Budapest is rich in culture, shopping, and nightlife. Budapest is the collaboration
of two former cities, Buda and Pest, separated by the Danube River. Buda is the
western hilly region across the river; while Pest is the flat eastern bank where most of
the action lies. Thanks to the exchange rate between the US dollar and the
Hungarian forint, Budapest is as affordable as ever.

Day 1:
Tour the National Museum, which houses the largest collection of Hungarian art.
Head over to the Raday utca neighborhood to enjoy quaint cafes, shopping, and
art galleries. For independent fashion designers, check out the tiny
Retock Deluxe boutique.  For dinner, enjoy one of Budapest’s coolest restaurants
Café Deryne (voted one of the best new restaurants 2009 by the Best of Budapest).
A local restaurant fave, Csalogány 26 has a great list of Hungarian wine favorites.
After dinner during the warmer months, head down to the river for a docked
boat-turned-bar like A38 Hajó. For high-energy, Studio Club will not disappoint. The
party in Budapest never seems to stop and clubs are guaranteed to stay packed
past 6 AM (when some of us just have to go home)!

Day 2:
Visit the Old Jewish District, which has a ton of bohemian cafes; or stroll
around Liszt Ferenctér, a tres chic neighborhood with trendy bistros. Head over
to nearby Hősök tere (Heroes’ Square), Budapest’s grandest square, where you’ll
find the Museum of Fine Arts and the Art Gallery. City Park is nearby and is the
perfect spot for ice skating or detoxing at one of the city’s Turkish baths. At the
famous Szechenyi baths, there are 18 pools (some heated) including 5 outdoor
pools that run all year long. If you can’t brave the chilly walk to the tub, go to one
of the steam rooms to gather your courage! Another bath option is the Gellert Baths,
where you can indulge in a chocolate spa treatment that includes sugar
peeling, chocolate packing, shower, and 30 minute chocolate massage!

Now that you are nice and relaxed, have dinner at Gundel for an upscale
dining experience. Top off your night with after-dinner drinks at Creol Bar.

Day 3:
Enjoy a relaxed brunch at Gerloczy Café, then take the bridge to Margaret Island
between Buda and Pest where you can walk among the monastery ruins with the
locals who bring their children and dogs out on a sunny afternoon.

Afterwards, explore the goods inside Central Market where you’ll find the
best in authentic Hungarian cuisine on the bottom floor; and Hungarian textiles and
crafts on the top floor.

Stay:
Four Seasons Budapest, Lanchid 19, Boutique Hotel Zara