Majestic Budapest has an Imperial past; more and more of the 19th century grandeur of the Hapsburg Empire is being revealed as the city is restored. The twin cities of Buda, on the west bank of the Danube, and Pest, on the east, were only united in 1873. Gothic Buda has an old-world feel while Pest has broad boulevards. There are no less than 123 thermal pools to choose from. Music lovers should visit the Bela Bartok Museum and the Liszt Museum, as well as the ornate State Opera House; we can obtain tickets for you for the opera and ballet performances given here.
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This elegant hotel opened in April 2015 and is in Pest, just 10 minutes’ walk from the Chain Bridge. It is housed within a 19th century neo-Classical town house. At the heart of the hotel is an impressive inner courtyard where interior balconies look down onto the spacious lobby on the ground floor.
After years of painstaking renovation, this landmark building was restored to its former glory. It is located in Pest and has wonderful views of the Chain Bridge, the Danube and the Royal Castle.
In 2021 one of Budapest’s most iconic buildings began its new life as a hotel.
Originally built in 1902 this neo-Baroque Palace is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one half of twin palaces positioned as a gateway to the Elisabeth Bridge: it was the vision of Her Imperial and Royal Highness Maria Klotild of Saxe-Coburg & Gotha for these palaces to serve as the social hub of
the city.
Sister property to the Aria in Prague, this stylish hotel has an excellent location near St. Stephen’s Basilica and the State Opera House. Its 49 luxurious rooms are divided into four musically themed wings; opera, jazz, classical or contemporary with the design changing accordingly. All are spacious and include iPads and audio systems with access to an extensive music library.
This modern hotel successfully combines contemporary design with historic features such as the ornate frescoes on the lobby ceilings which hark back to the building’s 19th century provenance. Its location in Pest is excellent; directly on Andrassy Avenue and walking distance to St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Opera House.
After a four-year renovation, the Párisi Udvar opened in June 2019, revealing an astonishing building built in 1817 as Budapest’s first shopping arcade – inspired by the famous Passage des Panoramas in Paris.
Recently opened in 2021, the Kozmo is housed within a landmark building which was formerly a telecoms centre in the early 20th century. Impressive historical elements such as the grand staircase have been meticulously restored and complemented by sleek modern interiors to create a luxurious and tranquil respite for guests.
Following on the heels of the first Spectator Club tour to Hungary in 2024, we will return with The Spectator’s drinks editor Jonathan Ray in June 2025, for a five-night itinerary which combines the grand capital Budapest with the vineyards of Tokaji.
Whilst the sights and sounds of these two cities differ hugely, the histories of Budapest and Vienna are so intertwined that by visiting them separately you only get half of the story.
Combining the capital cities of the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary in one holiday makes for a fascinating journey. Prague will transport you to the Middle Ages with cobbled streets and golden rooftops, Vienna impresses with its palaces and treasures from the Habsburg Empire and Budapest is a melting pot of medieval, Baroque and 19th century architecture.
£1798 (low season) or £2168 (high season)
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