Budapest - Ultimate Guide by Kempinski Hotel Corvinus

My city, my guideOur personal guide to Budapest

Erzsébet tér 7-8

1051 Budapest, Hungary

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www.kempinski.com/budapest

My city, my guide

Some of us were born in Budapest.Some of us adopted Budapest as a temporary home.

All of us became Budapesters.

One way or another, we all keep making little or not so little discoveries about this ever changing city every

day because, like any city, it is in constant motion, just like our own lives.

On these pages, we would like to share some of our most precious discoveries with you, so that

you may love Budapest for what it really is.

How do you see Budapest? We would be delighted if you would take the time and share your most memorable

experiences and favourite photos with us here:www.facebook.com/KempinskiHotelCorvinusBudapest

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NIKOLETT VENESZ LADY IN RED

Gozsdu Courtyard

My favourite place in Budapest is Gozsdu Udvar, which is a citywithin the city and located downtown in the old Jewish districtconsisting of six inner courts, surrounded by seven apartmentbuildings. The neighbourhood has recently morphed into one of the coolest parts of Budapest, radiant with young élan and vibrant with cafés, bars, restaurants, shops and clubs, as well as art exhibitions and fairs all year long. I go there if I need to re-charge my personal batteries – there’s always something exciting happening and it’s full of vivacious energy.

I love walking into Gozsdu Udvar’s courtyards because it’s likeanother world, even though it’s just off the street. Among others,there’s a laid-back Italian eatery called 2spaghi, Kolor and Spílerattract the Budapester übercool.

If I want to pick up a gift or treat, from spring to autumn I goto Gouba, an outdoor fair, or Budapest’s Portobello, every Sun-day, which has antiques, artisan products and gastro stalls.

ZOLTÁN BOROS CHIEF ENGINEER

The Landmark of Budapest: Parliament

I am not just an engineer but an enthusiastic engineer, so myfavourite spot in Budapest is the Hungarian Parliament building,because it’s an architectural gem and a true feat of engineering.

This massive building is built in a magnificent Gothic Revivalstyle and it took almost 20 years to complete. It is the secondlargest parliament building in Europe. Its external lighting hasrecently been upgraded, which covers it in a luxurious showerof light by night. Its massive scale contrasts with all things deli-cate: the elegant slim towers, the façade’s lacework, the count-less stained glass windows and the 242 sculptures of historicalrulers of Hungary and Transylvania.

I also like to take their various guided tours as well as the themedwalks offered inside the building, which is full of stunning detail.You can also view Hungary’s most important historical artifice,the Holy Crown, which belonged to Hungary’s first Christianruler: Saint Stephen.

ZOLTÁN SOMLYAI RESIDENT MANAGER

Picnic Over the City

For me, Budapest is best enjoyed from Buda. Because leafyBuda is built on a series of hills overlooking the Danube andcommercial Pest, you get the most striking impressions of thecity from the Buda Hills. My favourite vantage point is the top of Gellért Hill, the Citadella area, where I walk to have a picnic over the city, 140 metres above the Danube. I find it is one of the best parts of living in Budapest.

Citadella was once a fortress, and when in the area one canenjoy the lush greenery of Buda as well as views of Buda Castle,which sits like a crown on top of the next hill. Then there is our“Blue Danube”, with its many bridges of differing architecturalstyles, split by Margaret Island.

It is the perfect opportunity to bring the family together for ahiking outing, and frankly, for me, it is also the most romanticpart of the city, especially at night, when Citadella and thenight-lit city below show the unforgettable sparkle of Budapest.

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PETER FOLK FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

The Most Spectacular Tram Ride in Europe

I’ll let you in on a secret: to discover the world-famous sightsBudapest has to offer, the best way to experience the must-seesis by taking public transport; namely, tram No. 2. This signature yellow vehicle chugs along the Danube on thePest bank and its route showcases thrilling views of historicaland architectural gems.

I get off at the tram at the magically lace-like parliament buil-ding and head south, enjoying the scenery of the river, thegrandiose bridges and the Royal Castle. I get off at the Eötvöstér stop and walk on the picturesque Danube promenade, whereBudapest’s buzz quiets and slows. I would continue my ride to the iconic Great Market Hall (Vásárcsarnok), which is thelargest indoor market in Budapest. Simply put, this is foodieheaven and a fabulous landmark! By all means, savour “lángos”on the first floor. You know the saying, “it’s so good they do it twice”? It definitelyapplies to this experience; ride No. 2 by day and by night.

JÁNOS PARTI DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING

Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden

I loved going to the zoo when I was a child, and so do I nowthat I am an adult. It’s true family fun and a full day’s outing. It is a magical place; you enter such a different world as you see animals from the various continents. We eat ice cream, feed the animals, wander around; we just enjoy the day as ifwe’re on a day trip. The children adore the friendliness of thecute species as well as the thrill and fear of the scary animals.The zoo’s newest feature is the Cave of Magic, with a 3D movie and exhibitions.

