The Danube River flows through ten countries and four capital cities, uniting Hungary’s regal Buda hills with the sprawling city of Pest to form Budapest—the Pearl of the Danube.
Our favorite historical sights will host our wedding events, but we hope you explore further! Budapest is safe, walkable, and full of visual delights.
Download the Bolt taxi app for easy transport.
Everything is pinned here: Budapest Google Map.
What to see.
Stroll through Erzsébet tér, ride the ferris wheel, and do a little shopping at Nanushka. Visit the beautiful Dohány Synagogue, the largest synagogue in Europe. Per Anthony Bourdain’s advice, see how locals “grocery shop” at the Great Market Hall, and sample culinary treats like kolbász.
See the Hieronymus Bosch exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts, right off Heroes Square. Head into Városliget Park and visit Vajdahunyad Castle, a Gothic monument built to celebrate Hungary’s 1000th birthday—now an archive of taxidermy beasts.
For a brisk morning workout, hike to the top of Gellért Hill.
Indulge in the Fountain of Youth. Named the International Spa City in 1934, Budapest sits on more mineral hot springs than any other city in the world. Soak in the healing thermal waters at our favorite historical bathhouse, Gellért. For a facial or body treatment, visit the renowned Omorovicza Institute.
Visit the monumental Saint Stephen’s Basilica cathedral and its lookout tower. Stroll over to Szabadság Tér and head toward the Parliament building, a must-see. Behind the Parliament, peruse European antiques and embroidered textiles at Anna Antikvitás and shops on Falk Miksa street. If you’re in the market for mid-century European decor, tiny Daken Studio across town has a well-curated selection.
The tiny Vasarely Museum in Óbuda (“old Buda”) is a gem. In Óbuda, also see the ancient Roman ruins of Aquincum. Head to Margaret Island and rent a bike, ride around to see the musical fountain and Japanese garden.
Learn more about the city and Hungary’s history by touring with a local — best for exploring the bohemian 7th District.
Where to eat & drink.
Brent would happily devour the Schnitzel at Kollázs for every meal. Ange suggests expanding your horizons! Have the hotel concierge make you a res (concierge.budapest@fourseasons.com).
For Michelin-starred fresh takes on Hungarian fare, check out Essência, Babel, Costes, Salt, Stand, or Textúra.
For authentic Hungarian, in Buda visit Bistró Déryné or 21 Restaurant, and in Pest visit Borkonyha or low-key Gettó Gulyás.
For sweets, Ruszwurm Confectionery in Buda has been around since 1827, and Café Gerbeaud in Pest is iconic (they also have a great salad).
For coffee, Párisi Passage Café & Brasserie is a gem. Ange also adores the old New York Café for its looks (and its looks alone, don’t get more than a coffee).
Enjoy rooftops of High Note Sky Bar (Aria Hotel), The Dutchess (Matild Palace), and Leo (Hotel Clark).
Nightlife runs the gamut from ruin bar Szimpla Kert, to cocktail bar Black Swan, to piano bar Her Majesty the Rabbit, to nightclub Secret Room. Pace yourselves kids.
Where to stay.
Our home away from home in Budapest, and one of our favorite hotels in the world.