Latest news with #Baroque-style
Sky News AU
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
Tasmanian-born Queen Mary of Denmark rushed inside during official public appearance after shock 'encounter'
Tasmanian-born Queen Mary of Denmark was caught off guard during a royal walkabout on Monday, after she was stung by a wasp in front of a crowd of onlookers in the town square of Gråsten, Denmark. The Queen, 53, had been greeting locals alongside her husband, King Frederik X, 57, and their children Princess Isabella, 18, and Prince Vincent, 14, as they officially kicked off the Danish royal family's summer holiday at Gråsten Palace in southern Jutland. King Frederik confirmed in a short speech that their eldest son, Crown Prince Christian, 19, and Vincent's twin sister, Princess Josephine, would later join the family at the palace. Wearing a paisley-print dress by Me+Em, Queen Mary was all smiles as she accepted flowers and chatted with well-wishers in the afternoon sun, until the mood shifted during a formal moment on stage. Onlookers caught footage of the Queen suddenly flinching and grabbing her leg in pain, clearly distressed. Her children quickly gathered around her, while King Frederik rushed to her side. Mary could be seen pointing to the sky and rubbing her leg as the situation unfolded. According to Danish media outlet Billed Bladet, the Queen asked her family to continue greeting locals while she was quietly escorted into the nearby Hotel Det Gamle Rådhus by security. "Princess Isabella and Prince Vincent delivered the goods together with King Frederik, and shortly afterwards, Mary came out again from Hotel Det Gamle Rådhus," the outlet reported (as translated by "The queen certainly did not seem to be badly affected by the encounter with the stinging wasp, and she, together with the king, Isabella and Vincent, made sure to greet the many citizens who had gathered in the square." Footage of the moment quickly gained traction on social media, with one user captioning the clip: "Sadly Queen Mary was stung by a wasp (she dealt with it like the champion she is) I wish her a speedy recovery." Comments poured in online, with many praising Mary's poise and her children's supportive response. "The kids are so polite and lovely shaking hands with everyone and smiling. And poor Mary I hope she's okay!" one royal fan wrote. "They are the sweetest children. And Mary came out again even after she was bitten by a wasp… so graceful.. love the Royal family.. they are the best in the world," another added. "Queen Mary is just so cool .. no fuss at all! Love her!' said a third, while someone else commented: 'She is one tough Aussie our Mary!' After recovering from the sting, Queen Mary rejoined her family as they made their way to Gråsten Palace, where the royals will spend the coming weeks. The Baroque-style palace carries sentimental value for the Danish royal family. It was gifted to King Frederik's grandfather, King Frederik IX, upon his marriage to Ingrid of Sweden, and has remained a beloved summer retreat ever since.
Scotsman
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
I tried new Italian restaurant in Edinburgh design hotel and found pizza to die for
This new Italian restaurant opened in Edinburgh earlier this month and forget any misgivings about it being a hotel restaurant, it's well worth a visit says Rosalind Erskine. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... It's right before the July heatwave when I visited Patatino, which is located in the newly opened Hoxton Hotel in Edinburgh . This stylish, design-led abode has, until recent years, been intrinsically linked with east London. But now the Edinburgh version of the hotel has opened on Grosvenor Street, just a few minutes walk from Haymarket. Inside you'll find a low-lit bar with plenty of seating and Patatino, an Amfali coast inspired Italian restaurant. Patatino - which takes its name from an Italian term of endearment (literally 'little potato') - is inspired by the traditional trattorias and lemon grove-lined streets of Sorrento. Accessible via the hotel lobby, Patatino also welcomes guests with its own dedicated street entrance, which is unmistakable in the style of an Italian trattoria with a scalloped striped awning and dramatic florals. