Budapest is full of wonders.
Regardless of your reason to visit, whether it's to take in the detailed architecture, soak in the history, or enjoy the natural sites, don't leave without indulging in the delicious, authentic dishes served throughout the city. Your palette will be dancing with all the rich flavors.
To guide you to some unique spots to grab food in Budapest, we've created a list of 8 food lover tips for your visit:
- You most certainly can't leave Budapest without trying one of its most traditional foods, langos. Langos is a flatbread that is deep-fried in fat and can be served plain or smothered with cheese blends and other flavorful toppings. You can find langos nearly anywhere, but we recommend heading to the Central Market Hall.
- If you love cooking and eating, sign up for a Hungarian cooking course. These courses let you experience an authentic three-course meal that you helped create, often held by local chefs. You may start your course by shopping with the host to learn about the ingredients you'll be using for your dishes.
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Every year from September 5th to 8th, you can catch the Budapest International Wine Festival. This festival has been running for many years and has become custom to the natives and tourists alike.
- If you're in the country in October, definitely make your way to the Budapest Palinka and Sausage Festival to try some of the fantastic European brandy, paired with any of the many sausage
varieties you will find throughout the stands. This can also be a great place to pick up souvenirs from local vendors.
varieties you will find throughout the stands. This can also be a great place to pick up souvenirs from local vendors.
- Hungarian Unicum is one of the most famous liquors in the country. It's herbal bitterness aids in digestion, which you will find helps tremendously after delving into all of the spicy street foods. You can also head to the Zwack Museum to learn all about the "miracle" liquor.
- Make way to the Etyek-Buda Wine Region to experience one of the leading wine-producing villages, that have been around since the 18th century. This winery makes for a great day trip. Just prepare yourself to try dozens of varieties of wines.
- For anyone who loves the age-old delicacy of marzipan, visit Szamos Marzipan, a museum in honor of the artists Mátyás Szamos and Károly Szabó. These artists started shaping marzipan into the shapes of flowers and other beautiful creations back in the 1930s. This museum intends to keep their spirit and tasty treats alive.
- If you have a fond love in your heart for delis, you are going to adore Mangalica & TársaiHúspatika. This deli has everything from assorted salamis, cured hams, and more. It stands today in the dedication of the curly-haired Mangalica pig, which is a domesticated, extremely furry Hungarian swine.
BONUS: Try restaurants where the locals are frequenting, outside of the tourist zones. You will find more authentic flavors and atmosphere.
Budapest is a destination that you're sure to fall in love with, on it's own. Consider extending your stay before or after your European river cruise for an even more immersive experience.
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