Budapest
To travel from the East Coast of the USA to Budapest, Hungary, here’s a step-by-step guide:
Flight Options
Direct Flights: There are few direct flights from the East Coast to Budapest. Airlines like LOT Polish Airlines sometimes offer direct flights from cities like New York (JFK) to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD).
One-Stop Flights: Most flights will involve a layover in a major European hub such as Frankfurt (FRA), Paris (CDG), London (LHR), or Amsterdam (AMS). Airlines like Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, and KLM offer these routes.
Departure Cities: Major airports on the East Coast such as JFK (New York), EWR (Newark), BOS (Boston), PHL (Philadelphia), and IAD (Washington, D.C.) have frequent flights to Europe.
2. Booking Flights
Airlines to Consider: American Airlines, Delta, United, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, British Airways, and LOT Polish Airlines.
3. Travel Time
Duration: The flight time from the East Coast to Budapest is approximately 8-10 hours direct. With a layover, the total travel time can range from 10-15 hours depending on the connection.
4. Arrival in Budapest
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)**: Located about 16 km (10 miles) from the city center. You can reach downtown Budapest by taxi, airport shuttle, or public transport (bus and metro).
To travel from the West Coast of the USA to Budapest, Hungary, here’s a guide to your options:
Flight Options
Direct Flights**: There are generally no direct flights from the West Coast to Budapest. You will likely need to book a flight with at least one layover.
One-Stop Flights: Flights typically involve a layover in a major European hub such as Frankfurt (FRA), London (LHR), Amsterdam (AMS), or Paris (CDG). Airlines like Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, and KLM are common carriers.
Departure Cities: Major West Coast airports such as Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), and Vancouver (YVR) in Canada offer frequent flights to Europe.
2. Booking Flights
Airlines to Consider: Consider booking with airlines like Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, KLM, and Turkish Airlines, which provide connections from the West Coast to Budapest.
3. Travel Time
Duration: The total travel time from the West Coast to Budapest can range from 13-16 hours or more, depending on the layover duration and location.
Budapest, often called the "Pearl of the Danube," is a city full of history, culture, and stunning architecture. Here are eight must-do activities when visiting Budapest:
Explore the Buda Castle and Castle Hill
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Buda Castle area offers stunning views of the city, cobblestone streets, and historic buildings. Don’t miss the Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion for some of the best panoramic views of Budapest.
Visit the Széchenyi Thermal Bath
One of the largest and most famous thermal baths in Europe, Széchenyi offers a classic experience with its outdoor pools, saunas, and beautifully ornate architecture. It’s a must for relaxation and unwinding.
Stroll Along the Danube Promenade
The riverside promenade is perfect for leisurely walks, with views of landmarks like the Hungarian Parliament Building, Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle. You can also pay respects at the poignant Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial.
Admire the Hungarian Parliament Building
One of the largest and most impressive parliament buildings in the world, this neo-Gothic masterpiece is a must-see. You can tour the interior to see its stunning halls, the Hungarian Crown Jewels, and more.
Take a Danube River Cruise
Seeing Budapest from the water is magical, especially at night when the city’s landmarks are illuminated. Daytime cruises are also available, but evening cruises with dinner or live music are particularly popular.
Visit Heroes’ Square and City Park (Városliget)
Heroes Square is one of Budapest’s major landmarks, featuring statues of Hungarian national leaders and the Millennium Monument. Behind it, explore City Park, which is home to Vajdahunyad Castle, the Széchenyi Baths, and the Budapest Zoo.
Tour St. Stephen’s Basilica
This grand basilica is named after the first king of Hungary. The interior is richly decorated, and you can climb (or take the elevator) to the dome for a panoramic view of Budapest. The basilica also houses the mummified hand of St. Stephen.
Wander Through the Jewish Quarter and Visit the Great Synagogue
Budapest’s Jewish Quarter is full of history, trendy cafes, and vibrant street art. The Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest in Europe, is an architectural wonder with a rich history. Nearby, the Holocaust Memorial Center and Ruin Bars like Szimpla Kert are also worth exploring.
These experiences highlight Budapest’s mix of historical grandeur, cultural richness, and modern vibrancy, making it a truly unforgettable destination.
Would you like more details on any of these activities or need help with planning your itinerary?
"Hello" in Hungarian is **"Szia"(pronounced SEE-uh).
For a more formal greeting, you can say **"Jó napot"** (pronounced YO NAH-pot), which means "Good day."
TIn Hungarian, "Thank you" is **"Köszönöm"** (pronounced KØ-sø-nøm). For a more informal version, you can say **"Köszi"** (pronounced KØ-see).
"Goodbye" in Hungarian is **"Viszlát"** (pronounced VEES-laht) or more informally, you can say **"Szia"** (SEE-uh), which also means "Hello" depending on the context.
