Five reasons why Budapest is an amazing winter destination

Transforming the main squares of Hungary’s capital into cosy winter retreats, Budapest’s cosy Christmas markets fills the city with seasonal flavours and aromas. Stallholders in traditional costume roll out the classic Transylvanian delicacy of chimney cake, cooks stir steaming cauldrons of goulash and winemakers add that secret extra spice to warming mugs of mulled wine. Throw in a little live music, an open-air skating rink and twinkling festive lights, and your Christmas visit to Budapest is complete!

Winter brings out the best in Budapest. The lights illuminating its famous bridges seem brighter, stately landmarks such as Buda Castle, Parliament and St Stephen’s Basilica seem grander, and the sweeping views from Citadella atop Gellért Hill sparkle with extra twinkle under beaming moonlight. Along the elegant avenue of Andrássy út, Christmas lights bathe the Opera House, fashion stores and historic villas in a magical glow.

Budapest’s diverse and vibrant gastronomic scene is never better illustrated than in winter, when its Michelin-starred restaurants offer seasonal menus twinned with wine pairings. Culinary giants Babel, Gundel and Rosenstein rely on prime Hungarian produce to create classics such as goulash and fish soup, while contemporary eateries Onyx, Stand and Rumour by Jenő Rácz reinvent the genre. Some can be found under one roof at the newly opened Time Out Market Budapest, where top-quality Hungarian, Asian and Italian dishes are served in lively surroundings, sought-after domestic wines and imaginative cocktails, too.

When snow flutters over bathers bobbing beneath the stars in the warm thermal waters of the ornate Széchenyi Baths, you know it must be winter in Budapest! No other capital in Europe is blessed with so many spas so close to the centre, from the banks of Buda to the green retreat of City Park. The Rudas even has a panoramic communal hot tub with panoramic views of the Danube, open all night at weekends. As well as a relaxing soak in naturally healing pools, you can select from a range of massages and treatments provided by in-house experts.

One of Europe’s most family-friendly capitals, Budapest is the perfect place to bring the kids. After skating around the Christmas Market, they can ride the Children’s Railway, board the Christmas Tram, enter a world of sound at the House of Music Hungary, get creative at the Palace of Wonders and team up with the rest of the family to help crack the code at one of the city’s famous escape rooms. Time your visit right, and (if the weather allows) you can slide down the hill at Normafa on your sledge then warm up with hot chocolates at the Ski House, next to the strudel stand for a classic treat!