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Gresham Palace, Budapest
If you seek modern architecture in Budapest, Gresham Palace – reputedly the best piece of Art Nouveau architecture in the Hungarian capital, if not the whole of Central Europe – is definitely the one not to be missed. Set in a privileged location, this palatial building, steeped in history, is now tastefully renovated and accommodates one of the top luxury hotels in the city.
Back in 1906, it served as foreign headquarters for the Gresham Insurance company and, for many years, remained a “home away from home” for the wealthy Brits visiting Hungary. After World War II, for several years under the Soviet occupation, the palace was used as barracks for soldiers and later on fell into disrepair. In 2001, after the fall of communism, the property was acquired by the Four Seasons Hotel group which undertook its thorough restoration and brought it back to the original splendor.
A real treat for seasoned travelers, this newly-emerged hotel boasts service and amenities befitting world-class luxury status and complemented by lavishly decorated interior, gourmet dining facilities and meticulous attention to detail. The hotel rooms are a perfect blend of comfort and elegance, some of which also indulge their inhabitants with a view of the magnificent river Danube down below and the presiding over it Buda Castle – enough to forego an excursion in the city and just stay in the room sitting by the window, comfortably wrapped up in a plush robe.
And if you can't yet afford to live like the rich and famous, you may simply resort to some drinks in the lobby bar for a taste of glamour, Budapest-style... or just snoop around the place and admire its decorations, gorgeous glass and metal designs. They won’t mind your even taking a few photos...
Back in 1906, it served as foreign headquarters for the Gresham Insurance company and, for many years, remained a “home away from home” for the wealthy Brits visiting Hungary. After World War II, for several years under the Soviet occupation, the palace was used as barracks for soldiers and later on fell into disrepair. In 2001, after the fall of communism, the property was acquired by the Four Seasons Hotel group which undertook its thorough restoration and brought it back to the original splendor.
A real treat for seasoned travelers, this newly-emerged hotel boasts service and amenities befitting world-class luxury status and complemented by lavishly decorated interior, gourmet dining facilities and meticulous attention to detail. The hotel rooms are a perfect blend of comfort and elegance, some of which also indulge their inhabitants with a view of the magnificent river Danube down below and the presiding over it Buda Castle – enough to forego an excursion in the city and just stay in the room sitting by the window, comfortably wrapped up in a plush robe.
And if you can't yet afford to live like the rich and famous, you may simply resort to some drinks in the lobby bar for a taste of glamour, Budapest-style... or just snoop around the place and admire its decorations, gorgeous glass and metal designs. They won’t mind your even taking a few photos...
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Budapest. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Gresham Palace on Map
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Sight Name: Gresham Palace
Sight Location: Budapest, Hungary (See walking tours in Budapest)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Budapest, Hungary (See walking tours in Budapest)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Budapest, Hungary
Create Your Own Walk in Budapest
Creating your own self-guided walk in Budapest is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Buda Introduction Walking Tour
The Hungarian capital Budapest is a relatively young city, emerged only in the late 19th century as a result of the merger of two neighboring towns - Buda on the western bank of the Danube and Pest on the eastern bank. Set on the hills, Buda represents a historic part of the city and is a home to the grand Hapsburg palace which still breathes the imperial air of old-time wealth.
While in Buda... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
While in Buda... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Souvenir Shopping
It will definitely be a pity to leave Budapest without exploring local specialty shops and bringing home something authentically Hungarian. A large number of the city’s specialty shops are found on Váci Street, a pedestrian thoroughfare that parallels the Danube, extending for more than 15 blocks, with something for every taste and wallet. At its most southerly end, you will find Central Market... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Andrassy Avenue Walking Tour
Dating back to 1870 and recognized as a World Heritage site, Andrássy Avenue is a long, wide boulevard named after Prime Minister Gyula Andrássy (served 1867–71) that connects Budapest's downtown with the City Park. The entire stretch is lined with cafés, restaurants, luxury shops, as well as cultural institutions, elegant neo-Renaissance apartment blocks, mansions, and embassies with... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Margaret Island Walking Tour
Stretching for around 2.5 km, Margaret Island (“Margit-sziget”) on the river Danube is a popular green oasis / recreational area that serves as Budapest's playground since the 1870s. Flush with beautiful landscaped parks, ancient ruins and various sports facilities, the island can be accessed either by the historical Margaret Bridge on the south or the Arpad Bridge in the north, from... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Pest Introduction Walking Tour
Separated from its western neighbor Buda by the magnificent river Danube, the eastern part of Budapest, formally known as Pest, takes up almost two thirds of the Hungarian capital. Unlike hilly Buda, Pest is predominantly a flat plain with a pretty buzzing and bourgeois setting. It houses some truly magnificent architectural sights, including the Hungarian Parliament itself. In part, this is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
Budapest's Jewish Quarter is a neighborhood filled with contradictions. Despite being the smallest, this district has the highest population density. As well as being home to a conservative Orthodox Jewish community, it's an eclectic mix of hedonistic nightlife. Of all of the city's neighborhoods, it is the Jewish Quarter that tends to leave the biggest impression on visitors, so... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
15 Must Buy Hungarian Things in Budapest
Other than the standalone language and catchy Czardas tune, there's a lot more to memorize Hungary by. Here are some of the things you might want to carry from Budapest to your family and friends back...