Choosing hotel

The first and most important thing to decide when choosing a hotel is the location – safety and ease of getting around are paramount: then, comfort and quality of service will be balanced with the budget.
In preparation for the visit to Budapest, Deak Ferenc Ter was emerging as a safe area and the main transport hub, and it was the natural choice.
It lived up to expectations and there were many interesting things to visit on foot from the hotel, but the best came immediately in the first day, when bus 18, picked near the hotel took us directly to Buda Castle.

A day in Buda

Buda Castle dominates the crest of Castle Hill, overlooking the Danube with a mixture of medieval foundations, Baroque reconstruction, and modern cultural life. Rather than being a single palace, it is a large architectural complex made of interconnected wings, terraces, courtyards, and museums that together form the historic heart of Buda.

The castle’s architecture is monumental but not ornate: long façades, rhythmic rows of windows, copper roofs, and wide terraces designed more for strategic visibility than royal extravagance. The scale is impressive, and the elevated position gives the entire complex a sense of openness and grandeur.

Royal Palace (Main Building)

The central palace is a vast Baroque structure rebuilt in the 18th and 19th centuries. Its exterior is defined by:

• Symmetrical façades with tall arched windows
• Copper-green domes, the largest rising above the central wing
• Broad staircases and terraces connecting the palace to the courtyards

Inside, the original royal interiors were largely lost during wars and reconstructions, but the building now houses major cultural institutions.

Courtyards

Buda Castle has several courtyards, each with its own character. I visited two of them:

Lions Courtyard

The most iconic entrance courtyard, flanked by monumental stone lions. It serves as the main access point to the museums and offers a dramatic first impression with:

• Massive staircases
• Sculpted balustrades
• Views toward the palace dome

Hunyadi Courtyard

A quieter, more intimate space with:

• The Matthias Fountain (the castle’s most famous sculpture)
• Stone arcades and stairways
• A blend of greenery and carved stone

I knew that I could visit two more, Savoy Courtyard and Renaissance Courtyard, but time was limited and they wouldn’t add much o the visit.

Fountains and Sculptures

Matthias Fountain

The highlight of the castle’s sculptural ensemble. It depicts King Matthias Corvinus on a hunting expedition, surrounded by hounds, hunters, and a rocky waterfall structure. The composition is dynamic and theatrical, almost like a frozen stage scene.

Fishing Children Fountain

Other Sculptural Elements

Throughout the courtyards you’ll find:

• Heraldic motifs
• Mythological figures
• Lions, griffins, and symbolic animals
• Ornamental fountains and carved balustrades

These details add layers of historical storytelling to the site.

Museums Inside the Castle

For those who have the time and interest in visiting the museums, I have confirmed the location and large size of the Hungarian National Gallery, the largest museum in the complex, occupying several palace wings, known for displayings:

• Medieval and Renaissance altarpieces
• 19th‑century Hungarian painting
• Modern and contemporary art
• Temporary exhibitions

Located in the southern wing, the Budapest History Museum explores:

• The medieval palace remains
• Archaeological finds from Castle Hill
• The city’s development through the centuries

In the back of the palace. the Hungarian National Library holds rare manuscripts, historical documents, and literary collections.

Saint George Square

Access to the castle is via Saint George Square, which, in addition to offering spectacular views of the river and Pest, is surrounded by several points of interest.

Equestrian Statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy

Standing near the palace terrace, this bronze statue honors the general who fought against the Ottoman Empire. Its placement overlooking the Danube gives it a commanding presence.

Sandor Palace

Sándor Palace (Sándor‑palota) stands at the southern end of Szent György tér, directly opposite the Royal Palace. Today it serves as the official residence and office of the President of Hungary, but its history stretches back to the aristocratic world of the 19th century.

Built between 1803 and 1806 for Count Sándor Vince, the palace was designed as an elegant noble residence in the newly fashionable Castle District. Over time, it became closely tied to state administration:

• In the late 19th century, it housed government offices.
• During the Austro‑Hungarian era, it served various administrative roles.
• It was heavily damaged during World War II and left in ruins for decades.

A major reconstruction project in the early 2000s restored the palace to its original appearance, allowing it to become the presidential headquarters, where I had an extra, watching the changing of the guard.

Palace of Archduke Joseph

The palace was built in the 18th century and later adapted for Archduke Joseph Karl, a member of the Habsburg dynasty who served as Palatine of Hungary. It functioned as a residential palace, combining administrative spaces with private apartments, salons, and terraces that opened toward the river.

