Christmas has always had a special charm for me, and this year I decided to live it in a unique way in Budapest, a city that shines with its own light during these dates. Being away from home and the ones you love is not easy, but if I have the opportunity to be on this side of the pond, I had to take advantage of it to choose to celebrate this day in one of the European cities well known for its Christmas magic. And I wasn’t wrong, from the moment I stepped foot in the Hungarian capital, its magical and festive atmosphere completely enveloped me. Here I tell you how was my experience in this jewel of Eastern Europe.

Budapest at Christmas time looks like something out of a fairy tale. The streets are lit up with spectacular decorations, and the aroma of cinnamon and mulled wine fills the air. Vörösmarty Square and the surroundings of St. Stephen’s Basilica welcomed us with a short but spectacular snowfall, the first of my life.

Lights, sights and an unforgettable cruise

At night, the city is transformed into a light show. I crossed the Chain Bridge and enjoyed the view of the illuminated Parliament, which looks like a golden jewel reflected in the Danube. From the deck, the views of Buda Castle, Gellért Hill and the illuminated bridges accompanied these views with a glass of wine to ride out the cold wind, but it was so worth it.

Budapest is not only a city of beauty and charm, but also a place steeped in history. One of the most moving monuments I encountered was the Shoe Monument on the Danube, a tribute to the victims of the Holocaust. This simple but powerful tribute consists of a series of iron shoes placed along the riverbank in memory of the Jews who were forced to take off their shoes before being executed and thrown into the water during World War II.

The magic of the thermal baths

I could not visit Budapest without experiencing its famous thermal baths, and doing it in winter was the right choice. I chose the Széchenyi Baths, where I immersed myself in warm waters, a unique experience. The contrast between the cold outside and the warmth of the water is a unique sensation that I recommend to experience at least once in a lifetime. It was dark between 3 and 4 o’clock in the afternoon, so we were able to experience both scenarios.

A fascinating curiosity about the Széchenyi Baths is that not only are they one of the largest thermal complexes in Europe, but their waters come from a natural hot spring discovered at a depth of more than 1,200 meters, with temperatures reaching 74 °C (74 °F). We were at 3°C outside and the water was at 30°C, this visit was really relaxing and therapeutic.

Fisherman's Bastion: a dreamy viewpoint

One of my favorite stops was the Fisherman’s Bastion, a place that looks like something out of a medieval fairy tale. Its white arches and towers offer spectacular views of the city, especially the Parliament and the Danube. Although it is charming at any time of the year, during Christmas it has a special air thanks to the illumination that surrounds it. From there, I was able to enjoy an unforgettable panoramic view of Budapest, still a little snowy. It is the perfect place to take pictures and, above all, to stop and admire the beauty of the city.

Hungarian gastronomy is a feast for the soul, especially in winter. We tried goulash and enjoyed a lángos, that kind of fried pizza, always accompanied by a glass of mulled wine.

On Christmas day we shared a nice reunion with friends I had not seen for years, all foreigners and sharing the same feeling of nostalgia that invades all of us who are far from home in this holiday season. There we also tasted pálinka, the traditional Hungarian drink that warms you up from the first sip.

I could not leave Budapest without visiting the famous New York Café, considered by many the most beautiful coffee shop in the world. As I walked through its doors, I felt like I was entering a palace. Gilded ceilings, stunning chandeliers and marble and fresco details create an atmosphere of unparalleled luxury. This place is more than a coffee shop; it is an experience that combines history, elegance and the art of enjoying the moment. We discovered that we could enter without waiting in line late at night, ideal to take these beautiful pictures without many people around.

My trip to Budapest for Christmas was much more than a vacation; it was an experience that connected me with the magic of the season and with a city full of history, beauty and tradition. I would return without hesitation, not only for its Christmas charm, but also for the warmth of its people and the richness of its culture.