Budapest City Breaks from Newcastle – Your Guide to Hungary’s Capital
Looking for your next European city break from Newcastle? Budapest is a fantastic choice, combining spectacular architecture, fascinating history, relaxing thermal baths, delicious food and a lively atmosphere – all on the banks of the beautiful River Danube.
With Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks offering direct flights and city breaks to Budapest from Newcastle Airport, getting away to the Hungarian capital couldn’t be easier. Whether you’re planning a romantic break for two, a few days away with friends or simply fancy discovering somewhere different, Budapest packs plenty into a short city break.
To help inspire your next getaway, we’ve put together our guide to some of the best things to see and do in Budapest.
Discover Budapest’s Famous Landmarks
Budapest is actually made up of two historic areas – Buda and Pest – sitting on opposite sides of the River Danube and connected by a series of impressive bridges.
Head to the Buda side and you’ll find the spectacular Buda Castle district, part of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed area. Take time to explore the historic streets before making your way to Fisherman’s Bastion, whose fairytale towers and terraces offer some of the best views across the Danube towards the Hungarian Parliament Building.
Another Budapest highlight is St. Stephen’s Basilica, one of the city’s most impressive buildings. Step inside to admire its magnificent interior or head up to the panoramic terrace for wonderful views across the rooftops.
And, of course, no Budapest city break would be complete without seeing the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building. Sitting proudly beside the Danube, it’s particularly spectacular when illuminated after dark.
Relax in Budapest’s Thermal Baths
Sightseeing can be tiring work, so why not swap the walking shoes for your swimming costume?
Budapest is famous for its natural thermal waters and historic bathhouses, making a visit to the baths one of the city’s most memorable experiences.
The grand Széchenyi Thermal Bath, situated in City Park, is one of Budapest’s best-known attractions, with its impressive outdoor pools and beautiful neo-Baroque surroundings.
Another famous choice is Gellért Thermal Bath, renowned for its striking Art Nouveau architecture. Whichever you choose, spending a few hours soaking in Budapest’s warm thermal waters is a wonderful way to relax during your city break.
Taste Traditional Hungarian Food
One of the joys of a city break is sampling the local cuisine, and Budapest certainly won't leave you hungry.
Perhaps Hungary’s most famous dish is goulash, a warming combination traditionally made with meat, vegetables and plenty of paprika. You’ll find versions of it served in restaurants throughout the city.
For something sweet, look out for kürtőskalács, better known as chimney cake. This freshly baked spiral-shaped treat is coated in sugar and often flavoured with cinnamon, nuts or other toppings.
Budapest also has an excellent café culture, so make time to stop for coffee and cake in one of the city's grand historic cafés.
For a taste of Hungary's drinks, try a glass of locally produced Hungarian wine – or perhaps a small pálinka, the country's traditional fruit spirit.
Getting Around Budapest
Budapest is an excellent city to explore on foot, particularly around the Danube and the main central districts.
A walk along the river is one of the best ways to appreciate the city, taking in famous sights including the Chain Bridge, Buda Castle and Hungarian Parliament Building.
For longer journeys, Budapest has an extensive public transport network of metros, trams and buses. Even getting around can become part of the sightseeing – a journey on one of the city's trams alongside the Danube provides some fantastic views.
Visitors planning to use public transport regularly can also look at the different travel passes available during their stay.
See Budapest After Dark
Budapest takes on a completely different character when evening arrives. The city's riverside landmarks light up after sunset, making an evening stroll or Danube river cruise a great addition to your trip.
Budapest is also famous for its ruin bars, which transformed old and abandoned buildings into quirky nightlife venues. Szimpla Kert is perhaps the best-known example and has become an attraction in its own right thanks to its eclectic interiors and buzzing atmosphere.
If you prefer something a little more refined, dress up for an evening at the magnificent Hungarian State Opera House, or simply find a cosy restaurant and enjoy a leisurely Hungarian dinner.
Visit Budapest’s Christmas Markets
Travelling towards the festive season? Budapest becomes particularly magical in the run-up to Christmas.
The city's squares are transformed with twinkling lights, festive stalls, warming food and drink and plenty of Christmas atmosphere. Budapest’s Christmas markets have long made the city a favourite winter destination, and they’re a great excuse for a festive city break from Newcastle.
Wrap up warm, grab a hot drink and enjoy exploring the stalls against the backdrop of Budapest’s spectacular architecture.
Is Budapest Good for a City Break?
Absolutely. Budapest offers that ideal city-break combination of famous landmarks, fascinating culture, great food, nightlife and plenty of opportunities to relax.
You can pack lots into three or four days without feeling like you’ve seen everything, meaning there’s always a reason to come back.
And with direct flights from Newcastle, you can leave the North East behind and be exploring one of Europe's most beautiful capitals before you know it.
Fancy a Budapest City Break from Newcastle?
From soaking in thermal baths and admiring the views from Fisherman’s Bastion to cruising along the Danube and discovering Budapest after dark, Hungary's capital has all the ingredients for a memorable European getaway.
Fancy exploring Budapest for yourself?
Give one of our friendly team a call or pop into one of our branches and let us help you find a great deal on your next Budapest city break from Newcastle.
Your next European adventure could be closer than you think!