The building followed the Baroque and Neo‑Classical vocabulary typical of the Buda Castle district:

• Long, elegant façades with balanced proportions
• Tall windows arranged symmetrically
• Stone portals and decorative pediments
• A restrained, aristocratic aesthetic rather than royal grandeur

Its position on the edge of the plateau gave it exceptional views and made it one of the most desirable residences within the castle area.

Honvéd Palace

Completed in the 1870s, the palace served as the headquarters of the Honvédség, the Hungarian national army within the Austro‑Hungarian Empire. It was designed to project authority and stability, reflecting the growing importance of Hungarian institutions after the Compromise of 1867.

During the Second World War, the building suffered severe damage, and much of its original interior was lost. For decades, the palace stood partially ruined, becoming one of the most visible reminders of wartime destruction in the castle district.

It is under maintenance works.

The way to Fisherman’s Bastion

The path to Fisherman’s Bastion is short and very pleasant.

Honvéd Memorial

Halfway, a small monument called our attention. It is the Honvéd Memorial (Honvéd Emlék), that stands as a solemn tribute to the soldiers of the Hungarian Honvédség, the national army established after the 1848–49 Revolution. It is one of the most symbolic military monuments in the area, reflecting Hungary’s long struggle for autonomy and national identity.

Former Red Cross Building

The Former Red Cross Building in the Buda Castle District is a discreet yet historically meaningful structure. Located near Dísz tér and close to several former government ministries, it once served as a base for humanitarian and administrative activities connected to the Hungarian Red Cross during the early 20th century.

Fisherman’s Bastion — Budapest’s Fairytale Lookout

The Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya) is one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks, a white‑stone terrace perched on the Buda side of the Danube. With its conical towers, arcades, and panoramic viewpoints, it looks almost like a fantasy castle, even though it was never built for defense. Instead, it was designed in the late 19th century as a celebration of Hungary’s medieval heritage and as a monumental viewing platform overlooking the city.

Completed between 1895 and 1902, the bastion was created by architect Frigyes Schulek in a Neo‑Romanesque style, inspired by the early medieval fortifications of the region. Its design blends decorative stonework with sweeping staircases and elegant arches.

Of course, it is always well decorated with people, day and night.

Matthias Church

The bastion wraps around the rear of Matthias Church, one of Budapest’s most beautiful Gothic buildings. The colorful Zsolnay tile roof and ornate spires of the church create a dramatic backdrop for the bastion’s pale stone terraces. Together, the two structures form one of the most photogenic ensembles in the city.

Despite being there twice, we couldn’t enter – first it was too early, the second too late, and it was a pity, since I had great references of its interiores.

Statue of St. Stephen

No, I didn’t forget the statue!

In the central courtyard stands the equestrian statue of King Stephen I, Hungary’s first Christian king. The bronze sculpture, created by Alajos Stróbl, shows the king in full regalia, blessing the nation. The pedestal beneath the statue is richly decorated with:

• Lions
• Reliefs of medieval scenes
• Ornamental carvings inspired by Romanesque motifs

This statue forms the symbolic heart of the bastion.

Hungarian Ministry of Finance

The Hungarian Ministry of Finance (Pénzügyminisztérium), almost adjacent to Mathias Church is one of the most imposing government buildings in the Buda Castle District forming a key part of the administrative ensemble that once housed several ministries of the Austro‑Hungarian Empire.

The building was constructed at the end of the 19th century, during a period when Budapest was rapidly modernizing and asserting its identity within the Dual Monarchy.

Walking By the Danube

The Funicular

After visiting the castle, we used the convenient (and expensive) elevator to descend to river level, continuing our walk from Clark Adams Square.

Clark Ádám Square is named after Adam Clark, the Scottish engineer who oversaw the construction of the Chain Bridge, the square serves as the natural starting point for anyone heading up to the Buda Castle from the river banks.

The Castle Tunnel

Directly opposite the funicular lies the entrance to the Castle Tunnel, a long, arched passage carved beneath Castle Hill in the mid‑19th century. Its monumental stone portal and echoing interior create a dramatic transition between the riverside and the residential districts of Buda. The tunnel remains an essential traffic route and a striking architectural feature of the square.

