24 HOURS IN BUDAPEST
» 7AM Take in the gorgeous panorama of Buda (western section of Budapest) while enjoying a hearty Hungarian Scrambled Eggs and sour cherry juice at KOLLÁZS. Right in front is the Széchenyi Chain Bridge for a picturesque post-breakfast stroll to Buda.
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest, Budapest, Széchenyi István tér, 1051 Hungary. Tel: +36 1 268 5184
» 9AM Matthias Church, dating to 1015, is a magnificent Roman Catholic church named after one of the great Hungarian kings, Matthias Corvinus. Awash in golden frescos, stained glass windows and colourful tile roofs, it is also home to the Museum of Ecclesiastical Art. Hidden within a medieval crypt that leads to St. Stephen Basilica, it displays sacred relics and replicas of the royal crown. Budapest, Szentháromság tér 2, 1014 Hungary. Tel: +36 1 355 5657
» 1PM The chilly weather calls for Hungarian goulash at Menza, a mid-century themed restaurant in downtown. Pair it with lángos (deep-fried dough) or homemade Hungarian egg noodles. Budapest, Liszt Ferenc tér 2, 1061 Hungary. Tel: +36 1 413 1482
» 3PM Jump on board the Metro and head towards Heroes’ Square. The UNESCO World Heritage site, erected in 1896 to commemorate Hungary’s millennium, features majestic statues of archangel Gabriel and the seven chieftains who founded the country. Budapest, 1146 Hungary.
» 5PM Rest your feet in a natural, hot spring bath of Széchenyi Thermal Baths. After which, opt for a variety of massages, including a soothing Hungarian Wine Treatment where grapeseed oil and grist are used to relax your muscles. Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 Hungary. Tel: +36 1 363 3210
» 7PM Opt for a seat under the canopy when dining at Yiddishe Mamma Mia, a unique restaurant offering Italian-influenced Jewish fare. The highlights are the Crispy Roast Goose Leg on mashed potatoes and its extensive (and affordable) wine list. Budapest, Király u. 13, 1075 Hungary. Tel: +36 1 878 1377
» 9PM Szimpla, a former factory turned openair cinema and pub, features an ambitious list of over 400 craft beers, cocktail and wines and is always buzzing with live music from local and international musicians. Budapest, Kazinczy u. 14, 1075 Hungary. Tel: +36 20 261 8669
» 11PM For night owls, there’s Fogasház. The multi-concept establishment opens till 6am every day. Head to Kert for an open-air dance party or sip on classic cocktails at the laidback Liebling. Budapest, Akácfa u. 49-51, 1073 Hungary. Tel: +36 1 783 8820