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Inside, the design draws inspiration from a classic trattoria, but there's bold glamour in mirror motifs, vibrant hot pink accents, and moody, dramatic lighting which add theatrical flair. It's a fun, relaxed space. At its heart, a tiny interpretation of a Baroque-style Italian fountain is surrounded by banquettes upholstered in rich tones of mid-blue velvet, navy leather, and dark-stained timber. Throughout the space, soft green pendant lampshades, trellised columns, and forest green corduroy booths with delicate floral prints introduce a freshness that balances the dusky pink and striped walls, creating an opulent and inviting atmosphere - one which, if you're like me, you wish you had a dining room and style bold enough to recreate this colour palette and design at home. And don't get me started on the beautiful crockery. Patatino pizzas | Eve Javis But enough of how stylish the restaurant is, what's on the menu? We started with a glass of prosecco, but there's also a delicious sounding negroni on the drinks menu before tucking in to sharing plates of cold sliced meats - Mortadella, salami, prosciutto and bresaola and - smoked salmon crudo. This was followed by trofie, a pasta dish which was a posh pasta pesto but utterly delicious and crucially, so much better than anything you'd make at home. The sauce of fresh basic pesto, beans, slivers of potato and topped with pecorino was full of depth and freshness (with the addition of beans and potato sublime, who doesn't want carb on carb?) to the perfectly al dente small paste twirls. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Next up was a sourdough-based pizza margherita . As our waiter said, you can tell a good pizza place by trying its margherita. And this was one of the best I've had in Edinburgh in recent times. The thin base with chewy crust was covered with Scottish mozzarella, sugo and basil pesto. I could've eaten the whole thing, if I hadn't already eaten most of the pasta. But more was to come. Cooked on the Josper grill, we shared a 32 day aged sirloin steak and a seabass fillet served on a bed of Mediterranean vegetables and topped with more of that moreish pesto. Finally dessert, a huge bowl of tirimasu which is plated at the table, was a light and just-sweet-enough end to this surprisingly delicious meal. I say surprisingly as hotel restaurants aren't always the place to book these days, and can be devoid of atmosphere. But Patatino was a bustling, buzzy space that looks great and delivers on the food as well. Not to mention the wonderful wines.
What's On
12-07-2025
- What's On
Where to eat, stay and explore in Rome, Italy
The Italian capital has long been a treasured draw on Europe's tourism map for its cultural highlights, incredible culinary scene and storied architecture that commands attention at every turn. But a new swathe of luxury restaurants and hotels are creating new reason to return to the Eternal City. Here, we revisit the best bits of Rome – and highlight the new icons travellers need to know about. The essential sights Rome's cultural fabric is built around historic monuments and storied ruins, and you can enjoy them all on foot – so long as you're willing to get your 10,000 steps in before lunch. Start at the Spanish Steps, also known as 'Scalinata della Trinita dei Monti', and enjoy panoramic city views from the top, before a steep climb of 135 steps takes you to the picturesque Piazza di Spagna at the base. From here, wander 650 metres further into the city to reach one of Rome's most timeless icons – the Trevi Fountain. A Baroque-style marvel carved out in the 18th Century, it features 20 metres of intricate sculptural design, including an iconic sculpture of the Roman god, Neptune. Be sure to take a coin to toss into the fountain – legend says that if you toss a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain, it guarantees a return to Rome. Just be prepared to wait your turn – unless you're going at sunrise, throngs of tourists will likely be ahead of you. A short walk away takes culture seekers to The Pantheon, another unmissable stop on our whirlwind tour of Rome's big-hitting icons. This architectural marvel is more than 2,000 years old, built between 25 and 27 BC, then radically reconstructed between 118 and 125 AD. While you can simply marvel at its detailed inscriptions and ornate columns from the outside, you can also explore inside the basilica, which is still used as an active place of worship. Skip-the-line tickets pre-booked online start from EUR15 (Dhs65), including an audio guide. From the Pantheon, a short walk takes you to Monument Victor Emanuel II, the Roman Forum and the ruins that surround the Colosseum, where our walking tour concludes. Start at the monument of the first king of Italy, built