If You Go: Budapest

Budapest is officially in my top 5 cities we have ever visited.  I really loved our trip there - so many interesting buildings, a rich history, and amazing food.  Part of my love for this city was a well-planned trip - we really loved the hotels, restaurants, and attractions we booked - so I highly recommend everything below.  Run toward Budapest:

Hotels 

• Hotel Palazzo Zichy: This is probably my most favorite hotel we have stayed at in Europe.  It's a converted mansion / palace that retains some old charm, but has completely modern rooms.  Very centrally located and the breakfast in unbelievably good.  Highly recommend ($100/night)

Meals 

• Legenda Dinner Cruise: This is the top ranked dinner cruise in Budapest.  Highly recommend - it's a beautiful view of the city, is slow enough that you can take picture, and the experience is upscale (a la carte menu, great wine section).  If you splurge on one thing in Budapest, do this! 
• Borbíróság: Modern Hungarian food.  Our meal here was EXCELLENT. The food was creatively prepared, beautifully presented, and very inexpensive.  The wine list was also extensive.  Highly recommend. 
• Black Cab Burger: On travel days, we rarely make dinner reservations.  It was hard to find a table on a Friday night in Budapest so we just grabbed a burger.  These were excellent!
• Dionyses Tavern: Greek restaurant - we were the 8th couple in our friend group to go.  The food is very good - broad array of Greek food and they give you a variety of extras (I won't ruin the surprise for the ladies at the end!)

Things to Do 

• Parliament Tour: This was very special.  It's such a beautiful building on the outside, but it's just as beautiful inside with with gold ceilings and beautiful architecture.  Important note: You must book this in advance through their website
• Matthias Church: Near Buda Castle, the church is beautiful inside and ornately painted.  More impressive (perhaps) is the amazing view of the city from the platform at the top.  We scored tickets to the platform on day-of, but recommend you book ahead if you're visiting in the more popular summer time.  Also, be prepared for 200 steep steps (Was winded at the top)
• New York Palace: We had a very fancy tea here - this is more of a destination than a a meal.  It's probably the most interesting place I have ever eatten - it's like time stopped in 1920.  Belle epoque style with a live string quartet.  The food is beautifully presented and feels like a real tea party.  It is not cheap, but it's well worth the expense!
• Opera Tour: This is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Budapest.  They offer afternoon tours which allow you to see inside the opera house and learn it's history.  It's a 45 minute tour --- they offer it at certain times of the day, so you may want to plan ahead.
• Central Market: The architecture of the Central Market is unbelievable - and you get a great taste of Hungarian food (lots of paprika, sausage, and root veggies!).  On the second floor, there are some street food-type places that are great for lunch (heavy and quick!).  The second floor also has a number of lovely Hungarian lace stalls.