The original zoo was built in 1866, and as such, it is the oldestone in Hungary. Curiously for a zoo, you’ll have a field day exploring the landmarks made by famous Hungarian architects.The elephant house, is decorated with Indian and African fea-tures and coloured Zsolnay porcelain – you’ll find this glazedtiles on many a building in Budapest (and actually in ourhotel's Living Room). The zoo is located next door Gundel, arguably the most famous high-end Hungarian restaurant.

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EMILE BOOTSMA GENERAL MANAGER

Etyek and the Hungarian Ham Master

Let me take you outside Budapest: my favourite “perfect day”destination is Etyek, a quaint village 30 km from the city. Its lushvineyards produce some of the best white wine in Hungary –wine has been made here since Roman times.

After a visit to the 18 hole Pannonia Golf & Country Club, I never miss "Sonkamester" (Ham Master) – I could not wishfor a better afternoon than to relax on his cellar’s terrace, en-joying the fresh, grape-fragrant air, tasting different kinds ofHungarian ham and sausages and sipping varieties of deliciouswine. My absolute favourites from this area are SauvignonBlanc from Etyeki Kúria and Pinot Noir by Hernyák.

There’s another side to Etyek as well – a side that can be seen in its film history. As a matter of fact, Etyek is like Napa Valleyand Hollywood rolled into one. It is here, in the Korda Studios,that Jeremy Irons shot The Borgias and you can actually book a tour of the studios.

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ZOLTÁN TÓTH F&B SERVICE MANAGER

Eat and Drink Like a Local

My Budapest wakes up slowly, gets busy during the day andstarts to beat at night. There is one thing you can rely on: you’llalways find delicious local food and matching wine, or pálinka,Hungary’s signature fruit brandy. I can have breakfast, a quickcoffee, a long lazy chat over sumptuous tortes or evening drinksin one of the cafés, depending on my schedule. Gourmet palatesalso find Michelin-starred restaurants, innovative Hungarianfood and Central Europe’s only Nobu, right in our hotel.

As a professional and enthusiastic foodie, I am in heaven in Bu-dapest as the city holds countless annual food festivals. Eventhe world-famous Vörösmarty tér Christmas Market has a greatselection of food stalls. In May, the Gourmet Festival showcasesa tremendous array of stalls for every taste. I especially like dis-covering artisan regional products. In September, we go to theCastle District to sample and savour wine from the 22 wine re-gions of Hungary at the Wine Festival. There is also a festivaldedicated to Hungary’s indigenous black pig, “mangalica”.

ERZSÉBET SÁSKA EXECUTIVE HOUSEKEEPER

The Castle District

I am a proud Budapester, and for me, it is in the Buda CastleDistrict that I find myself the proudest and happiest. I lovewandering in and out of the quaint alleyways on the cobbledstreets, popping into a bar for a glass of wine and taking in the sweeping vistas all over my beautiful Budapest.

I love the Castle District’s play of scale: it has the biggest royallandmarks on the one hand, such as the Palace and Fisherman’sBastion. On the other hand, you have the contrasting remnantsof the original medieval settlement, full of tiny houses withBaroque or neo-Classicist façades. Nearby is another delicatelandmark, the Gothic Matthias Church.

When in the Castle District, I would stop at one of the oldestand most traditional family-owned Hungarian patisseries,Ruszwurm. Its menu features an irresistible selection of originaland signature Hungarian pastries, such as Esterházy and Dobostortes. I always treat myself to something yummy there.

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BALÁZS CSIDEI PEOPLE SERVICES MANAGER

St. Stephen’s Basilica and its Neighbourhood

There are many squares and terraces in Budapest where you can enjoy a drink or two, but my square of choice is definitelyBasilica. Every sightseeing tour stops here because it is domi-nated by the gorgeously restored and magnificently monumentalRoman Catholic St. Stephen’s Basilica, but for me, this centralarea and its pedestrianised streets offer the coolest and mostpopular hangout in the city.

Amongst the many restaurants and bars, my favourite is DiVino,right in front of the Basilica. I find it unique in that all the wineon its menu is sourced from young winemakers. DiVino holdsevents to give both vintners and wine aficionados the opportu-nity to meet and sip while the winemakers tell all about theirwines. My personal favourites are wines from the Szent Tamásand Árvay wineries. As the first rays of sun come out, peoplerush to sit outside by the fountain and sample a glass of wine.To me, the whole scene and atmosphere conveys a veryMediterranean flair.

SEBASTIAN THOMAS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT MANAGER

Andrássy Avenue and the Paris Grand Department Store

My Budapest is on Andrássy út. This Parisian boulevard connects the city with Heroes’ Square and City Park. It was built for the 1900 Millennium, and underneath it runs the European continent’s first, still functional underground. For me, it is the essence of monarchical Budapest.

My favourite stretch of this avenue lies between Erzsébet Squareand Oktogon, with its stunning architecture and countlessrestaurants, bars and cafes. I have a special spot reserved in myheart for the Paris Grand Department Store. It was Budapest’sfirst purpose-built, modern department store. As one goes in,they’ll find a wine boutique and a bookstore, but head up tothe striking, gilded, fresco-covered Lotz Hall, to the café.