to commemorate the unification of Italy in 1861, then journey past ruins of historic castles, historic temples and ancient forums before reaching the Colosseum. From the outside, you can admire the fascinating façade of this 189m long, 156m wide amphitheatre. But to really understand the true majesty, book a guided tour that takes you inside, accessing the arena floor, underground dungeons and gladiator's entrance. The reservations to make For fine dining: Gigi Rigolatto On the rooftop of the newly reimagined Orient Express La Minerva comes Gigi, from Dubai-born Rikas Hospitality and French lifestyle brand Paris Society. An elevated alfresco address, sharing plates of elevated Italian classics are served up in a refined setting, backdropped by stretching city views. @gigi_restaurant_roma For authentic eats: La Canonica Tucked down a side street in Rome's beloved foodie neighbourhood of Trastevere, La Canonica is a cosy ristorante where guests dine alfresco under warm lanterns, against a wall of twinkling fairy lights. Think crunchy base pizzas with gooey cheese and fresh tomato bases, or hearty pans of al dente pasta made with family recipes. @lacanonicatrastevere For rooftop drinks: Divinity Terrace Hidden in plain sight in the heart of the city, the Divinity Lounge sits atop The Pantheon Hotel, and offers panoramic views of the city. Come for drinks – there's an extensive cocktail list shaken up by the expert mixology team – but be sure to stick around for the golden sunset. @thepantheonhotel The stay: The grand dame There's an old-world glamour to Hotel de Russie, one of the inimitable Rocco Forte hospitality portfolio icons. A time capsule of Rome's golden age, you're drawn into the hotel's vibrant personality and rich soul the second you're greeted by the smartly dressed doormen. The interiors are beautiful – pops of rust red and emerald green on the soft furnishings, the lobby and lounge peppered with handpicked artefacts and ceramics. But it's the natural light flooding in from the courtyard that draws you back outside, where the hotel's true magnificence is revealed in all its glory. Here, you'll find Hotel de Russie's crown jewels – the Stravinskij Bar, Le Jardin restaurant, and the gloriously verdant secret garden, a true oasis where guests can enjoy leisurely post-breakfast strolls or pre-aperitivo wanders and drink in their splendour. The hotel's restaurant and duo of bars are exceptional. At Le Jardin, breakfast is a leisurely affair where tiers of continental dishes – think fresh fruits, homemade pastries and cured meats are arranged inside the beautifully painted restaurant. While the charismatic maître d' Mario choreographs orders of a la carte eggs, fluffy pancakes and omelettes made to order. Guests sit at tables in the serene garden courtyard, freshly ironed white tablecloths adorning the tables that give a formality, but don't feel stuffy. It's grand and glamourous, and the perfect way to start the day. New for 2025 is the Aquazzura bar, adjacent to Jardin de Russie, and an enigmatic new spot for dining and imbibing before dinner. Opening from 5pm, it's where haute fashion and renowned hospitality bring all their best bits together under striped parasols for inventive twists on signature margaritas and mini tacos stuffed with lobster, beef tartare or tuna crudo. Guest rooms offer a welcome balance of traditional grandeur and contemporary touches. We loved the turn-down service complete with Irene Forte face mask, made using ingredients from the Rocco Forte base in Sicily. Our own room overlooking the rose-tinted courtyard was the perfect base for exploring the Eternal City's highlights. And when returning from a day of sightseeing, the gentle piano music drifting subtly from the Stravinskij Bar below was enough to draw us down to continue our evening on the buzzing alfresco terrace. To further aid relaxation, we retreat to one of Hotel de Russie's most delightful secret spaces – the spa. A recently reimagined addition to the hotel's sensational facilities, guests benefit from access to a bubbling indoor pool, adorned in blue mosaics that emulate the feel of calmly cascading waves of the sea. Room rates start from Dhs8,378 per room per night. @hotelderussie The stay: The ultra-luxury innovator Six Senses might not seem like a natural fit for the Eternal City, but Six Senses Rome – the brand's first urban address – is designed to stand out. Lacing its well-earned reputation as a wellness and sustainability pioneer into an 18th-century palazzo results in a zen-inducing stay