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EUROPE: Bisected by the beauitful Danbue, the Hungarian capital of Budapest exudes a certain joie de vivre that's contagious. Whether you prefer leisurely sightseeing in the the hilly Buda district or a slower place in the flatter, Pest - there's something to amuse for all ages and wallets. With that in mind, here are our top tips to discovering the city.

Wander by Ageless Landmarks

Start your morning right with a hearty breakfast buffet at the Adina Hotel Budapest and a side of Australian-Hungarian hospitality. Our centrally located apartment-style hotel is just a short stroll to the Danube and around two kilometres (at a snappier pace) to the city's landmark building - a neo-gothic Parliament Building - which cuts an impressive figure on the side of the Danube. 

The building has around 700 rooms and is the third largest of its kind in the world. But, more importantly, it's absolutely stunning during the golden hour just before sunset or snapped from the top of Buda Castle. Keep an eye out for the Staircase of Honour and impressive artwork - like the frescoes by Károly Lotz - on your travels.

While Away Hours at the Great Synagogue

From the World Heritage-listed Parliament building, it’s just a 20-minute stroll along the Danube to the city’s Great Synagogue. The imposing Moorish-style building, reminiscent of the Alhambra in Spain, is the largest synagogue in Europe and one of the city’s most popular attractions.  The Tree of Life willow monument - with its weeping metal branches - adorns the lovely garden and is a lovely tribute to those that died in the holocaust.

Our Insider Tip is to book your ticket in advance to avoid the long queues at the entrance.

Lunch at Gettó Gulyás

Only a four-minute walk from the Synagogue, you find the Gettó Gulyás restaurant… a small, homely restaurant that locals love… and one that dishes up oversized bowls of delicious Hungarian goulash – a meat dish that was traditionally prepared by Hungarian herders – in a delicious sauce. For the more adventurous, you can try rooster testicles, cockscomb stew or the chicken paprikash which is extremely tasty. For dessert, we can’t go past their sweet chimney cake. You’ll love it – we promise!

Take The Funicular Up To The Castle District

Budapest is pretty easy to get around and, when you’ve eaten all the goulash you can, then Bus line 5 will transport you to the other side of the riverbank - almost directly to the Castle Hill Funicular.

Once you ascend, there are plenty of opportunities to explore – from the Royal Palace, which can be seen from all over the city to the picturesque alleys of the Castle District…or while away some hours in one of the district’s many museums or the impressive Hungarian National Library with its eight million or so books.

End The Evening At The Szechenyi Spa

Budapest boasts the largest spa in Europe – a historic thermal bath offering not less than 15 indoor pools and three outdoor. Here, the healing waters, which come from a natural spring, are said to have restorative properties. This beautiful outdoor area is beautiful in summer as well as in winter, and some of the pools are heated. The pools close at 10pm, making the Spa the perfect place to soak away the evening.

Sweet Dreams

Buda Pest is a city of contrasts and contradictions and, after a day spent exploring, the Adina Hotel Budapest team is waiting with a warm smile and comfy beds. What better way to end your day than with sweet dreams and a restful sleep. If you’re heading to Budapest, book direct with us and save.