I promise you’ll be swept off your feet, and once you come to,you’ll want to stay for coffee, wine, nibbles or cake and live pianomusic but most of all for the ambience! During the summer, theyalso open an exclusive rooftop hangout called The Sky Bar.

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ROLAND HOLZER EXECUTIVE CHEF

Buda’s Hills and Buda’s Best Strudel

I love outdoor activities, which makes Budapest a very specialcity because of the hilly Buda side. One of my favourite destina-tions is Normafa, which is very popular with the locals andwhere my family and friends would go on a hiking excursion. It offers an awesome panorama of the Buda hills and there areseveral paths available in the forest to walk along.

There’s more! I sometimes insist on taking the Children's Rail-way, just for the fun of it. It is a small train which operates inthe outskirts of Buda, between Huvösvölgy and Széchenyi Hill.This 11-km long line is operated by children aged 10 to 14 (ex-cept for the locomotives, which are driven by adult professionals).The trains call at various sites of interest to tourists.

Every time my family goes to Normafa, our special treat is thestrudel bar there (Normafa Rétes Büfé), which has been offeringits mouth-watering fresh strudels, based on authentic traditionalrecipes, for 34 years.

GÁBOR SINAY FRONT OFFICE MANAGER

Fun on the River

The best part of my Budapest is that it’s a truly unique water-side city. The breath-taking views never fail to amaze me, andI enjoy the buzz of its people coming and going. I never miss a chance to look at the view over the floodlit Castle and ChainBridge as I drive home on Elisabeth Bridge.

To experience such unforgettable moments of beauty, I some-times take a river cruise on the Danube. There are several kindsof boat trips both within and in and out of Budapest, and sight-seeing apart, you can also dine and wine aboard. If you’re lookingfor adventure, I would recommend River Ride, which is an amphibian vehicle. The experience is something like taking afloating sightseeing bus, as it shows Budapest’s main attractionson both land and water. There is more to the Danube thanviews and cruises. As I am a music fan, I go to the A38 MusicBoat. This decommissioned stone hauler ship holds some of the coolest music events, both Hungarian and international. In 2012 it was voted best bar of the world by Lonely Planet.

DÁVID FARKAS REVENUE MANAGER

Jogging in the City

I love Margaret Island’s peace and quiet, but what I find espe-cially fascinating is its sports life. The island is plopped in themiddle of the Danube, just off the romantically restored andcandelabra-rich Margaret Bridge, and as soon as you go there it will instantly become your sweet spot. It is my bucolic escapefrom the city; in its very heart yet splendidly isolated by the river.Another positive for the island is that car traffic is restricted. To me it’s better than Central Park!

I run along the island’s full 5.35 km of dedicated, rubber-coatedrunning tracks, which are conveniently marked every 500 metres.I swim in the Palatinus water park, which is Europe’s largestopen air swimming complex, and the Alfréd Hajós SwimmingPool. There are also tennis courts and an athletics centre. Alternatively, you can just meander through this almost onesqkm island to discover its attractions, such as the Music Fountainand the Water Tower, both of which are protected UNESCOsites, or the small Japanese garden and the tiny zoo.

TAMÁS TAKÁCS HEAD CONCIERGE

Széchenyi Bath

Carefree locals playing chess in hot thermal water in freezingwinter: you must have seen these images in Budapest guides. I could be in one of those photos, as my preferred thermal bathof the many the city has is Széchenyi Bath, in City Park. This one happens to be bright yellow and neo-Classical and is also one of the biggest and most special bath complexes inBudapest. It was recently upgraded and renovated, but there are others that have retained their original Ottoman featuresand are more indoors-y. This outdoor pool, open in every season remains to me the definitive experience of the bath. It could be sub-zero tempe-ratures, and I’m in there, to enjoy a splash, or chess, outside!But it’s also popular with locals because of its great variety ofindoor and outdoor pools, thermal and wellness sections, spatreatments and medical services. My very own personal tip go there very early in the morning tobe the first in the outside pool. Sit in peace in the steam and relax,with no one around but the almost invisible stone sculptures.

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List of photos:

p.2. Gozsdu Courtyardp.3. Parliamentp.4. Budapest Panoramap.5. Tram No. 2 with the view of Chain Bridge

and Royal Palacep.6. Hungarian Ham Master, Etyekp.7. Budapest Zoop.8. Nobu Restaurant in Kempinski Hotel Corvinusp.9. Royal Palace in the Castle District

p.10. Lotz Hall in Paris Grand Department Storep.11. St. Stephen’s Basilicap.12. Elizabeth Bridgep.13. Children’s Railwayp.14. Széchenyi Bathp.15. Margaret Island with the view of Parliament

Photos by Dóra Sajó (p.2,3,4,5,7,9,10,12,15); Courtesy of Ham Master (p.6); NOBU Budapest (p.8);Dreamstime (p.11); Children’s Railway (p.13); Tourism Office of Budapest (p.14)

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