A pivotal point to EXpress your love for art is the Palace of Art (www.muveszetekpalotaja.hu), a world-class venue in the Millennium Center, where you can listen to a classical concert performed by the National Philharmonic Orchestra, see an exhilarating spectacle by the National Dance Theatre or browse the contemporary artworks in the Ludwig Museum – all under one roof. But, if you’re in the shop-til-you-drop EXpression phase, you also have many options to choose from. Visit Váci street and its side streets that offers high-end designer boutiques frequented by tourists, or pop into Westend City Center (www.westend.hu) and Mammut I-II (www.mammut.hu) shopping centers where you’ll find everything from wallet-friendly bargains, beauty salons and fitness centers to bookstores and movie theatres. If you have some cash (and luggage space) to spare, go to Ecseri Flee market (Nagykőrösi út 156) in early hours of the weekend, to haggle for antiques, furniture, Communist relics – basically anything you can think of.
Forget the stress of everyday life and EXhale at Rudas Bath (Döbrentei square 9), the oldest thermal bath in Budapest featuring women-only spa experiences every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon and mixed days on Friday and Saturday. The previously all-male domain boasts therapeutic swimming facilities including a large thermal pool and four adjacent pools in various temperatures and several steamy saunas. Caveat: the dress code in the spa is birthday suit-style (or a small apron given at the entrance).
Anna J. Kutor is a roving freelance writer and photographer specializing in cultural, travel and social themes – currently residing in Warsaw. Check out her website at www.orangeimagery.com to view her photos from Budapest and around the globe.
Next Steps:
- Find the best deals, information, guides, and reviews for Budapest at TripAdvisor
- Book a flight to Budapest at Priceline
- Get books, DVDs and more related to Budapest at Amazon.com
