How to have an unforgettable weekend in Budapest

Start your day with a stellar breakfast in the Jewish Quarter – where you might have ended it the night before. Cirkusz on Dob utca specialises in eggs Benedict, accompanied by Bagira coffee, the ideal preface to a walking tour of the district or one of the murals decorating many buildings. These hone in on key moments and figures from Hungarian history – it’s worth following a guide to figure out who’s who and why.

After admiring the city’s two most notable synagogues, the huge one on Dohány Street and the recently renovated one nearby on Rumbach Sebestyén utca, it’s time to pay a visit to the city’s latest attraction, Time Out Market Budapest, with its wealth of treats to browse, sample and tuck into, all under the roof of the historic Corvin Palace on Blaha Lujza tér.

Here, you’re on the city’s busiest boulevard, the Nagykörút, with trams running every two minutes, either towards the green getaway of Margaret Island and the newly developing quarter of boutiques and galleries behind it, or a couple of stops south towards Palace Quarter. Bookended by the National Museum, a must-visit for those interested in Hungarian history, the narrow streets here are dotted with art-inspired cafés such as camera-themed Főfotó and Brody House Café, Bar & Bistro, bedecked in original works.

Into the evening, take a stroll past iconic landmarks, including the Hungarian Parliament building and the St. Stephen's Basilica, both of which share the title of the second-tallest building in Budapest (315ft). The Basilica is a must-see in Pest, so be sure to book tickets to view its stunning interiors (before 5pm) – it’s well worth a visit. 

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a little relaxation, head to the Széchenyi Baths for the ultimate Hungarian thermal bath experience in Budapest. Featuring 15 indoor baths, as well as many saunas and steam rooms, and three large outdoor pools, Széchenyi makes for an incredible night out, set against the stunning backdrop of a historic building.