rich with its own identity. A thoughtful restoration has preserved dazzling features like the ornate marble staircase with grand columns, and the hotel's façade, which blends in perfectly next to the adjacent 16th century church. But it's in its contemporary touches where this hotel earns its wow-factor. Guest rooms are modern and minimal, with a curated pillow menu, a complimentary mini-bar, and daily affirmations left at turndown, all part of the in-room experience. Dining and wellness spaces are also designed to dazzle. Once you've marvelled at the ornate grandeur of the lobby, you're led into a lush indoor-outdoor garden, where terracotta pots are filled with tropical plants, promoting a sense of calm and inviting guests to embrace nature, even in the heart of the city. A grand emerald marble bar marks the entrance to BIVIUM, a warm and homely all-day dining restaurant that provides a social setting by day, and a more sophisticated dining destination by night. An open kitchen, barista counter, and a gelateria tucked inside (where guests benefit from daily free ice-cream) are all designed to encourage connection and community. Upstairs, NOTOS is the new addition to the culinary scene at the hotel, and will undoubtedly become one of Rome's most alluring rooftop dining destinations. Here, the cuisine is as sublime as the panoramic city views, with low-lying lounge seating, bar tables, and restaurant seating all designed for balmy alfresco evenings. The hotel spa is where the two worlds of historic Rome and oriental Six Senses collide so harmoniously, and the resulting spa features ornate Roman baths, where engravings inspired by Roman gods and goddesses adorn smooth stone walls. The facilities are exceptional: think emotion showers spiked with the scents of mint and orange, a steam room and sauna, plus three baths that are hot, tepid and cold, designed to revitalise and refresh. What impresses most is the expert curation of activities available to guests. Each day, a board announces the daily events, which range from candle making in the Earth Lab to olive oil tasting at BIVIUM. Thoughtful, intentional and designed to inspire – much like the overarching hotel experience. Room rates start from Dhs5,812 per room per night. @sixsensesrome Images: What's On & Supplied
Edinburgh Live
23-06-2025
- Edinburgh Live
First look inside plush new Edinburgh hotel after West End townhouses transformed
A luxury hotel chain has opened their first Scottish spot, as Edinburgh welcomes The Hoxton. With 214 rooms, the transformed townhouses are split over both sides of Grosvenor Street. The hotel is also home to an Italian restaurant, ballroom events space, an 'intimate' screening room and three houses. The Hoxton has hotels across the world including Vienna, Amsterdam, Chicago, Portland, Paris, Rome and more. The main building houses 150 rooms, with the remaining 64 in the townhouse across the road. They're split into categories - snug single, bunk rooms, cosy, roomy and 'biggy'. A spokesperson for the chain said: "Design throughout all rooms play into the building's Georgian-influenced architecture, with original features meticulously preserved by AIME Studios to celebrate the heritage of the property and Edinburgh as a whole. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox "Cornicing, double height ceilings and impressive sash windows feature throughout many rooms, and headboards across all categories come in a deep raspberry red, with a mix of modern arched silhouettes in some, and a more flamboyant fluted design with a neo-classical feel in others. Walls are two toned in light and dark sage and divided by a dado rail, with whimsical touches such as pineapple coat hooks and fringe skirted armchairs offering a playful nod to the heritage of the townhouses." The restaurant, styled like a 'classic Italian trattoria', brings the Amalfi Coast energy to Edinburgh. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. A spokesperson said: "Interiors channel the trattoria spirit with theatrical flair complete with mirror motifs, hot pink accents, ambient lighting, and a showstopping Baroque-style fountain surrounded by banquette seating. Rich textures and colour fill the space with deep blue velvet, green corduroy, floral prints, and striped walls, layered to create an opulent yet inviting atmosphere. "Open from morning to night for early breakfasts, celebratory lunches and intimate dinners, Patatino has something for everyone, offering hearty, Italian dishes utilising local Scottish produce with playful twists."
