From the Embassy, swing by the majestic Parliament building; it’s a bit large for a modest Central European country, but it was built in an era when the Kingdom of Hungary stretched from the Adriatic to present-day Romania. After working up an appetite, backtrack up the street and hit Cafe Kör for lunch. The roasted duck leg with mashed potatoes and purple cabbage is a local favorite, but you really can’t go wrong with the rotating menu of classic Hungarian dishes. And since Hungary is a land of soups, be sure not to miss their vegetable soup of the day. 

Work off that duck by heading across Erzsébet Bridge and up Gellért Hill, where you’ll find an outstanding view of the city. It’s particularly magical at sunset, when locals and visitors alike flock there to admire Budapest in all its glory. The walled area at the top is known as the Citadella; after the failed revolution of 1848, it was built by the Habsburgs to keep watch over the restless Hungarians.

As evening falls, head to the city’s up-and-coming 8th district for drinks, which is rapidly transforming into one of its most dynamic areas. Once there, let the welcoming and knowledgeable staff at Cintanyeros guide you through the wide world of Hungarian wines. Somewhat neglected during the communist era in favor of mass production, Hungarian wine is back in a big way. Try a dry white Furmint from the Tokaj region in northeastern Hungary or a red from the volcanic plains of Villány.

For dinner, there’s no better way to experience Hungary’s rich cuisine than at Rosenstein’s, also in the 8th district. Tucked away on a street near Keleti railway station, the food is classic Hungarian-Jewish and an absolute treat. The menu is extensive and has something for everyone (except, perhaps, vegetarians), though one to aim for would be its sólet, a tasty Hungarian take on the Jewish bean stew, cholent.

End the night back at your hotel, the Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest, for a nightcap at Párisi Passage Brasserie. We recommend ordering the “Midnight in Budapest,” a special cocktail experience made from a combination of Martell VSOP cognac, Márton és Lányai apple palinka aged five years, pear, honey, rosemary and caramel. Egészségedre — to your health!