For me, “the Pearl of the Danube” has always had a certain fascination. I imagined it as vibrant, mysterious, romantic and elegant. What’s more, I recently gave in to my desires and visited the city. So, you know the must-see landmarks but you’d like to add a touch of chic to your stay? Perhaps you’ll find some inspiration amongst the things I discovered.

Love at first sight, over brunch

I began my day in the very luxurious surroundings of the New York Café. Right from the word go, I let the beauty of this setting flood my senses. It was impossible not to marvel at the splendour of the place, its walls decorated with frescos and gilding, its marble floors and its elegant columns. It’s a must-see for anybody in quest of an unforgettable brunch experience, and romantic reveries.

A safe bet for dining

If you’ve visited the site before, you’ll know we like Kempinski hotels; the name is a guarantee of quality service. In the heart of Pest, the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus gave us a warm welcome combined with extreme professionalism from arrival to departure. We had dinner at Kempinski’s ÉS Bisztró, a modern brasserie with a very varied menu offering a selection of Hungarian dishes. It’s the cuisine that makes it exceptional; I can still remember both the tastes and the presentation. I chose the raw salmon as a starter, with grilled scampi as my main course, and finished with a caramel hazelnut dessert. I’ll let you guess whether it was good!

KALÁSZ VIVIEN PHOTOGRAPHY | | HAIR & MUA : Katalin Dancz

You may not find it easy to set foot out of the hotel, because its bar-lounge, the Blue Fox, promises guests a delicious time in a chic, fashionable atmosphere. Live music and the projection of American films onto the wall are combined with flair to make it a doubly unmissable location.

Love it

One high point of my visit was the discovery of Endorphine Flowers. Apart from looking through the lovely bouquets, I enjoyed Hungarian hospitality from the moment I went in, thanks to Andréa, the young owner.

T-shirt : Noddiction Collection | | Flowers : Endorphine Flowers

Have you ever seen an igloo on a rooftop? In Budapest you can book your own igloo at the 360 bar which has a panoramic view of the city.

If you’re looking for a complete change of pace and scene, something between the Hungarian art of living and the Asian culture, take a short trip to the Buddha hotel.

It was a short trip and it ends here but I can’t close this post without thanking the photographer Vivien Kalász and hair stylist and MUA Katalin Dancz not only for their professionalism but also for the pleasant time we shared together.

Nu