Wales Online
07-05-2025
- Wales Online
Affordable European city where you can soak in historic spas and have £1.50 pints by the river
Affordable European city where you can soak in historic spas and have £1.50 pints by the river Hungary's affordable capital, Budapest, has historic spas, river cruises and cheap pints and you can fly there direct from Bristol Airport The buzzing European city straddles both history and modernity, with its roots extending deep into early European civilisation. (Image: Portia Jones ) Looking for a wallet-friendly city break in Europe? Hungary's affordable art nouveau capital, Budapest, has one of the best nightlife scenes in Europe and incredible thermal spas to soak in. The buzzing city straddles both history and modernity, with its roots extending deep into early European civilisation. Originally two separate cities, Buda and Pest, they were unified in 1873 to form Budapest, a vibrant and culturally rich metropolis on the Danube River's banks. The 1,770-mile-long River Danube divides the city into Buda, with rolling hills, a historic castle, and Pest, the flat, more urban side. It also serves as the city's lifeblood, fostering trade and communication for centuries. From Ottoman occupation and Habsburg rule to a modern EU city, beautiful Budapest has evolved over the centuries. Today, it's a flourishing tourist hotspot with thermal spas, Baroque-style castles, ruin bars, and restaurants. Here's how to enjoy an affordable weekend break in Budapest. Soak in Thermal baths No trip to Budapest is complete without a visit to one of its famous thermal baths (Image: Portia Jones ) No trip to Budapest is complete without a visit to one of its famous thermal baths to unwind in warming waters. After a long night of partying, the distinctive, yellow coloured Széchenyi Baths provide the perfect way to unwind and soak away the hangover blues. It's one of the largest bath complexes in Europe with an array of indoor baths, thermal pools and wellness services including saunas, aquafitness, aerobics, a gym, and spa treatments in a beautiful neo-Baroque setting. While the wellness offerings are impressive, the picturesque outdoor pools at Széchenyi are perhaps its most iconic feature. Even in the depths of winter, locals and tourists can relax in the warm waters of the main pool, which hovers around a comfortable 27-38°C. It's an unforgettable sight, steam rising from the surface as bathers enjoy the warmth, surrounded by the historic grandeur of the baths' grand architecture. The baths are surprisingly affordable too, with tickets starting from just £22, a proper bargain for a steamy spa day. Feast on street food at Római Part The beach life is just a bike ride away from the centre of Budapest at Római Part (Image: Portia Jones ) Looking for a low-cost activity? The beach life is just a bike ride away from the centre of Budapest at Római Part, a 10km-long riverside escape right on the Danube. Boating, beer, and burgers await you at this mellow river beach retreat, with bohemian bars, live music venues, and tasty street food offerings. Order fried fish or hot and crispy Lángos, settle into pastel deckchairs and watch the canoeists glide by; there's no hastiness here. You can bike from the centre of the city to Római Part, following the Danube, or jump on the HÉV electric train from Batthyány tér to Rómaifürdő. This service also allows a limited number of bikes aboard if you want to bring your bike to the beach. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here Enjoy a Night river cruise Budapest is at its most beautiful at night (Image: Portia Jones ) Budapest is at its most beautiful at night. Take a night river cruise along the Danube to see the city's grand buildings bathed in light. These cruises offer a unique perspective of Budapest's illuminated landmarks, including the Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge. Some cruises even include dinner and live music, providing a memorable way to experience the Hungarian capital. Prices start from around £8 for a basic river cruise, rising to over £200 for VIP cruises. Visit Budapest's famous Ruin Bars (Image: Portia Jones ) One of the most innovative outcomes of its transformation is the city's famous ruin bars. Located primarily in the historic Jewish Quarter, these bars are set in once-abandoned buildings and courtyards. They offer an eclectic and vibrant atmosphere, where you can sip on a pint for less than £2 if you visit lesser-known haunts. (The more popular ones will generally be more expensive). The ruin