Roving Report - Buzzing Budapest

The "Queen of the Danube" offers cool cafes, hipster hotels, grand architecture and exciting design! And all for a surprising light budget!

Our roving reporter Sam has just returned from an educational visit to Budapest organised by The Meetings Space, a company whose aim is to unite buyers and suppliers. Over four days, Sam managed to clock up 25 separate 20-minute meetings (more than 8 hours in total!) with suppliers including hotel groups, congress centres and DMCs. In between times, she also managed to visit two stunning hotels, see the sights and report back that Budapest certainly is a city brimming with activity and interesting things to do.

Described variously as the "Queen of the Danube" and the "world's second most beautiful city", Budapest is definitely worth a visit. Famous for its hot springs and spas, culture and cuisine, and of course, the iconic Danube. Sam reports back that there is plenty to please all audiences and has plenty of recommendations to make ...

The group of over 200 suppliers and buyers tried out some of the key venues that the city has to offer. The Kiosk is one of Budapest's foremost dining venues showcasing theatre kitchens where the wide variety of international food is prepared in front of you. A range of entertainment is also available, including, in Sam's case, rubix cube challenges and bubble blowing!

The Gundel Restaurant is renowned as one of Budapest's best gastronomic restaurants and it certainly didn't disappoint. The food is traditional Hungarian fare served in an exceptionally lavish ambience with music – both the Queen and Pope John Paul II feature amongst the illustrious guests who have dined here!

Sightseeing in Budapest is definitely worthwhile. Alongside the traditional bus and walking tours, you can also try out a Segway tour or pedal your way around town by bike. And a trip down the iconic Danube is a must! The city offers spectacular views both from the Budapest Eye (at 65m, it is Europe's highest ferris wheel) and St Stephen's Basilica; Heroes Square is suitably dramatic and you can even enjoy pre-dinner drinks at Budapest Zoo. As Sam says, "it's a really unusual way to surprise your guests".

Hotels

Like all major cities, Budapest has its fair share of premier hotels. Sam tried out the luxurious Corinthia Hotel – a very central location offering a pool, spa and a wide range of dining options. This was the venue for the meetings and staff worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the event, including folklore-themed lunches and coffee breaks to ensure a real "taste of Hungary". Sam also stayed at the ultra-chic Ritz Carlton – where she was delighted with the sumptuous décor and views of the Budapest Eye!

Although the visit was short, Sam returned with copious notes and plenty of ideas to make your visit to Budapest bubble!

Ideas to Consider

• Gold and Glamour themed gala dinner in one of the lavish ballrooms at the Corinthia hotel – Hungarian soldiers can even be booked to escort guests into dinner!

• The Vigado Music Hall will enthral you with practice sessions by world class musicians

• The highly photogenic Castle District is the perfect spot for a snap – or a selfie – and you can arrange for a professional photographer to be on hand to offer hints on getting that perfect shot!

Flights

• Flight time from London to Budapest is 2 hours 25 minutes. Regional departures are also available.

To find out more about what Sam recommends, and the inside story on where to avoid(!), get in contact with us here.