Budapest goes by many nicknames, including the Heart of Europe, the Pearl of the Danube, and Paris of the East. Some of the city's most famous landmarks include the massive complex of Buda Castle set upon Castle Hill, the imposing neo-Gothic facade of the Parliament buildings, and the unrivaled beauty of Matthias Church. The travel industry in Budapest caters to all pocketbooks, so if you're in town and looking to see the city like a celebrity, we have some great suggestions for you.
This is an opportune time to hire the services of an experienced local guide. Going with a private guide will assure you that the tour is going to be all for you or your small private party. There’s no better way to enjoy the city!
Tour Budapest in Style
Getting around to all the famous landmarks on foot takes a lot of walking and hopping on and off public transport. So why not travel in an exclusive luxury vehicle with your private guide? Have the chauffeur take you to Buda Castle, the Szechenyi Baths, Central Market, St Stephen's Basilica, the State Opera house, and more. It's your tour. It's your time. Speak to your guide and customize your tour to suit your desires.
Plan your tour prior to your arrival, and you'll be able to secure tickets to places that require advance registration, such as St Stephen's Hall at Buda Castle. Or include a classical music concert at St Stephen's Basilica or a performance at the State Opera House in your itinerary. Your private luxury vehicle tour will ensure that you roll up in style at every stop.
You may also wish to hire out a limousine for making a grand entrance at the opera or at one of Budapest's many high class restaurants.
Dinner on the Danube
A cruise down the Danube River is a great way to see the magnificent facades of the city as they glide by. The Parliament Buildings are particularly impactful when viewed in the evening, with the buildings lit up and reflecting on the river.
There are various cruises available, including ones that include food and drink. Are you traveling with a special someone? Then how about a candlelight dinner cruise, savor a romantic meal with your partner while relishing in the illuminated city scenes as you leisurely drift by. For something even more extravagant, there are sumptuous three-course meal cruises that include operetta and a Hungarian folk show.
Pamper Yourself in a Spa
Budapest is known as the hot spring capital of the world, so a visit to the best known spa, Szechenyi Spa, is an essential part of the Budapest experience. The spa has three large outdoor pools, fifteen indoor pools, and amenities such as saunas, steam rooms, and massage services. Enjoy soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters, surrounded by neo-baroque architecture.
To take your visit up a notch, you can purchase a combo ticket that will allow you to visit the spa freely all day with a fast pass entry, your own private changing cabin, and the option to upgrade to receive a massage. The combo ticket also includes a palinka tasting tour as part of the package. Palinka is a fruit brandy and Hungary's national liqueur. The tasting tour is at the Palinka Museum in town. Remember, your ticket allows you to visit the spa all day, so you can always head back again later.
Other day spas are available with more of an emphasis on personal beauty care. If you really want to be pampered, Budapest has options for you with facials, massages, skin care, Thai spas, and more. There’s even the Thermal Beer Spa if you want to pull yourself a beer while relaxing.
Hungarian Cuisine, Wine, and Cheese Tours
Not far outside of Budapest is Etyak Province, famous for its vineyards. You can arrange for a privately guided tour of some of the local family-run wineries and sample their wares. A tour including a two-course meal is a great way to try some authentic and delicious Hungarian cuisine out in the countryside. If the food is just as important to you as the wine, then enjoy a culinary wine tour that includes Hungarian dishes along with the wine tasting. If wine and cheese is more your style, there are tours for that too. Touring with a private guide will make your time in the company of the locals cozier and more meaningful.
For brand name shopping, Budapest has two famous streets: Vaci utca and Andrassy Avenue. Both of these boast retail outlets with brand names such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Giorgio Armani, plus many more. You’ll find plenty of charming boutiques and designer stores, and there are also some interesting vintage shops that are worth checking out. You might find just the right souvenir for someone back home.
Along Andrassy Avenue, you will also find the State Opera House, and down by Heroes Square at the outbound end of the street, there’s the Museum of Fine Arts and Palace of Art. At these places, you can take a bit of time to appreciate Hungarian art as a relaxing intermission to your shopping.
High-class Hotels
If you are looking to stay in style, then Budapest has a selection of worldwide, high class hotels available. However; you might also want to stay in a place that captures the atmosphere and ambiance of the city. The Corinthia Hotel is in a building that has been around since the late 1800s. With an art deco style and its own spa, Corinthia captures both a palatial impression and embodies the "spa capital of the World" sobriquet. Parisi Udvar Hotel Budapest, part of Hyatt, features an incredible late 19th century wooden interior.
The Hilton Hotel is located in the Castle District of Castle Hill, with Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion nearby, so you can enjoy the evening views before retiring for the day. Matild Palace is a small but striking building with a clock tower, and the Buddha Bar Hotel is in a former palace and boasts a lavish interior with rooms fit for royalty.
Conclusion
There are a variety of ways to enjoy Budapest like a guest of honor. See the sights of the town with a luxury private guide. Take a culinary wine tour and taste the flavors of Hungarian food and domestic wines. Cruise down the Danube with a candlelit dinner or live entertainment. Enjoy special treatment at a health spa or shop in Budapest's high class shopping districts. Whatever your desires, Budapest has something to make you feel like a celebrity.
Nothing says VIP like having your own personal guide with you. GoWithGuide has some excellent, experienced guides waiting to show you around their town.