bar concept started by repurposing abandoned spaces into social hubs that combined art, culture, and nightlife elements. These off-beat bars, which first appeared in the early 2000s, are housed in abandoned buildings and courtyards primarily located in Budapest's Jewish Quarter, in District VII. This historic area, once the site of the Jewish ghetto during World War II, fell into disrepair in the decades following the war, leaving behind numerous crumbling structures that would later become the perfect setting for these unique nightlife establishments. The concept of ruin bars began with Szimpla Kert (Image: Portia Jones ) The concept of ruin bars began with Szimpla Kert, which opened its doors in 2002 in a dilapidated building in Kazinczy Street. Its success was immediate, as it blended its rundown aesthetic with mismatched furniture, quirky art installations, and a laid-back atmosphere. Szimpla Kert quickly became a symbol of Budapest's ability to reinvent itself, and its success spurred the opening of more ruin bars across the Jewish Quarter. Characterised by its eclectic and curious décor, mismatched furniture, bathtub sofas, and graffiti-covered walls, these alternative bars created a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere infused with music. Ruin bars aren't just places to drink cheap booze in off-beat settings; they are multifunctional spaces that host various cultural events, including live music, art exhibitions, film screenings, and even farmers' markets. The ruin bar scene (Image: Portia Jones ) Today, the ruin bar scene in Budapest is more vibrant than ever. On a typical weekend night, the streets between Dob and Dohány utca near Klauzál tér are thronged with locals and tourists, all eager to experience the unique charm of these popular and lively bars. Here are some of the best ruin bars in the city to discover. Szimpla Kert: As the original ruin bar, Szimpla Kert remains one of the most popular spots in Budapest. It's not just a bar but a cultural hub hosting live music, film screenings, and a weekly farmers' market. The vast space has multiple rooms and a large courtyard with hanging disco balls, guitars and exposed wiring. Instant-Fogas: This colossal party complex results from a merger between two former ruin bars, Instant and Fogas Ház. With its seven distinct rooms, each playing different genres of music, Instant-Fogas is a go-to spot for those looking to dance the night away. Doboz: Located on Klauzál Street, Doboz is easily recognisable by the giant red King Kong statue that dominates its courtyard. This bar combines the classic ruin bar aesthetic with a modern twist, offering themed rooms and a variety of music styles. Csendes: For a more relaxed experience, Csendes offers a unique take on the ruin bar concept. This venue doubles as a café during the day and a bar at night, with a décor that includes vintage toys, mannequins, and century-old chandeliers. Élesztőház: Craft beer lovers will love Élesztőház, which has an impressive selection of Hungarian craft beers on tap. The bar's industrial-style décor and laid-back atmosphere make it a popular spot for locals and tourists looking for beers and beats. Explore Fisherman's Bastion Jaw-dropping Fisherman's Bastion screams 'fairytale vibes' (Image: Portia Jones ) Jaw-dropping Fisherman's Bastion screams 'fairytale vibes' and is one of the best-known historical monuments in Budapest, located near the grand Buda Castle, in the Várkerület. Since 1987, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Várkerület District. While it might seem like a very old building, the current structure was built between 1895 and 1902 in Neo-Romanesque style, on the base of a stretch of the Buda Castle walls, by architect Frigyes Schulek. With a sweeping panorama of the city from the Buda side over the river Danube and its attractions in Budapest, including the Hungarian Parliament building, this is one of the most photogenic spots in all of Europe and is best visited in the early morning or late evening for epic sunset snaps. Visiting the lower part of the complex is free of charge, but a small fee is required to ascend the top turrets and upper terraces, and it is absolutely worth the money. Visit the most beautiful café in the world Imagine a café where you come for the décor rather than the coffee. (Image: Portia Jones ) Imagine a café where you come for the décor rather than the coffee. An establishment so grand that it attracts mobs of Instagram girlies, twirling and posing for likes. This is the New York Café in Budapest, where