Where to go: Budapest, Hungary (...in the winter!)
What you'll find: Bustling Christmas markets, a constant aroma of hot sugar, cinnamon and wine, peaceful side streets, friendly locals and beautiful architecture.
What to pack: Layers. Layers. Layers. They're key to keeping warm while exploring the city in the icy winter months. In general, we packed one pair of good quality boots, a couple of pairs of jeans, a large puffer jacket, hat, scarves, gloves, and a couple of long-sleeve jumpers and shirts. Oh, and don't forget your swimming costume, flip flops and towel if you're planning to visit the bathhouses!
What to eat: Firstly it's worth noting there's more to Hungarian food than goulash! Try langos (deep fried dough with sour cream and cheese), kürtőskalács (chimney cake dusted with sugar or cinnamon), töltött káposzta (stuffed cabbage), Dobos Torta (drummer cake) and wash it all down with a glass of palinka.
Where to stay: We stayed in Budapest's eight district (also known as Józsefváros), home to the Hungarian National Museum and the Natural History Museum. To visit the main attractions of 'Buda' and 'Pest', you'll have to learn your way around the public transport links (especially in the winter months where a long walk in the icy cold is the last thing you'd want to do). While you can make the occasional Christmas market pit stop, and stock up on 'hot wine', I would advise finding accommodation in the centre of Pest.
Not to miss: The views from St Stephen's Basilica viewing platform. It's a steep climb (364 steps and then some) but is worth it for the beautiful panoramic views of the city. For an eerie feel, travel to Margaret Island where you'll find only the occasional runner, a 'mini zoo' and a restaurant named Hippie Island.
What to eat: Firstly it's worth noting there's more to Hungarian food than goulash! Try langos (deep fried dough with sour cream and cheese), kürtőskalács (chimney cake dusted with sugar or cinnamon), töltött káposzta (stuffed cabbage), Dobos Torta (drummer cake) and wash it all down with a glass of palinka.
Where to stay: We stayed in Budapest's eight district (also known as Józsefváros), home to the Hungarian National Museum and the Natural History Museum. To visit the main attractions of 'Buda' and 'Pest', you'll have to learn your way around the public transport links (especially in the winter months where a long walk in the icy cold is the last thing you'd want to do). While you can make the occasional Christmas market pit stop, and stock up on 'hot wine', I would advise finding accommodation in the centre of Pest.
Not to miss: The views from St Stephen's Basilica viewing platform. It's a steep climb (364 steps and then some) but is worth it for the beautiful panoramic views of the city. For an eerie feel, travel to Margaret Island where you'll find only the occasional runner, a 'mini zoo' and a restaurant named Hippie Island.
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