Coat of Arms Panel

On the western side of Clark Ádám Square, to the left of the funicular, visitors can see a large panel displaying the Coat of Arms of Hungary. This emblem, placed prominently on the stone façade, serves as a symbolic marker of national identity at one of the city’s most historic junctions.

The panel features the traditional Hungarian coat of arms, combining:

• the double cross on a red field,
• the patriarchal crown,
• and the striped Árpád shield, all framed in a classical stone setting.

The Chain Bridge

Clark Ádám tér also marks the western end of the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, the city’s most famous river crossing. From the square, visitors can admire the bridge’s stone lions, iron chains, and elegant suspension structure stretching across the Danube toward Pest. The bridge and the square together form one of the most photographed ensembles in Budapest.

Várkert Bazár

After a tasty refreshment, we resumed our walk, heading south to find the Riverside Garden of the Royal Palace.

The Várkert Bazár (Castle Garden Bazaar) is one of Budapest’s most elegant architectural ensembles, stretching along the foot of Castle Hill between the Danube and the Royal Palace. Once conceived as a decorative garden complex for the Habsburg court, it has been beautifully restored and now serves as a cultural venue, promenade, and gateway to the castle.

Designed by Miklós Ybl, one of Hungary’s greatest architects, Várkert Bazár was completed in the 1880s as a refined leisure space for the royal household. Its architecture blends.

Várkert Kiosk

Várkert Kiosk is a small yet elegant pavilion located beside Várkert Bazár, right along the Danube promenade at the base of Castle Hill. Although modest in size, it forms an important part of the architectural ensemble designed by Miklós Ybl, adding a touch of refinement and historical charm to the riverside.

Built in the late 19th century as part of the Castle Garden development, the kiosk originally served practical and decorative purposes for the royal complex.

Gellért Hill

The plan was to climb Gellert Hill to the citadel, but the accumulated fatigue and the conviction that the effort would add little to the distant view led us to hastily capture the image of the hill and cross the river via the Elizabeth Bridge, beginning our approach to the hotel.

The Statue of Saint Gellért

Halfway up the hill, facing the river, stands the Statue of Saint Gellért, the missionary bishop who was martyred here in the 11th century. The monument shows the saint raising a cross toward the city, symbolizing the Christianization of Hungary. Behind him, a semicircular colonnade frames the scene, giving the statue a theatrical presence against the cliff.

The Gellért Cascade

Directly below the statue flows the Gellért Cascade, an impressive artificial waterfall that tumbles down the rock face toward the river. Its constant movement and shimmering spray create a dramatic contrast with the stone colonnade above. The cascade is especially atmospheric at sunset, when the falling water catches the warm light and the entire hillside glows.

Queen Elisabeth

It was time to return to Pest, and the queen was there, inviting us to cross her bridge. We accepted!

Queen Elisabeth bridge

The plan was to continue in Buda to the next bridge, see the Church on the Rock, but fatigue and the sight of the Franciscan Church smiling from the Pest side overcame us, and we found ourselves in March 15th Square.

Marcius 15 square

Experience had accustomed me to finding the richest and most spectacular decorations in Franciscan churches; however, prior reading and a stomach demanding lunch had convinced me to continue on. with time to see the Piarista Gimnázium. It seems to be a prominent educational institution on the Pest riverfront. Proceeding through Belvaros, we stopped by the beautiful square of Ferenciek, skipping another Franciscan Church, but appreciating Matild Palace.

Matild Palace

Matild Palace is one of Budapest’s most iconic Belle Époque landmarks, rising majestically at the foot of the Elizabeth Bridge on the Pest side. Built at the turn of the 20th century, it was commissioned by Princess Clotilde of Saxe‑Coburg and Gotha, who envisioned a pair of palaces acting as a grand gateway to the city. Today, Matild Palace stands as a symbol of elegance, history, and refined urban life.

Completed in 1902, the palace showcases the architectural richness of the late Austro‑Hungarian era.

A twin building, Klotild Palace, stands directly opposite, creating a symmetrical pair framing the boulevard.

Váci Utca

The market was the next objective, and there’s no better way to approach it than the famous pedestrian street Váci utca.

Váci utca is one of Budapest’s most famous pedestrian streets, stretching through the heart of the Pest district from Vörösmarty tér toward the Great Market Hall. Lined with cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and historic façades, it is a lively urban promenade that blends everyday life with classic Central European charm.

Although tourist‑oriented, the street retains a pleasant rhythm, especially in the morning when shopkeepers open their doors and the boulevard feels calm and inviting.

