Cracked it - the weekend break itinerary

being the person most unlikely to be able to keep a secret, Katy and I welcomed several friends to Budapest last weekend - all as part of her birthday surprise and we think we have now been able to generate the perfect weekend break itinerary (and have tried out the 1st half)

Arrive late Friday evening - couple of glasses of Dreher or wine to get in the mood

Saturday morning - breakfast in the Nagycsarnok (stuffed cabbage is worth a try) washed down with a strong coffee

Walk down Vaci Utca or one of the small side streets that is in the process of being renovated to Deak Ferenc and the Hop-on Hop off bus tour around the city - taking in the sights of Pest in the morning and after travelling up to Heroes Square and coming back down to Dohany utca, alight to have a bite to eat at Castro bistro.

Saturday afternoon - remount the bus and take a trip up to the Citadel to look over the city (waether permitting - it was rather foggy when we were there this weekend) and then across and up into the Castle District on the bus. Dismount and walk around the Castle area, taking in the fancy gates and doorways, the Hussar and his horse with polished balls (apparently it is a good luck guarantee for those taking exams), Fisherman's Bastion and then walk back down the Castle hill (or take the funicular) and across Lanchid and into Vorosmarty ter for the Christmas Market (if it is the right time of year). In the market, take a glass of Forralt Bor (or if it is the summer, head to Godor for a cold beer) before heading back down Vaci to change for dinner

Saturday evening - dinner in one of the excellent restaurants on the riverfront, we prefere Dionysius, a wonderfully characteristic Greek restaurant looking across to the Liberation memorial on the hill, followed by a trip to one of the ruin bars to dance the night away.

The plan for Sunday suffered as a result of overindulgence the previous evening but would have involved a trip to the Szechenyi baths in Varosliget and a walk along Andrassy utca looking at some of the rather pricey boutiques before ducking into the peace and quiet of the St Isztvan Basilica

Early dinner/late lunch at Feske Presso near Raday utca before an early night to recover from the exhertions of the previous 48 hrs

Anyone who thinks this sounds like an intinerary they would like to experience, should give us a shout and I wouldn't even have to keep it as a secret as twice might be too much!!