Amber O'Connor spent a single day exploring Budapest, starting with a cold plunge at the 16th-century Rudas Thermal Bath and ending at the Kimpton BEM hotel, to see how much of the Hungarian capital can be enjoyed in just 24 hours.
A Morning at Rudas Thermal Bath
Rudas Thermal Bath topped the itinerary for the flying visit. Budapest, known as the 'City of Spas', has over 100 natural thermal springs. The historic Turkish bathhouse sits beneath a large stone dome with a mosaic of coloured-glass windows, and the complex also includes a 19th-century swimming pool, sun terraces, and a large sauna complex.
The wellness pools include a cold plunge and a medicinal pool, while the rooftop jacuzzi offers panoramic views over the Danube River. The only downside, O'Connor noted, was that the terrace filled up fast, with swimmers heading to the rooftop bar for cocktails.
Castles and Fairy Tales
A short tram ride from Rudas, Buda Castle sits atop Castle Hill, overlooking Buda, the river, and Pest. Visitors can reach it by funicular or a free escalator from the gardens. The ramparts offer open-air courtyards, and a short walk leads past Dracula's Chamber, where legend says the vampire was held captive by King Matthias, and Matthias Church.
Fisherman's Bastion provides sweeping views over the city, including the Hungarian Parliament Building on the Pest side of the river, which is the third-largest parliament in the world.
Afternoon in Pest
The afternoon was spent in Pest, known for its bustling streets and lively ruin bars set inside abandoned buildings. Landmarks include the Hungarian State Opera and St. Stephen's Basilica. O'Connor opted for a vintage shopping trail, visiting Retrock, Ludovika Vintage, and PSTR Store, winding through the historic Jewish Quarter before ending at Szimpla Kert.
Evening brought a stay at the Kimpton BEM hotel on the Buda side of the river, close to the Margaret Bridge. The restored 19th-century mansion has 127 rooms, an award-winning restaurant called AGOS, and a skybar. Spa facilities are on-site, including a whirlpool.
Rooms at the Kimpton BEM Budapest start from £171 per night, based on two people sharing. British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air all offer direct flights to Budapest from the UK, with fares starting from £33 each way.