Saint Michael

Hidden among the shops and cafés of Váci utca, St. Michael Church (Szent Mihály-templom) is one of the most atmospheric religious buildings in the historic centre of Pest. Its elegant Baroque façade and quiet interior offer a moment of calm in one of Budapest’s busiest pedestrian streets. Built in the 18th century, the church reflects the refined Baroque style of the period.

The scare

While admiring the architecture, I lost Fernanda. She wasn’t to be seen anywhere, and when, already worried, I widened my field of vision, familiar names appeared – Mango, H&M, Zara, in short, the most difficult monuments to find anywhere in the world. I relaxed – the market had only gotten a little further away.

The Great Market Hall

There was no rush and we calmly arrived to the beautiful Market Hall.

The Great Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok) is Budapest’s most iconic indoor market and one of the city’s finest examples of late‑19th‑century architecture. Located at the southern end of Váci utca, near Liberty Bridge, it welcomes visitors with its colorful Zsolnay‑tile roof, soaring iron structure, and the lively atmosphere of a traditional Hungarian marketplace.

Completed in 1897, the market was designed as a modern, hygienic trading hall for the rapidly growing capital of the Austro‑Hungarian Empire.

That’s where Fernanda thought was the ideal place to find something, I don’t know exactly what, with the traditional embroidery that, I confess, I also like. She found it on the first floor, but it wasn’t exactly what she wanted, and we were able to continue.

Fovan Ter

From Fovan Ter we said goodbye to the bypassed bridge and started walking along Karoli Krt, the large avenue that would lead us to the hotel.

Károly körút

Károly körút is one of the key boulevards of central Pest, forming part of the city’s inner ring and connecting Deák Ferenc tér to Astoria. Lined with cafés, shops, cultural institutions, and historic façades, it is a lively urban corridor where Budapest’s past and present meet.

Hungarian National Museum

Exiting Károly körút we find at our right the imposing building of the Hungarian National Museum.

The Hungarian National Museum (Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum) is one of the country’s most important cultural institutions, dedicated to preserving the history, identity, and artistic heritage of Hungary. Standing proudly on Múzeum körút, its monumental Neoclassical façade and grand staircase make it one of the most recognizable landmarks in central Budapest.

Completed in 1847, the museum was designed by architect Mihály Pollack, who envisioned a building that would reflect the dignity and cultural aspirations of the Hungarian nation.

Dohány Street Synagogue

Almost arriving to the hotel, a small de tour took us to the Synagogue.

Dohány Street Synagogue is one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks and the largest synagogue in Europe. Its striking Moorish‑Revival architecture features:

• twin onion‑shaped towers
• striped brickwork in warm red and yellow tones
• a monumental façade facing a tree‑lined square

Inside, the vast sanctuary is richly decorated, with gilded details, stained glass, and a grand central nave.

The complex also includes the Jewish Museum, the Holocaust Memorial Garden and the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial

Together, they form one of the most significant cultural and historical sites in Budapest.

Severa House

The last remark of this memorable day was Severa house, just by the hotel.

The Severa House is one of the elegant historic buildings along Károly körút, known for its refined architectural details and classical proportions. Its façade features:

• ornate stonework
• tall windows framed by decorative elements
• a harmonious rhythm typical of late‑19th‑century Pest

Although not as famous as the synagogue or the museum, Severa House contributes to the boulevard’s architectural identity, adding depth and character to the urban landscape.

Peste near Deak Ferenc

Deak Ferenc’s choice combined ease of transportation with a central location that allowed for easy walking access to most of Pest’s attractions. Whether day or night, the area was thoroughly explored.

Sandor Palace

Located beside Deák Ferenc tér, this Sándor Palace is a refined historic building that adds elegance to one of Budapest’s busiest squares. Its classical façade faces the park and the Budapest Eye, making it a familiar landmark for visitors passing through the city center. Although not open to the public, the palace enriches the area’s architectural character and complements the vibrant urban atmosphere around Deák Ferenc squarer.

Spring fountain

The Spring Fountain is a small decorative feature in the green area beside Deák Ferenc tér, near the Budapest Eye. Its blue mosaic basin and bronze figure give a gentle artistic touch to one of the city’s busiest squares. Often dry outside summer months, the fountain blends modern sculpture with a relaxed park setting, creating a pleasant visual pause in the heart of downtown Budapest.

