NYTimes: How to get out the most of 1.5 days spent in Budapest?

The Hungarian capital, Budapest, is one of the most dynamically developing cities in Europe where culture, history and gastronomy are deeply rooted in the everyday lives of people, reports nytimes.com. Given its rich historical background with magnificent buildings, like the Buda Castle or the Turkish baths, and the contemporary pleasures offered by exhibitions, restaurants and pubs, this compelling city has a lot to offer for those longing to have a great time during a short holiday.

Everybody knows the situation when it is impossible to get away from one’s work for a week, but a short outing is a must thing to do in order to get one’s second wind. And what place would be better for such a short vacation than the Hungarian capital, Budapest? In the following, it is shown how to get out the most of 1.5 days (36 hours) spent in Budapest by immersing yourself in history, culture and gastronomy. By clicking on the name of the places, you can immediately visit their websites. Have fun!

Friday

5 p.m. Improving one’s artistic taste

Right after arriving at the Hungarian capital, your 1st thing should be to visit a Hungarian gallery. Hungary’s art is relatively unknown for many tourists, although several new galleries attempt to improve the situation. One gallery absolutely worth visiting is the Art + Text Gallery located in Bedő House, an Art Nouveau-styled building. This gallery focuses on contemporary art, post-war modernism and photography, and regular international and Hungarian exhibitions can be visited.

If you have decided to visit this place, keep in mind that similarly to many other Budapest galleries, this place is not open at weekends.

 6 p.m. Enjoying the Hungarian gastronomy

Are you tired after the long flight to Budapest? Then, sit into a winery, for instance, the Tasting Table, a very cool place where you can not only taste the most delicious Hungarian wines but given that the staff are enthusiastic about educating their guests about the Hungarian wine culture as well, you can also become a wine expert within minutes.

However, what would the best wines of Hungary be without the best cheese and charcuterie of the country? The owner, the rightly famous American food writer, Carolyn Bánfalvi and her husband, spent months before opening this place with finding the perfect food that match the wines to offer an unforgettable culinary pleasure for guests.

10 p.m. Late night drinking

You might not know, but a few years ago, Budapest was among the best countries notable for their cocktails. One of such cocktail bars is the Boutiq’ Bar, but the Good Spirit Bar is also worth mentioning. The latter one is where more than 500 spirits can be tasted and the premium quality cocktails are all made from these drinks.

No matter whether you choose from their alcoholic drinks or from such non-alcoholic ones as the Sage Stage, you will not be disappointed.

Saturday

10 a.m. Doing some sports

I admit that it is not easy to get up early after a long day, but the spectacular surrounding in which you can go jogging will compensate you for it. Budapest has developed a lot in terms of sports facilities, and today even some rundown parks and running tracks have been renewed.

The Nehru Part in the southern part of the capital, for instance, offers a new running track with basketball courts and workout equipment very close to the Bálna (Whale) Building. It is absolutely amazing to run in such a beautiful surrounding with a view over the Danube.

12 p.m. Eating out on a budget

Did you know that the Jewish quarter is not only notable for its historic sites, shops and great nightlife, but for its amazing cheap restaurants as well?

If not, then you will be amazed by how many ethnic restaurants offer diverse menus, for example, the Ramenka, a Japanese bar.