Budapest tips

As Europe's main tourist season winds down, cities are putting in place legislation to control overtourism and crack down on badly-behaved visitors alongside landlords who run illegal accommodation. 

The first-ever Time Out Market opened in Lisbon in 2014. A decade later it’s still packed to the rafters with some of the Portuguese capital’s best food vendors and hungry punters looking to pair their meal with a port-and-tonic or a spot of salsa dancing.

Although the mythical “Grand Budapest Hotel” isn’t an option when deciding where to stay in Budapest, there are countless hotels in Hungary’s vibrant capital that earn the Gustave H. stamp of approval. Widely considered one of the coolest cities in Europe, days in Budapest are spent encountering landmarks, meandering along the riverside, and curing all ailments by “taking the waters” at a thermal bathhouse. Evenings start with rooftop sundowners and end in buzzing ruin bars. Fusing golden-age hospitality with bohemian charm, these luxury Budapest hotels give you the grandest experience.

Essentially two cities in one – Buda and Pest – Hungary’s magnificent capital is now firmly established as one of Europe’s most enticing destinations. Its dramatic setting astride the Danube is reason enough to visit, but the city packs in a multitude of things to see and do.

Hungary is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine and relaxing thermal baths. The capital, Budapest, is often referred to as the 'Paris of the East' for its beautiful boulevards, grand architecture and rich cultural heritage. Here's our pick of the best things to do in Hungary.