Elisabeth Park

Erzsébet Park is a small green oasis in the heart of Budapest, offering a calm break just steps from busy Deák Ferenc tér. Its lawns, sculptures, and shaded paths create a pleasant urban retreat. Beside the park rises the Budapest Eye, the city’s large Ferris wheel, giving visitors panoramic views over downtown Pest and adding a striking modern landmark to the square. I didn’t enter it, but strolling in the park in a warm night was a great experience.

Saint Stephen

Only a few meters distant we find this famous basilica.

St. Stephen’s Basilica is one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks, celebrated for its monumental architecture and deep national significance. Completed in 1905 after more than five decades of construction, the basilica honors Saint Stephen, Hungary’s first king and founder of the Christian state. Its grand Neoclassical façade, framed by twin bell towers, leads into a vast interior richly decorated with marble, gilded details, and impressive religious artwork.

The basilica houses one of Hungary’s most revered relics, the Holy Right Hand of King Stephen, displayed in a side chapel. Visitors often pause to admire the soaring dome, whose intricate frescoes and natural light create a serene and majestic atmosphere. For many, the highlight is the panoramic viewpoint: by elevator or stairs, guests can ascend to the dome terrace and enjoy sweeping views over the rooftops of Pest, the Parliament, and the Danube.

St. Stephen’s Basilica is also a cultural venue, known for its excellent organ and classical music concerts, which take advantage of the building’s remarkable acoustics. Whether visited for its spiritual importance, architectural beauty, or unforgettable city views, the basilica stands as a defining symbol of Budapest and a must‑see for anyone exploring the historic center.

Given the hotel’s proximity, after the obligatory daytime visit, I also went to check out the nighttime atmosphere, which can be summed up in one word – enchanting!
A stroll on a pleasant evening to the river and along the bank is never tiring, making you forget about distances. A memorable night.

Zrinyí utca

Zrínyi utca is one of the most charming pedestrian streets in central Budapest, lined with cafés, restaurants, and elegant façades. The basilica’s grand dome frames the view at the end of the street, making Zrínyi utca a popular spot for photos and a natural link between the city’s busiest square and one of its most iconic landmarks.

Danube by night

The exuberance of the monuments and the quality of the lighting draw the visitor close to the river, with images perhaps even more powerful than during the day. Buddha beckons, the Chain Bridge invites, but… it’s far away and I have to go to Parliament.

Parliament

I couldn’t have foreseen the misfortune that awaited me the next day: with tickets and a scheduled time for the visit to Parliament, as is mandatory, Fernanda fell ill and had to miss it. It was a shame, but it might be an excuse to return to Budapest.

Archduke Joseph Nador

During our various trips to and from the hotel, we passed through squares and streets that were unregistered, but some had a certain charm.

For instance, tThe statue of Archduke Joseph, known in Hungarian as József nádor, stands prominently in the city center near Deák Ferenc tér. It forced me to read that Joseph served as Palatine of Hungary in the 19th century and is remembered for modernizing Budapest, promoting urban development, and supporting cultural institutions.

Sainte Anne

Another interesting monument where we didn’t enter was this chuh.

Back home I read that Saint Anne Church, built in the early 18th century for the Servite Order, features a soft, curved façade and a serene, light-filled interior typical of Hungarian Baroque design.

Going further in Peste

Taking advantage of the free access to public transport for seniors, we went directly to the thermal baths, exiting at its door.

Széchenyi Thermal Baths

The Széchenyi Thermal Baths are one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks and the largest medicinal bath complex in Europe. Located in the heart of City Park, the complex is famous for its bright yellow Neo‑Baroque architecture and its impressive network of indoor and outdoor pools fed by natural hot springs.

Opened in 1913, Széchenyi uses water rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfate, believed to offer therapeutic benefits for joint pain, circulation, and relaxation. The outdoor pools are the highlight of the experience, especially the large steaming pool where visitors enjoy warm water even in winter, often surrounded by people playing chess on floating boards.

Inside, the complex features dozens of pools with varying temperatures, saunas, steam rooms, and spa services. Whether you want to unwind after a day of sightseeing or experience one of Budapest’s most traditional activities, Széchenyi offers a unique blend of wellness, history, and atmosphere.

We were short in time, and only relaxed for some minutes, not entering the pools with water from 24ºC to 38.

They recommend to book tickets in advance, especially during weekends and summer months, as the baths are one of the city’s most popular attractions, but we had no problems to buy them locally.