the bold inscription outside reads "the most beautiful café in the world." It's frankly hard to disagree; this opulent 125-year-old café attracts thousands of visitors and snap-happy TikTokkers who flock here to marvel at its lavish rococo décor of marble columns, spectacular frescoes, and crystal chandeliers. If you don't mind splashing the cash, order their 24-carat gold cappuccino, served with Valrhona chocolate and raspberry cake, for a decadent start to the day. On a budget? Nurse a coffee and enjoy the scenic surroundings for just a few quid. Go on a Budabike tour Bikers new to Budapest might benefit from an informative guided tour of the city (Image: Portia Jones ) Bikers new to Budapest might benefit from an informative guided tour of the city with a local guide who can help cyclists navigate the winding bike paths that cut through the urban landscape and shabby chic grandeur. Top-rated biking company Budabike offers specialist city bike tours, including highlights, night, and communist tours. These reasonably priced tours bring Budapest to life with personalised guiding and passionate insider knowledge. Guides will also show you city highlights, off-beat curiosities, and explain the city's history with factoids. Did you know that Hungary invented the concept of escape rooms, or that the boozy, six-part wine Puskás spritzer cheekily commemorates Hungary's 6-3 football victory over England in 1953? Now you do! Explore Margaret Island Escape city life and cycle to verdant Margaret Island (Image: Portia Jones ) Escape city life and cycle to verdant Margaret Island, a 2.5 km long recreational island in the middle of the Danube River. Meander through flower-filled meadows, romantic ruins and peaceful promenades, keeping an eye out for the dancing Musical Fountain that locals love. Rest at hipster haunt Steg Pub and feast on traditional Hungarian Lángos, a delectable deep-fried crispy dough flatbread loaded with sour cream, garlic butter and cheese. Plan Your Visit to Budapest You can fly direct from Bristol Airport (Image: Portia Jones ) Getting There from Bristol Flying to Budapest from Bristol is straightforward, with regular direct flights from Bristol Airport to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. The flight takes around 2.5 hours. Once you arrive in Budapest, you can reach the city centre in around 35 minutes by taking the airport shuttle bus or a licensed taxi. To compare airfares and book the best deals, check out Skyscanner and Google Flights. Accommodation Budapest offers a wide variety of places to stay, from historic hotels in grand Habsburg-era buildings to boutique stays in the Jewish Quarter and riverside apartments with views of the Danube. Use to search and book accommodation within your budget range. Staying in District V (Belváros), District VI (Terézváros), or District VII (Erzsébetváros) will put you close to many major sights, restaurants, and transport links. Getting Around Budapest has an extensive and affordable public transport system, including metro lines, trams, buses, and trolleybuses, all operated by BKK. You can buy tickets from vending machines, BKK ticket offices, or the BKK app. Daily, multi-day, and travel card options are available, and they offer unlimited rides within the city. Tram 2 is especially scenic, running along the Danube past many of the city's most iconic landmarks. Things to Know Before You Go Currency: Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF), not the Euro. Many places accept card payments, but some smaller vendors and markets may prefer cash. Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF), not the Euro. Many places accept card payments, but some smaller vendors and markets may prefer cash. Language: Hungarian is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas. Hungarian is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas. Thermal Baths: Bring swimwear to visit Budapest's famous thermal baths, such as Széchenyi or Gellért. A towel and flip-flops also come in handy. Bring swimwear to visit Budapest's famous thermal baths, such as Széchenyi or Gellért. A towel and flip-flops also come in handy. Weather: Summers can be hot, while winters are cold and sometimes snowy – pack accordingly. Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing. Summers can be hot, while winters are cold and sometimes snowy – pack accordingly. Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing. Tipping: A 10–15% tip is customary in restaurants and cafés if service isn't included. Article continues below
