Romantic getaway to Budapest
Which airline to choose for flying business class to Budapest?
Hungary no longer has a national carrier since Malev Hungarian Airlines stopped their activities in 2012. At the moment most European tourists flying to Budapest make use of low-budget airlines such as Ryanair or Wizzair. However, if you have chosen Budapest as your destination for a romantic getaway and you want to buy business class tickets or even first class tickets, your best choice is to book with Lufthansa. This German airline company is one of the largest in Europe and offers tremendous business class and first class.
Why choose Budapest as your destination?
Is relaxation an essential part of a (short) romantic holiday for you? We hear you! Budapest is your destination, as the city is known for its bathhouses. During a city trip to Budapest, you can choose from no fewer than 123 thermal baths! Which one do you choose, is the question. We recommend Szechenyi, one of the most beautiful (but unfortunately also busiest) baths, Gellert Spa, and the lesser-known Lukács Thermal Bath.
Since July 2017 it is possible to travel by direct bus from the airport to the city, bus 100E runs between Terminal 2 of Budapest Airport and Deák Ferenc Square. This is a central location in the city, where you can transfer to another bus, metro or tram. Bus 100E (Airport Shuttle) runs every 20 to 30 minutes to and from Budapest Airport, from 04:45 to 22:00 from the airport, from 04:00 to 21:00 from the city. There are two stops on the way to the city, namely Kálvin tér and Astoria metro stations.
The fastest and most comfortable way to travel from the airport to your accommodation is by taxi. This will take you directly from the airport to your destination. However, this is also the most expensive option. It will cost you about 21 euros if the road is not too busy. But if it is busy on the road, or your hotel is a bit further away, the costs can rise to about 28 euros. If you have booked first class tickets, you will have a private shuttle to the center.
Budapest has a fairly efficient metro system. You can reach quite a few places in Budapest by metro. The metros start running early in the morning and stop at midnight. The lines are indicated by colors (red, yellow and blue). You can buy tickets at the counter before going to the metro.
A good option is to purchase the Budapest Card. This card allows you to travel unlimitedly by public transport. Only the bus 100E to and from the plane is not included. You have to buy a separate ticket for this. With the Budapest Card, you get a discount or even free entrance to many attractions and sights in the city.
What to do in Budapest?
The thirteenth-century Buda Castle, atop Castle Hill, is one of Budapest's most popular sights. The castle complex is connected to the rest of the city via the Chain Bridge. From the castle you have an impressive view over the river and the entire city. Today, the castle serves as a museum, home to the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. You can also walk around the building through beautiful gardens.
You can walk up Castle Hill on foot, but a nicer way to reach the castle is via the Funicular, a small tram that takes you to the hilltop. The route is very steep, you ascend about 50 meters during a distance of barely 90 meters.
The impressive St. Stephen's Basilica
St. Stephen's Basilica is the largest church in Budapest and can accommodate approximately 8,500 people. The church was only completed in 1905 in neo-Gothic style. The building looks very impressive and is particularly striking because of the enormous dome. You can also climb that 96-meter high dome for an impressive view over the city.
Hidden beneath Budapest are many thermal springs that are used to build the many thermal baths in the city. Relaxing in the thermal baths is one of the favorite pastimes of Hungarians and you should definitely not ignore those thermal baths during your visit to Budapest.
The Széchenyi Bath is the largest and most famous medicinal spa in Europe. A big plus is that the bath is located in and around a beautiful building. The water has a constant temperature of 34 degrees thanks to the hot spring that is located under the building.
By day or by night, it's hard to choose when the Hungarian Parliament is more impressive. This architectural masterpiece is the largest building in Hungary and the third largest parliament building in Europe. The 18,000m2 parliament – which is beautifully situated on the Danube – cannot be overlooked when visiting Budapest. Good luck, because you don't want to miss it either.
It is also definitely worth a visit inside this building. The golden staircase, the Hungarian crown jewels and the splendor of the interior do justice to the building.
Strolling around Andrássy Boulevard
Andrassy Boulevard is the Champs-Elysées of Budapest. The wide boulevard is more than two kilometers long and connects the city center with the city park. On the boulevard you will find many beautiful old buildings, such as the Hungarian State Opera, and various villas. You can also shop at the most expensive fashion brands.
Heroes' Square and the Millennium Monument
At the end of Andrássy Boulevard is Hösök Tere, or Heroes' Square. The square was created in 1896 to celebrate Hungary's 1000th anniversary.
In the middle of the square is the imposing Millennium Monument. It consists of a column on the one hand, on which the Archangel Gabriel is adorned, and on the other, two colonnades where important figures from Hungarian history are depicted. Around the column are also 7 statues of Hungarian leaders.
Do you have a romantic dinner in mind? Arcade Bistro already provides the atmosphere. With pure products, the restaurant serves a delicious kitchen! The extensive menu includes Hungarian, French and Italian specialities.
Romantic accommodation in Budapest
Iberostar Grand Hotel in Budapest is located a 2-minute walk from St. Stephen's Basilica. There are 50 stylish rooms in this romantic hotel with air conditioning, a bathroom, a flat-screen TV, an iPod dock and a seating area. The large bathrooms have a bath and shower and a hairdryer. In the restaurant of the Iberostar Grand Hotel Budapest in Budapest, you can enjoy Spanish dishes. There is a bar and 24-hour room service. The spa has a hot tub, sauna and steam room. There is a modern fitness studio and massages (on request).
Plan your romantic getaway and have a look at our last minute deals for cheap first class tickets.