Staring down at the ebony ribbon of water, seemingly endless to the horizon, two lovers stand entranced by ten thousand dancing lights. Transfixed as statues, looking out over the ever present Danube, the sight of couples on the Chain Bridge in the evening reveals just why Budapest is for lovers, and for falling in love. Understanding just why Budapest is so attractive for romance is not really difficult. This is a dual city, after all, with “Buda” on the west bank of the Danube, and “Pest” to the east. The two opposing styles an essential symbol of the masculine and the feminine, linked inextricably by the Széchenyi Lánchíd suspension bridge. At once ancient and modern, refined and earthy as well, the distinct cultural and architectural differences here can really be taken to heart. If Andrássy Avenue is the symbol of “Pest’s” modernity, then Castle Hill rises to symbolize “Buda’s” medieval character. For our visiting couples though, Mamaison Hotel Andrassy and Mamaison Residence Izabella, being set in the midst of this grandiose affair, perfect any fantasy interlude. But beyond spectacular boudoirs and stunning dinners for two, Budapest is entreating otherwise.

Hand in hand, strolling in and out of time

Walking along in this UNESCO wonder, the historic and natural beauty of Budapest stirs the spirit, conjures emotions, titillates the imagination, and calms simultaneously for the twain that can be one. Strolling down the sidewalks and alleyways of Budapest, no thing or place could be more illusory, or more real. Day or night, this city stirs with excitement, and solitude too. From the cafes and bars along the promenade, to out of the way nooks and crannies, and finally amidst the rollicking nightlife of the notorious 7th District, couples are entreated to love this city, and each other’s company. Be alone and one with nature amid the greenery and floral majesty of Margaret Island, window shop along the northern part of the pedestrian avenue Váci utca, or like those two lovers you saw in your mind’s eye, stare together into the handsome rivlet of dancing lights on the Danube. Wherever you want to go, or whatever you want to do in Budapest, you’ll never forget the moments.

Wrapped up together, in the arms of the Danube

No mental image with your significant other in Budapest could ever be without the panorama of Buda Castle passing in the night, astern of a river barge or boat, beneath you. The city from the water, declares the real romantic heart of Hungary, and the essence of what we all dream in togetherness. For a dinner cruise, sightseeing, a floating wine tasting event, or even an opera afloat, the river is a quintessential part of all that the city has to offer. Whether you envision a party boat all night extravaganza, or a private charter with immutable personal niceties, the Danube is the center of everything. The August fireworks display above the Parliament leads into numerous fall festivities, and culminates at New Year’s Eve, where old acquaintances may be forgotten and tossed into the river. But you feel the idea, we know. Share being in the midst, for once in both your lives, and cruise this magical waterway. Share it wrapped in one another’s arms too.

Savour Budapest, at a table for two

What could be more perfect, than two hands touching meaningfully across a crisp, white-linen tablecloth? Only the deep red of the rose completes and accentuates this vision. Well, and the lights, smells, and sounds of the “Pearl of the Danube” in the background. Romantic dining here are the rule. Whether your getaway is the first visit to the city, an anniversary, or a special occasion such as Valentine’s Day, there’s a culinary adventure around every corner. You can dine where Hollywood stars Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie do, at Arany Kaviár, if Russian and caviar are your taste. Or maybe the upstairs gallery at cozy and intimate Borssó, and French-Hungarian flavors seem more appealing? And what about our own La Perle Noire Restaurant, with the most beautiful urban terrace in Budapest, for traditional local favorites? Breakfast, brunch, or lunch at the world famous New York Cafe, or at any of two dozen coffee houses like the Book Cafe, appeal just as nicely for locals and visitors in love. You see, morning in Budapest is as enchanting as the evening, when the city stirs back to life, after a long day’s night. All the way from the Castle District to the City park and District XIV, romance is awakened with those same two hands knitted together lovingly across paired classics like Kávé tejszínhabbal (Espresso with whipped cream). Dining in daylight-like mated bookends, this is part of the novella of the city too.

A warm, romantic ending

Sightseeing in a city like Budapest is a foregone conclusion. Dining? The city is all but made out of gastronomical wonders like some fairy tale children’s fantasy. Cliché, or unique and awe inspiring, everyone who comes here falls in love, one way or another. But what really powers the “Heart of Europe” is the water flowing through, in, and around this ancient city. And the warmth affairs of the heart always thrive on, this can be felt literally at Budapest’s much celebrated thermal spas. If you’ve never shared the healing properties of a Turkish bath, the regenerative powers mineral waters, then you and your mate have a sensual inundation to experience. Being initially sapped of energy, then elevated to a higher plane of acute sensitivity, this is how some describe the transitive effects of places like the Gellert Baths, so embellished in the Art Nouveau style of the turn of the last century. Gellért Bath (Image © Horváth Botond - Fotolia.com) Then there’s the collective immensity of world famous Széchenyi Baths, the largest in all Europe. Imagine sharing beneath the octagon roof of Király fürdő, a more intimate submerging in eternal waters. Remarkable architecturally, Rudas Baths and some of the more obscure ones, they offer visual and soul cleansing qualities. Dating back to Roman times, the thermal spas of this part of Hungary are perhaps the area’s most famous attractions overall. And for loving couples, a foremost romantic possibility. With so much to experience, it is easy to see how Budapest has earned its nickname, “Paris of the east,” and has earned it romantically.