Spending March in Budapest

A Spring Spa Vacation in Budapest

I think you will agree affordable often plays a big part in planning a great vacatioin. Spending some of March in Budapest is a great way to have an affordable but luxurious spring vacation. If your ideal getaway includes beautiful water and relaxation, and you’re willing to overlook slightly cooler air temperatures. Then this is the best location for you! Spring brings various levels of warmth all throughout the northern hemisphere. So, a nice warm place to take a dip isn’t always the easiest thing to find!

Surprising and often overlooked, Budapest is a historic city that is full of spa hotels and thermal baths with rich mineral water. Although the air won’t be warm and it’s wise to bring layers, you’ll find ultimate luxury and relaxation while enjoying the special city – all while keeping your wallet intact.

Start with a Spa Hotel

The best way to ensure your vacation is luxurious, is to make sure a spa is right at your fingertips. With thermal baths found frequently throughout the city, it’s no trouble to find a hotel that doubles as a spa! Many hotels with affordable room rates will include pools, saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs. Many will have missuses available for that much needed massage!

Because Budapest’s weather is a bit cooler in March, spa hotel prices are lower than peak travel months like June-August. A great reason to spend March in Budapest. So as long as you pack a few layers, you’ll be completely set to explore the city after a great spa day.

Venture to the Public Baths

Although staying in a spa hotel is an amazing experience, in Budapest it’s not the only spa adventure tourists should participate in. Nicknamed the City of Baths, Budapest has an abundance of public spas which are known for their rich mineral water and varying pools of size and temperature.

One of the most famous is the Széchenyi Baths & Pools complex, which is actually the largest bath complex in Europe! While you make your way through the 21 different bath options at Széchenyi, make sure to plan a stop at the outdoor thermal water pool. Although the air will be chilly, the 38 °C water will keep you nice and toasty. Also, its just relaxing to watch steam rise up in front of the stunning views of Budapest.

After the Spa, Take a River Cruise

I recommend to see the city from the Danube river. The river which cuts down the middle of what used to be two separate cities, Buda and Pest. Because of Budapest’s climate, most cruise boats have indoor waiting areas along the banks, and an enclosed deck with huge windows. With almost endless options for cruise styles, you’ll be able to sail along the river for dinner, lunch, with an open bar, snacks, or more. And, you’ll even have the option of taking a sunset cruise – one of the best things to do in Budapest.

During a sunset cruise, you’ll see the historic buildings that line the banks through two very different lenses. During the day, their architectural wonders can be seen in the light, and at night, many of the buildings along the river banks are lit up dramatically, making for absolutely stunning views.

Take a Tour of the Museums

If you ever get tired of the water, Budapest has lots of history and monuments on dry land that will keep you busy. From the side of the city that used to be Pest, you’ll be able to walk over the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Then take a cable tram up a large hill to Buda Castle. At the castle, you’ll explore beautiful grounds with a stunning view of the city. Then head inside and start exploring the National Gallery and Budapest History Museum.

 

Don’t Forget the Great Food

Staying warm in thermal spas is one way of beating chilly weather. Another is to partake in some of Budapest’s wonderful comfort food. From pastries, to goulash, to làngos, to kürtőskalács you’re covered for every meal of the day! Try some paprika goulash to spice things up a bit, or indulge in the wonderful savory fried bread of làngos. For a sweet treat, turn to pastries or – even better –  kürtőskalács – a chimney cake you’ll be able to smell from blocks away.

 

End with a Luxurious Night Out

The best way to end a luxurious vacation, is a night out on the town. So, get  dress up! The Magyar állami Opera House is a palace of a theater, and has many renowned opera, ballet, and even concert options. Go to appreciate the theater and bask in the music. With or without a language barrier, you’ll be swept away by the magic of the Hungarian theater. Where you will experience a truly unforgettable night.

 

 

If you’re craving luxury with a side of comfort food and relaxation, March in Budapest is the perfect place to be. You’ll bathe in style while enjoying life’s greatest comforts, and will have an endless array of things to do as soon as you leave the spa! The eastern European country will surprise you with its lovely unique atmosphere. You’ll be counting the days untill you can return and slip back into a toasty thermal bath!

 

Make to subscribe to the free monthly news letter for more inside trip destinations. Also, if you want to keep reading then make sure to check out my full list of recommendations for March Vacation. Click here  if you want to find out why March is a great time for Nepal and Holi. Or stop back back next week to find out more about Rome.