Budapest
Uniworld’s SS Maria Theresa will dock in the Hungarian capital this month. The ship’s concierge, Péter Bárány, shares the city’s secrets with Akash Arora.
Where should I go to stretch my legs? The Danube Promenade between the Chain and Elisabeth bridges. The Danube River divides Budapest into two parts – Buda and Pest – and the promenade offers unreal views of the Buda side. Look out for Buda Castle, the Citadella and Gellért Hill. The road is lined with local artists so it’s a great place to buy a souvenir, too. Where can I get a decent coffee? Artizán bakery (artizan.hu) on Hold Street. You’ll recognise it by the locals lining up outside for pastries and cakes every morning. For authentic Hungarian food,
where should I go? Downtown Market (belvarospiac.hu). Taste specialties such as Hungarian Grey beef and Mangalica pork and meet farmers who love talking about their produce. My favourite foods are lángos [deep-fried flatbread] and grilled sausage with mustard.
And for shopping? Váci Street, between Vörösmarty Square and the Great Market Hall. There are fashion stores along the northern stretch and gift shops and bistros at the southern end. What’s your favourite watering hole in Budapest? 360 Bar. Its location on the rooftop of the Párizsi Nagyáruház department store (39 Andrássy Avenue) gives you the best view of the city. It’s from here that I enjoy watching the sun go down over the Buda hills.