Budapest, Hungary Luxury Travel Guide
Updated: Mar 30
Traveling from Austria to Budapest is a relatively easy and straightforward journey. The two cities are connected by a well-established network of trains, buses, and flights. Trains run regularly between the two cities, with the journey taking around 2-3 hours. Flights are also available from Vienna to Budapest, with many airlines offering direct flights. For American citizens, a valid passport is required to enter Hungary, but no visa is necessary for stays of up to 90 days within a six-month period.
Photo by Dan Novac, Unsplash
Budapest is a city rich in culture and history, with many must-see places to visit. Highlights in Budapest include visiting the famous thermal baths, strolling along the Danube River, and exploring the Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Other points of interest worth visiting include a tour of the Hungarian Parliament Building, an iconic landmark with stunning neo-Gothic architecture and grand staircases. Be sure to also visit St. Stephen’s Basilica is a grand neo-classical church and Budapest’s famous ruin bars, such as Szimpla Kert or Instant-Fogasház, which are located in old, dilapidated buildings and offer live music and eclectic decor.
Click below to launch slideshow >
Top left to right - Photo by Victor Malyushev, Unsplash; Photo by Zalan Szabo, Unsplash. Bottom left to right - Photo by Raimond Klavins, Unsplash; Photo by Dan Freeman, Unsplash
Luxury Stays
Four Seasons Hotel
Gresham Palace
Budapest, Széchenyi István tér 5-6, 1051
(06 1) 268 6000
Images courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace
The Four Seasons Gresham Palace in Budapest holds the top spot for luxury stays in Budapest and carries significant historical importance due to its rich heritage. Originally constructed in 1906 as the headquarters of the Gresham Life Assurance Company, the building showcases remarkable Art Nouveau design elements that beautifully manifest themselves throughout the Four Seasons Gresham Palace. These elements seamlessly blend intricate features such as detailed stained glass works, Jugendstil glass ceilings, complex mosaic flooring, and meticulously curated art and furniture.
During World War II, the palace suffered severe damage but underwent a meticulous restoration process in the late 20th century, transforming the building into the luxurious Four Seasons hotel it is today. The palace’s prestigious location on the banks of the Danube River, at the foot of the Chain Bridge, provides breathtaking views of Széchenyi István Square and the Royal Palace, which houses the Hungarian National Gallery.
Accommodations
Four Seasons Gresham Palace features 160 guest rooms and 19 suites. Guest rooms with its high ceilings are beautifully decorated showcasing Art Deco details and most rooms offer magical views of Budapest’s treasured landmarks including the Danube river, the Chain Bridge, the Buda Hills, and the Royal Castle.
For something extra special, choose a suite. Ideal for business or extended stays, these expansive suites offer luxurious residential comfort, providing extra space and privacy, along with mesmerizing panoramic views of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Suite categories include the Tower Suite, River-View Park Suite, and Park Suite. Additionally, for a premium stay, there are three specialty suites: the Chain Bridge Suite, Presidential Suite, and the grandeur Budapest Royal Suite, which offers 1,464 sq.ft. of luxury living space suitable for three adults and one child.
Dining
KOLLÁZS – Brasserie & Bar offers a fusion of French and Hungarian cuisine, featuring signature dishes like foie gras terrine, beef bourguignon, French brioche, and goulash. With 137 indoor seats and 70 on the terrace, guests can enjoy their meals in a cozy Art Deco setting designed by EDG Design. Chef Árpád Győrffy leads the culinary team, showcasing his expertise.
MÚZSA effortlessly captures the essence of Budapest’s Golden Age with its masterful craft cocktails, enticing fusion of Asian and Hungarian cuisines, and with a remarkable design by Richmond International that exudes both elegance and sophistication.
MÚZSA offers signature cocktails such as Buda Hills, Time for Two, Tiszavirág, and Mákvirág, along with signature dishes like robata grilled yakitori, house-made bao, robata grill wagyu, and wasabi sponge. Guests can enjoy indoor seating for 134, and the restaurant also provides a locale for afternoon tea, live music events, and tasting room experiences.
Executive Chef Árpád Győrffy, Head Bartender Ádám Rédli, and Head Sommelier Gábor Becker elevate the dining experience, while Cultural Ambassador Carmen Lédinger enhances the restaurant’s ambiance.
SPA & FITNESS
The spa features a sauna, separate steam rooms for men and women, a gorgeous designed infinity-edge lap pool, and a whirlpool. Located on the 5th floor, the spa offers a state-of-the-art fitness center, featuring cardiovascular machines, free weights and more. Tennis and golf is also available off-premises under 30 minutes.
Signature rejuvenating treatments include The Hungarian Moor Mud Therapy which utilizes mineral-rich mud to detoxify and revitalize the body, while the Restorative Body Therapy combines exfoliation and massage to release tension and nourish the skin. Other popular treatments include The Classic Hungarian Body Wrap, Contouring Body, the Touch of the Earth, the Gold Ritual and the Eminence Stone Crop.
OTHER NOTABLE FEATURES
Four Seasons Gresham Palace hosts meeting rooms ideal for special events and business gatherings, including a 296 sq. m. (3185 sq. ft.) ballroom. Whether you desire an unforgettable wedding experience, be it a small gathering or a lavish affair, Four Seasons Gresham Palace offers a fully specialized staff to turn your dream wedding into reality.