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest
The Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest is a landmark art nouveau building exquisitely transformed into an architectural jewel with ultra-modern comforts. The tradition of the grand European hotel was reinvented creating spacious guest rooms in a setting filled with sweeping staircases, stained glass, mosaics, beautiful ironwork, and soaring winter gardens. Guest rooms are infused with this art nouveau spirit and have vaulted ceilings, private step-out balconies, and gold and green marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, a separate glass-wall shower, and a separate water closet. All guest rooms are equipped with large work areas, 2-line telephones, and high-speed wired and wireless internet access. Modern room amenities include LCD TVs' and i-pod docking stations. The hotel is located in the city center on the prestigious Roosevelt Square overlooking the historic chain bridge and the royal castle. It is within walking distance to the shopping, entertainment, and financial districts. But guests may not want to leave before enjoying the indoor pool, the spa, or the traditional Hungarian dishes and contemporary international cuisine served at Gresham restaurant. Our personalized service fits the expectations of today’s global traveler and our staff is dedicated to making every stay memorable.
Address
Szechenyi Istvan Ter 5 6, Budapest, Central Hungary, 1051, Hungary
Perks Offered by Gen X Travel
100USD hotel credit for rooms or 200USD for suites & private retreats
Daily breakfast for 2
Room upgrade to next category (subject to availability)
Early check-in, late check-out (subject to availability)
W Budapest
Beyond the urban fairytale, awaits an unmatched experience of the city dubbed the Queen of the Danube River. Bold design covers this UNESCO heritage site through 151 stylish guest rooms, including 45 suites. Blending history with modern luxury, you'll stay between ballet and beats, elegance and edge, established and avant-garde. Elevate your nights in underground bars and unlock the secret doors to your most intriguing imagination. Why truth or dare when you can have both?
Address
Andrassy Ut 25, Budapest, 1061, Hungary
Perks Offered by Gen X Travel
Welcome amenity
Complimentary breakfast daily for two guests per room
Complimentary basic Wi-Fi daily
Early check-in and late check-out (when available)
Complimentary upgrade (if available at check-in)
Personalized welcome note from the GM
BOOK NOW
Dorothea Hotel, Budapest, Autograph Collection
Inspired by the captivating lives of Archduchess Dorothea and Palatine Joseph in 19th-century Budapest, Dorothea Hotel seamlessly blends the vibrant energies of a modern-day metropolis with the city’s timeless splendor. Set in three grand buildings from separate eras, the hotel embarks on a journey through time to rediscover the local heritage in a modern way. The interiors including 216 rooms and suites create a world of refined contemporary luxury curated by renowned Italian mastermind, Piero Lissoni. Dorothea features unexpected spaces to enjoy such as Pavilion glass-covered green oasis and farm-to-table kitchen; Anton Bar & Deli for great coffee, tasty bites, and craft cocktails; Alelí Italian osteria and BIBO Andalusian rooftop brasserie by Dani García; an extensive spa with a gym, a true haven to relax and revitalize; and a stylish, versatile event venue. Located in the lively heart of Budapest, Dorothea is close to iconic sights like the Parliament or Chain Bridge, business quarters, and city festivities.
Address
Dorottya Utca 2, Budapest, 1051, Hungary
Perks Offered by Gen X Travel
Welcome amenity
Complimentary breakfast daily for two guests per room
Complimentary basic Wi-Fi daily
Early check-in and late check-out (when available)
Complimentary upgrade (if available at check-in)
Personalized welcome note from the GM a
BOOK NOW
Caviar & Bull
Caviar & Bull is one of Budapest’s premier fine-dining restaurants, offering a sophisticated blend of Hungarian and Mediterranean flavors with a touch of luxury. Originating in Malta, the Budapest location maintains the high standards that made the brand famous.
Caviar & Bull offers a luxurious yet relaxed environment. The interior is stylish and elegant, creating an inviting atmosphere for special occasions or an indulgent night out.
Erzsebet korut 43-49 Corinthia Hotel Budapest, Budapest 1073 Hungary
Mazel Tov
Mazel Tov is a popular restaurant and cultural space in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter. It’s known for its modern, vibrant atmosphere and Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine.
The restaurant is housed in a beautifully designed ruin bar-style space with a garden vibe, featuring hanging plants, fairy lights, and communal tables. The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, making it
1073 Budapest, Akácfa utca 47.
Costes
Costes is a Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant in Budapest, known for being one of the first in Hungary to receive this prestigious award. It offers a sophisticated culinary experience with a focus on high-quality ingredients and modern European cuisine.
The restaurant offers an elegant yet intimate setting with refined décor and attentive service, perfect for special occasions or a luxury dining experience.
Costes is ideal for those looking to indulge in a top-tier dining experience in Budapest. The combination of exquisite dishes, carefully curated wine pairings, and impeccable service makes it one of the city’s most celebrated restaurants.
H-Budapest, Ráday str. 4, 1092