There’s something about a good film that helps put a place on the map, and Wes Anderson’s hit film, ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’, has certainly done that for Budapest in Hungary.
We checked into The Corinthia Hotel in the heart of the city to begin our three-day trip to this vibrant city. An impressive landmark building with an imposing Neo-classical façade and soaring atrium, Corinthia offers elegant three eateries, a bar, a café, its very own nightclub club and plenty of space to relax including a spa.
The following morning with the sun shining with not even a hint of the rainfall the day before, we took a tour with a guide from Budapest Underguide. A firm believer of discovering a destination through its culinary life, we chose the delicatessen tour. It took us from the Central Market Hall, operating since 896, where we tasted stuffed cabbage, langos – a large scone with garlic and sour cream – before moving on to have a coffee and cake at the Central Café. Having opened its doors in 1887, the café is one of the oldest and most visited in Budapest. Having suffered hardship and ruin following the two world wars, it’s been restored to its former glory. The decorations on the ceiling are the same as they were back in 1913.
Luckily a hangover can be cured by a trip to the Szechenyi medicinal baths. These 100 year old in and outdoor pools in the city will have you restored to health and ready in no time. But if you still need some extra help then a trip to Omorovicza is a must. With my body restored, I needed a face to match so I went along to this walk in spa for a facial. Therapist Syilvia first explained to me the process of my facial before combining unique Hungarian techniques to ease away tension and lift my skin with a thorough facial like I had never experienced before. The treatment included a velvety mud cleanse and massage using firm, fluttering strokes that soothed out my stress lines along the jaw and forehead.
Having conquered street food earlier, it was time to sit down and enjoy a proper feast so I went along to the Budda Bar and Restaurant. Attached to a five star restaurant, a visit here is a must if you love Thai food! The ambiance, the staff, the music, was just so perfect.
Seeing Budapest during the day is great but if you have time, but seeing the place along the Danube river cruise at night is a must. With a glass of bubbly in my hand aboard the Legenda River Cruise, I relaxed taking in the magnificent Parliament building, the Royal Palace, the bridges and many other splendid sights all bathed in light. A sure fine way to end the trip by experiencing the legends of Budapest come alive.