Why Budapest works so well for a winter break from Czechia

After January 1, when the next bank holiday isn’t until spring, winter crawls through Czechia. Heading to another cold-weather city for a winter escape might feel counterintuitive, but hear us out: Budapest is the rare winter city where warming up feels like part of the experience. 

Instead of working around the weather, the Hungarian capital leans into it, and that makes all the difference. It can feel like you've unlocked a travel hack in Central Europe built around long meals, hot drinks, and activities designed to help you heat up. And like sunnier destinations, you’ll even need to pack your swimsuit when you trade beaches for thermal baths.

Here are a few ways you can take a break from the Czech chill for a weekend away in Budapest, and how to thaw out when you get there.

Budapest’s food scene is well-suited to winter. Dishes are built around satisfying, unfussy meals and places where no one expects you to rush. It’s this tradition-first food culture that recently earned the title of “most authentic food city” in Europe, according to a 2025 Saga survey.

Goulash is an obvious starting point, a paprika-rich stew that is thick, filling, and exactly what you want after a cold walk along the Danube. You can grab a few variations at the newly opened Time Out Market, or hit up CANTEEN by Pesti István for an elevated take on a homestyle classic. If you’re in the mood for something with a bit of a kick, try chicken paprikash, served with starchy sides and plenty of sauce (Paprika Vendéglő being a local favorite). 

For drinks, ruin bars fill in as quirky, warming spots. Szimpla Kert, one of the originals, is a tried-and-true place for a quick pálinka or hot drink at any hour. When you want something calmer, the city’s historic cafés, like New York Café (often called the “most beautiful café in the world”), let you heat up amid cozy charm and old-world grandeur.

After having your fill of food, Budapest will keep you warm with attractions and activities. The Ervin Szabó Central Library, housed in a former palace, is one of the city’s quiet winter standouts. Take your time taking in its chandeliers, carved staircases, and former reading rooms turned salons, which make it easy to spend an hour indoors in the comfort of a large armchair and a good book.

Back outside, City Park offers a more active way to heat up. Its large outdoor ice rink, set against the backdrop of Vajdahunyad Castle, helps you work up a sweat while taking in one of the city’s most picturesque winter cityscapes.

A stop at the Great Market Hall lets you soak up one last slice of Budapest life. Stalls piled high with smoky or sweet paprika, cured meats, and other local specialties make it an easy place to grab a small souvenir or simply wander and take in the city’s everyday rhythm.

If Czechia's spa culture feels too familiar, Budapest will take your relaxation wishes to another level. Often acclaimed as the spa capital of the world, its many bathhouses aren't just another tourist attraction, they're also public comforts deeply rooted in the city's local culture.

Budapest has several historic bathhouses, like Széchenyi’s outdoor pools, steaming even in subzero temperatures, and Rudas with its rooftop thermal pool overlooking the Danube. But one option that works particularly well for a short break is Verdi Budapest Aquincum, located on the Buda side of the city. The advantage here is simplicity; with its hotel, you can stay on-site and use the spa's amenities without crossing the city or wasting time queuing at peak entry times.

The baths feature a 1,660-square-meter spa center, complete with a swimming pool, two baths, a Jacuzzi, and saunas. The indoor thermal pools are kept at 30–34 degrees Celsius, with a Finnish sauna and wellness treatments to enhance each soak. After treatments, guests can warm up further at the Spa Bistro or head straight upstairs to their room to unwind. For travelers who want to balance sightseeing with downtime, this setup keeps the trip relaxed rather than rushed.

For a winter break that actually feels restorative, Budapest makes sense. It is close enough to reach without planning weeks ahead, yet different enough to reset your pace. Driving takes just over five hours, while trains and buses run regularly between the two cities with journey times typically around six to seven hours. Flights are also available and take under an hour in the air.