The Traveller's Magazine
You’ve been meaning to go for ages. You’ve heard of the spicy goulash, the palinka that hits the spot, Tokaj’s fine wines and the soothing and luxurious baths in Budapest. Go for it, fly London to Budapest for £93 (return, tax incl) in February.
Valentine’s Day is around the corner. If you care, or care not to care, it doesn’t matter. Budapest is hands down one of the most romantic cities in Europe. Skip Paris or Rome and try something different this year. Take off on a last minute trip to the Hungarian capital. The spontaneity will definitely impress your sweetheart!
Catch this last-minute deal
Take off from London Luton with Wizz Air. It’s a direct 2 1/2 hour flights to Budapest and a steal at £93 (per person, return, all taxes and fees included) for travel February 6th to 10th, 2013. Flying low cost you give up the complimentary snacks so make sure you start your romantic jaunt off right by packing some fresh strawberries or chocolates in your carry-on. You won’t be able to drink that bottle of champagne you got from the Duty Free onboard but it’ll be a nice treat once you arrive.
Budapest for the romantic
The hot spot for Valentine’s Day in Budapest is of course the thermal spas. As someone who has in fact spend February 14th at the city’s most popular spa, Szchenyi in City Park, take my advice: do not go on February 14th. Everyone in the entire city seemed to also have the romantic idea to head there for a lush spa day with their sweetheart. Best to go on a weekday instead of the weekend and any day other than Valentine’s Day.
Budapest for all 5 senses
Budapest is definitely two-sided. Pest is where the daily life takes place. It’s the real working side of the city, where you’ll find the best underground bars and have the wildest nights out. Buda however is a treat and shouldn’t be missed. Take your darling to Buda Castle and explore the Labyrinth. There are miles of tunnels and caves underground, formed by thermal springs over thousands, even millions, of years. While you’re on that side of the river, admire the views from Fisherman’s Bastion and warm up by visiting the National Gallery on the top of the hill.
Would a romantic trip be complete without some cakes and chocolates? Warm up at the city’s famous Gerbeaud Cafe in Vörösmarty Square. Enjoy a slice of something sweet under the cafe’s original chandeliers. The marble and bronze interior and traditional recipes will take you back to the early 1900s.
Which city in Europe do you think is the most romantic? Have you ever been to Budapest?
