Budapest

For some reason Budapest was never at the top of my bucket list, but mostly because my bucket list tends to lean more toward deserted sandy beaches with over water bungalows and pristine alpine hikes with cozy cabins. Despite those leanings, this beautiful city on both sides of the glorious Danube (Buda, the hilly side and Pest, the bustling cultural center) charmed me in a way I did not expect. It certainly helped that it was the holiday season and the festive Christmas markets added a level of quaintness that only hot mulled cider and wooden craft booths can bring. Although with its walkability, lovely bridges, outdoor baths, and fun Ruin Bars, summer or any season would be equally enticing for a visit.

The combination of history, architecture, and culture in the Hungarian capital make Budapest a fantastic city escape, and you might see many of the sights on a walking tour. We happened to tackle the city for several days at the front end of a Danube River Christmas Market Cruise—which I also highly recommend!  Perhaps more than any other European city I have visited, the Hungarians certainly know how to light a building. I challenge anyone to find a more picturesque view than the visage of the Parliament Building lit up at night from the beautiful blue Danube. It’s the third largest parliament building in Europe and it does not disappoint!

Be sure to add some of these special spots to your itinerary: