Advertorial • August 2016
Five ways to make memories in Budapest
From open-air museums to musical fountains, you won’t be stuck for things to see in Budapest this summer. Here are five reasons why you should book a trip
Get in the groove
There are plenty of festivities to keep you occupied in Budapest over the summer months. The Budapest Summer Festival will deliver an eclectic mix of classical and jazz music until 28 August 2016, while the world famous Sziget Festival brings contemporary stars such as Rihanna and Muse to the city. Travellers looking to explore the city’s roots should check out the Festival of Folk Arts at Buda Castle (18-21 August), where you can try your hand at a variety of traditional Hungarian crafts, and pick up a few handmade souvenirs to take home.
Try a chimney-cake cone
Kürtőskalács (chimney cake) is a popular delicacy among the sweet-toothed of Budapest, with the treat proving a real hit among travellers looking for a sugary boost. While it’s traditionally sold in the winter, a new craze for filling the dessert with ice-cream means the tasty snack can now be enjoyed all year round. In addition to sweet fillings, there are plenty of savoury options for you to enjoy. Try the salami and cheese, or the mozzarella and pesto at Töltött Kürtős for another fresh take on this Budapest classic.
Go down to the river
Take a break from exploring and roll out your picnic blanket beside the Városliget Lake inside City Park. This patch of fresh water stretches all the way from Budapest Zoo to Vajahunyad Castle, perfect for paddle boating in the summer, or ice-skating during the winter. On the Buda side of town, lounge under the willow trees while gazing at the gushing fountains at the centre of Feneketlen Lake. Hemmingway Restaurant is an ideal spot to enjoy some traditional Hungarian cuisine in a lakeside setting.
Be open minded
Open-air museums are dotted throughout the city, allowing visitors to get a dose of culture without having to amble past dusty display cases. History buffs can discover Budapest’s communist past at Memento Park, which houses the Soviet era’s propaganda artwork. To go even further back visit the ruins of Aquincum, where an ancient Roman city once stood. You can also get an insight in to Hungary’s industrial past at the Hungarian Railway Museum and Budapest’s Aeropark, that houses an array of mechanical delights at which to marvel.
Enjoy water music
Cross over to the long stretch of greenery that sits at the centre of the Danube River to enjoy a musical water show at Margaret Island’s fountain. At the top of every hour, beginning at 11am, visitors gather around the fountain to enjoy the high-rising aqua jets firing in time to music coming from several loudspeakers. From Vivaldi to The Rolling Stones, enjoy a variety of famous hits, accompanied by a spectacular LED light show.
Budapest Airport has teamed up with welovebudapest.com to suggest the best things for you to do when visiting the city. Download the Budapest Airport app for useful information including a flight tracking tool, transport options and other traveller services.
This article has been tagged Advertorial, Destination