Top 10 Tips For Budapest

Budapest Top Hip Tips What’s hip about? Wikipedia defines as a slang for fashionably current and in the now. I think it is something that is cool, exciting, stylish, authentic and unique because it has true local flavour. But Wikipedia also says that hip is continuosly changing. So the tips will be changing as Budapest is

changing. Get ready for your hip trip in Budapest! Hip Hungarian Music on the Danube: Listen Hungary’s most talented trumpeter and his band Barabás Lőrinc Eklektric Band on 5th March, 2009 at A38 Concertboat anchored at the Buda side of the Danube (where he also jamms with friends on Random Wednesdays), or on 16th May, 2009 at MÜPA, the Palace of Art concert hall by the Pest end of Lágymányosi Bridge. Art and Architerture : Walk from the central Deák Square along on Andrássy Avenue, passing the grand Opera House, enjoy the magnificent boulevard of the city running into Heroes‘ Square. Stop on your way to admire the beautiful villas on the last bit of the avenue and check out the KOGART House and its Contemporary Art Collection to get familiar with upcoming and world famous Hungarian artists‘ works. Hungarian Designer: If you like to shop limited edition pieces straight from the owner/designer in her shop you will love Marta’s Kamchatka just off of central new Vaci Street in Pest. Stylish Places to Stay: Four Seasons Gresham Palace at the Pest end of Chain Bridge is the right choice if you are loaded, but as an affordable, more authentic alternative go for one of the exclusive Budapest short term apartments offered by Hip Homes Hungary. Centrally located, with stylish, unique design and excellent services including some luxury services you will find home away from home in them. They also offer concierge services to make your life easier. Go Local, Eat Local: have your truly retro breakfast for a song at Bambi Presszó on the Buda side and enjoy the sunshine on the terrace. After exploring the Castle District, head back to Pest and enjoy a light lunch at the cosy Két Szerecsen bistro on the Budapest Broadway. If you are up for more to see from this city full of tales and stories wander around in the inner city or just hang out in the many cafés or bars in Pest. For dinner try Baraka at Hotel Andrássy or if you prefer Buda, go and indulge in real caviar at Arany Kaviár. Wherever you eat, please taste the lovely Hungarian wines with your meal. Spa Culture: You might have heard of Budapest‘s fantastic thermal sources and the fantastic spas built on them. Try any and you won’t be disappointed. Always check the opening hours and also if the bath is for male, female or both audience on the day. If you are looking for parties, yours is Rudas Bath with the Cinetrip party in early February, or on weekend nights when it is open for both sexes, but swimsuits are a must! Otherwise try Széchenyi Bath at the City Park that is open almost year around for everybody and is in an amazing setting of a beautiful castle-like building. The Old Jewish Quarter: Not only it has Europe’s biggest working Synagogue, but also it has the best bars and pubs on the Pest side. This year’s hips are Ellátó on Klauzál Square and Instant in Nagymező street. Top Views of the City: Budapest’s best vistas are from two places that are not so commonly known by locals or tourists. One is in the Castle District, just behind the Hungarian Dance Theatre and the other is from the middle of Margaret Bridge, looking South. Take a Walker’s Guide with you and listen to Budapest’s stories while you marvek at the stunning views. A real gem: Kis Pipacs Piano Bar in Buda takes you on a timetravel, back to Budapest’s smoky nightlife of the 70’s and 80’s with a pianist, his evergreen songs and everloving audience. Really want to get to know the true Hungarian spirit? This is the place. Did you try any of them? Please let me know how you liked Budapest. Thanks, Dorka