu) are one of Europe’s largest spa complexes and feature nine pools in total, including outdoor pools that are open year round. The steaming waters are hot, hot, hot and are the perfect way to round off a hard days sightseeing.

Enjoy a glass of Hungarian Törley ‘champagne’ at the Four Seasons hotel
The Törley factory celebrates its 125th anniversary this year and has been producing sparkling wine by the traditional champagne methods since its opening. The wine has the accolade of being recognised by Parisian’s since the 1900s and its popular today as Hungary’s ‘champagne’. Raise a glass to your Valentine and admire the fabulous views over the Danube from the elegant Páva restaurant at the Four Seasons Gresham Palace - fourseasons.com/budapest.

Cosy up in one of Budapest’s oldest cafes
Huddle together with your loved one around an ancient ceramic radiator in the tiny 180-year-old cafe, Ruszwurm (Ruszwurm.hu) in the Castle District, close to Matthias Church. Coffee culture has been part of Hungarian life for years and coffee shops are where you will find the soul of the city. Also try Hungary’s most famous café, Gerbeaud, where you can nip to the cellar below the main café, which has been converted to a beer hall, if you fancy a home-brewed beer instead.

Treat yourselves to cakes that are out of this world
Hungarian’s love their cakes and many cafes pride themselves on making everything from scratch which in this day and age of convenience food is a rare treat.

The name Auguszt has long been synonymous with fine pastry in Budapest so make sure you seek out one of the three family run cafes called Auguszt Cukrászda. Since 1870, five generations have strived to maintain the family reputation and visitors won’t be disappointed with their fine sweets, ice creams and pastries made on the premises.

Take in a performance at the Hungarian State Opera House
Put on your finery and see a show at the opulent Hungarian State Opera House, one of the city’s many treasures given UNESCO world heritage status. This glittering and ornate masterpiece was built in 1884 and people visit as much for the performances as to view the inside of this stunning building. Tickets can often be bought on the day however to guarantee a seat pre-book at www.jegymester.hu. Carmen and the Magic Flute are amongst the performances in February.

Admire fantastic views from the funicular up to the Castle District
The easiest and most scenic way to get to the Castle District is to take the funicular railway from the Buda side near the famous Chain Bridge. The funicular was built in 1870 and is lovingly maintained whilst keeping its antique look and feel. Make sure you take the lowest of the carriage compartments for the most impressive views over the city.

Stroll around Margaret Island
Wrap up warm and escape the city for a romantic stroll on Margit-sziget, the small island in the middle of the Danube that is home to the city’s biggest park area. There are 100 hectares of peaceful parkland, free of traffic with English, Japanese and French gardens and old ruins, plus the mansion-like Grand Hotel (danubiushotels.com) where you can grab a drink and some food in opulent surroundings.

Enjoy a candle lit dinner at a floating restaurant
One of the newest and hippest floating restaurants of the moment is the gleaming Spoon Cafe and Lounge (spooncafe.hu) where guests can enjoy candlelight and sophisticated dining. Start off your romantic evening with a Kir Royale whilst you admire fabulous views of the Chain Bridge.

Stay in a room with a four-poster bed at the luxury Andrássy Hotel
At the end of the day sink into the plush, plump pillows of a four-poster bed at the exclusive five star Andrássy Hotel (andrassyhotel.com). Located in the Embassy neighbourhood of the Pest side of the city, just off the world heritage listed Andrássy Avenue this boutique hotel is Hungary's first entry to the collection of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. The Andrássy Hotel was designed and built in a Bauhaus style, by Alfréd Hajós in 1937 and completely renovated in 2001.

GETTING THERE

A four-night for the price of three-night stay is currently available at many participating city hotels including the Andrássy Hotel. A four-night stay at the five-star Andrássy Hotel is from £295 for a double king room for two people from 14-18 February or from £605 for a junior suite with four poster bed and balcony. Flights with Malév (malev.com) from Gatwick are from £110 per person.

Other airlines that operate direct flights to Budapest include British Airways from Heathrow; Easyjet from Luton and Stansted; Ryanair from Bristol, Liverpool, East Midlands and Glasgow Prestwick; Jet2 from Manchester and Wizzair from Luton.

For more information and to book log onto Budapestwinterinvasion.com.

To find out more about Hungary visit Gotohungary.co.uk.