Spending Christmas in Budapest
There is a reason the enchanting city of Budapest is called the Pearl of the Danube; the city is a cultural and artistic gem stretching back thousands of years.
The city hosts 223 museums and galleries, numerous libraries, and a mix of architecture ranging from the Celts, to the Romans, to Gothic, Baroque, neoclassic, romantic, art nouveau, and clearly Hungarian.
Budapest is a city-state made up of two settlements separated by the Danube, the second-largest river in Europe (next to Russia’s Volga), joined by arching bridges.
On western bank of the river is Buda, a mostly residential area and the site of the ruins of the Roman city of Aquincum. In this area, hot thermal springs rush through caves beneath the Buda hills. This water provides the stimulating minerals for the city's hot pools and spas.
Across from Buda, on the eastern bank of the Danube is the larger commercial area of Pest. Here you will find Parliament, which according to historians is the largest operating parliament building in the world.
Together they form Budapest. On one side of the Danube, the royal palace towers (Buda), while the stately Parliament building rises on the other (Pest).
Anytime of the year this is a fantastic city to visit with tons of history. It is the newest member of NATO, was a communist-bloc country, and decidedly eastern European. It is a crossroads of many cultures and separates the historic tensions between Europe and the Middle East. It contains an expansive history, romance, and the feeling of an empire.
But in my opinion, the best part of the year in Budapest starts in November when the city turns into a Christmas Wonderland.
You can enjoy artisan products, explore what local people eat and drink during the holiday season and walk around the gorgeous Christmas lights. During this season, Hungarian myths come to life and you can find Kürtőskalács, or Chimney Cakes, the most popular cake of Christmas Fairs in Hungary. This cake is baked over a live coal fire and it becomes a festive and creative experience.
Top 5 Budapest Holiday Experiences
Treat your soul with some soul-warming Christmas songs, and learn about some Hungarian Christmas beliefs and traditions. A private walking tour including an organ concert, a cooking experience as you bake your own chimney cake, discover myths, and marvel at the festive lights of the capital .
Budapest Christmas Chamber Concert
Take an incredible musical journey on the first day of Christmas with the Danube Chamber Orchestra. Enjoy and admire the beautiful classical music of Strauss, Erkel and Vivaldi accompanied by the traditional Hungarian cimbalom. The concert takes place in the gorgeous neo-baroque Danube Palace.
Budapest Christmas Market Tour and Winetasting
This private, small tour allows you to revel in Budapest's Christmas traditions as you visit some of the top city sights such as Andrassy Boulevard, the Opera House and visit St Stephen’s Basilica. After your guided walking tour, visit the biggest Budapest Christmas market to find Hungarian handicrafts, trinkets and souvenirs. If all that shopping and walking makes you thirsty, enjoy complimentary wine tasting in a nice restaurant and purchase sweets from popular vendors at the Christmas markets.
This special festive 2-hour cruise freatures a delicious meal on the ship or enjoy seven different tastings of Hungarian organic wines, including renowned Tier Tokaj wines, while admiring the beautiful night panorama. While cruising down the Danube, listen to salon music performed by three members of the Zoltán Kodály Awarded Hungária Folk Orchestra.
Budapest Private City Tour and Christmas Markets
Explore the Hungarian capital and its magnificent Christmas markets on this 9-hour private tour of Budapest. In the morning, as you walk the streets of the city, your guide introduces you to its history and culture while you soak up the views of its most famous buildings. The afternoon is spent visiting at least three of Budapest's best Christmas markets.
Why visit Budapest in Winter?
Visiting in December stretches your tour dollars farther. You can afford a better hotel and the flights are less expensive from other European cities. Plus, there is the lights, the festivity, and the warmth of the people. Something about the holidays brings out the festive. You can enjoy mulled wines, chimney cake (Kürtőskalács), and a warm feeling everywhere you go. Plus, there's the thermal baths; a treat for anyone with a long history.
What is there to do in Budapest in winter?
This is a multi-cultural, romantic, and historic city. You can visit museums, enjoy the architecture, eat lots of good food, and mingle with the people. You can also enjoy a number of unique attractions:
- Sled or snowboard in the Buda hills
- Take a thermal bath in the Széchenyi Baths
- Take a Danube River Cruise
- Eat wonderful food like goulash and cook your own Kürtőskalác
- Go cave exploring in the Buda hills
- Visit the Hungarian holiday markets and take in the Christmas lights
Is Budapest safe to travel to?
This is a large city, but violent crime is relatively rare in Budapest. Petty theft is a problem with pick-pocketing and bicycle theft common. The pickpockets like to go after tourists so be extra cautious and use common sense when you are riding a crowded tram or in a tourist-heavy market.
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Copyright © 2018 Michael Shawn Sommermeyer
Wow! so fantastic. Sounds like paradise to me. What a lovely place to live in with all the history and architectures, etc. is amazing. Europe, I think is always beautiful and grand. Oh, beautiful photos as well. Thanks for sharing them.
Love Hungary, but for festivity, any countries with snow and Christmas lights, are awesome ;)
True. I've enjoyed caroling in small towns and the bright lights of the city. Anywhere that reminds you of home; that's the best.
very nice... i may head there in a couple weeks after @steemfest
If you go, take some pictures and send them to me. Budapest needs the Jarvie treatment. ;-)