8 Reasons to visit Budapest in winter

What is one of the perfect things about Budapest is that the capital shows its different side depending on which season you decide to visit? The Hungarian capital has so much to offer no matter when you make up your mind to finally visit. Wheretogoin.net collected the top reasons to visit Budapest in winter. The city shows its cosiest, Christmassy side this time of the year which is definitely worth seeing.

Christmas fairs

The first and probably the main reason is apparently the many magical Christmas fairs all around the city. During this time of the year, the city is entirely lit up with all the festive decorations you can imagine. The wooden cottages with loads of celebratory drinks and food and other kinds of goodies are capable of getting even the biggest Grinches into the Christmas spirit. It does not matter if you visit the most significant markets at Vörösmarty square or in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica or if you just pop into one of the smallest fairs accidentally, the magical festive atmosphere is the same everywhere.

Try chimney cake

Once you are already at one of the Christmas fairs, you should try Hungarian chimney cake. Although you can purchase a chimney cake all year round, somehow it is still associated with Christmas time. Probably because it is really nice to stand next to the warm charcoal oven while it is being made, and it is also seasoned with festive spices such as cinnamon. Chimney cake is a sweet, spiral-shaped pastry from Transylvania. It is made with wooden spits and a charcoal oven.

Photo: Facebook.com/VitézKürtős

Amazing ice rinks

Budapest has probably the coolest ice rinks. There is even one literally above the city with a panorama view of the most popular sights in the capital. Even the more traditional ones are really cosy such as the ice rink in the City Park where you can enjoy this winter sport while gazing at the beautiful Vajdahunyad Castle next door. You can also check out Heroes’ square on your way to the ice rink to kill two birds with one stone.

Fantastic ice rinks, photo: MTI

Fantastic ice rinks, photo: MTI

Go sled riding, the real winter fun

Normafa is a 20-minute car ride away from Budapest. The town has an excellent hill. This might not seem that interesting at this point, but still, the hill turns into a real winter wonderland when it snows. People grab their sleds and head straight to the hill for some old-school winter fun time. It does not matter if you are 6 or 60, sled riding never stops to be fun. Plus, the view of Budapest is impressive from the top of the hill.

Don’t like being out in the cold weather? Have a bath!

The many thermal baths of Budapest are one of the leading attractions of the capital. The baths are famous all over Europe. Treat yourself and book massages, visit the saunas or have any other kind of treatment. You deserve it!

Have a cup of coffee in the most beautiful café in the world

New York Café was the most famous coffee house in Budapest in the 1900s frequently visited by writers, influential editors and artists. The café has an eclectic Italian Renaissance style, and it is one of Budapest’s most famous coffee houses.

Have a cup of tea at Budapest’s Four Seasons Hotel

The Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace is an iconic hotel in the heart of Budapest.  It is situated in front of the Chain Bridge, offering an amazing view of the Buda hills. This hotel is always beautiful, but during this time, it is apparently decorated for the holidays making it even more jaw-dropping. The hotel has an elegant bar and lobby lounge where visitors can have the classic English afternoon tea served in beautiful Herend porcelain.

Photo: Facebook.com/FourSeasonsHotelBudapest

The nightlife does not stop

The nightlife in Gozsdu Udvar is just as exciting in winter as it is in any other season. Gozsdu Udvar is a yard full of ruin bars, restaurants and all the trendy places you can imagine. Gozsdu Udvar is located in the heart of Budapest, and it is THE place to go to have a good night out with friends.

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Source: www.wheretogoin.net