Cooling in Varosliget (City Park)

The baths are part of Városliget, also known as City Park, which is one of Budapest’s largest and most beloved green spaces. Located just besside Heroes’ Square, the park offers a mix of nature, culture, and leisure, making it an ideal place to relax after exploring the city’s historic landmarks.

During summer, Városliget becomes a lively social hub with outdoor cafés, pedal boats on the lake, and families enjoying picnics. Strolling accross it, after admiring the beauty of the back of the thermal palace, we found the Fountain of the Mermaids.

The Fountain of the Mermaids is a charming decorative fountain surrounded by trees and walking paths, becoming a pleasant spot to pause, take photos, or enjoy a quiet moment while exploring Városliget.

A large lake was the next stop, with Fernanda asking me what the beautiful pavilion behind it was. I had no references, and needed to read about “Korcsolyacsarnok”:

“In winter, the lake transforms into one of Europe’s oldest outdoor ice‑skating rinks, offering a unique seasonal experience with the Vajdahunyad Castle as a backdrop”. Well, we were in spring, and it was closed.

Vajdahunyad Castle

Vajdahunyad Castle is one of the most picturesque landmarks in City Park, blending several architectural styles into a single fairytale‑like complex. Built in 1896 for Hungary’s Millennium Exhibition, it combines Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements inspired by famous buildings from across the country. Today, the castle’s courtyards and lakeside setting make it a favorite spot for photos, walks, and seasonal events, and it also houses the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture.

Whether you’re looking for culture, relaxation, or a scenic walk, Városliget is a perfect escape from the busy city streets and a must‑visit stop on any trip to Budapest, from where you may continue to Heroes square, just across a small bridge, as we did.

Heroes’ Square

Heroes’ Square is one of Budapest’s most impressive landmarks, known for its grand colonnades and the Millennium Monument at its center. Built in 1896 to celebrate Hungary’s thousand‑year history, the square features statues of important national leaders and the iconic Archangel Gabriel atop a tall column.

Museum of Fine Arts (Szépművészeti Múzeum)

The Museum of Fine Arts is one of Hungary’s most important cultural institutions, housing an extensive collection that spans thousands of years. Its galleries feature masterpieces from ancient Egypt, classical antiquity, the Renaissance, and the Baroque, including works by El Greco, Goya, Velázquez, and Raphael. The building’s grand architecture and rich permanent collection make it a must‑visit for anyone interested in classical European art and history.

Műcsarnok (Hall of Art)

Műcsarnok, or the Hall of Art, is Budapest’s leading venue for contemporary and modern art. Unlike the Museum of Fine Arts, it does not maintain a permanent collection; instead, it hosts rotating exhibitions showcasing Hungarian and international artists. Its Neo‑Classical façade faces Heroes’ Square, and inside, visitors find a dynamic space dedicated to innovative, experimental, and thought‑provoking works.

The mandatory New York.

Before leaving Portugal we were alerted that Café New Yok was unmissable. We respected it!

Hotel New York

The New York Palace Hotel is one of Budapest’s most elegant and historic luxury hotels. Built in the late 19th century, the building combines Italian Renaissance and Baroque influences, creating a grand atmosphere with marble columns, frescoes, and ornate details. Its central location makes it ideal for exploring the city, while its refined rooms and exceptional service offer a comfortable and sophisticated stay. The hotel is also home to the iconic New York Café, considered one of the most beautiful cafés in the world.

New York Café

For those who cannot book the hotel, an ice cream or desert is a common pretext to enter the café. New York Café is a Budapest landmark famous for its opulent décor and artistic heritage. Often described as “the most beautiful café in the world,” it features gilded ceilings, chandeliers, frescoes, and marble columns that evoke the grandeur of the Belle Époque. Once a meeting place for writers and artists, today it welcomes visitors from around the globe who come to enjoy coffee, pastries, and traditional Hungarian dishes in a truly spectacular setting. A visit to Budapest is not complete without experiencing this iconic café. Well, our ice cream became a good dinner.

Personal Memories

Pastel de Nata

I know that pastel de nata is the most internationally appreciated Portuguese sweet, and I’m no longer surprised when I see it for sale in European capitals, but the diversity of flavors surprised me. It’s an original attempt to meet local tastes, and I confess, if they hadn’t appeared right after lunch, I would have invited Fernanda to share a tasting of two of the most… original ones.