Budapest is continuously ranked among the best cities in the world for visitors, and it plays an important political and economic role in Europe.

Hence, the business travelers will enjoy the city as a dynamic, safe and well-facilitated location to do business. It might not be as cheap as one would expect, it’s not as expensive as some other European capitals.

So, if you happen to be heading to Budapest, even for a brief visit, check what to see in Budapest in oneday and go through some of our refined business travel tips while at the yellow cab.

Hang around the airport

If you are on a business visit, you might have some time to kill at the Budapest airport. This is actually easy, since the airport has some excellent tax-free shops and plenty of fast-food outlets, cafés and restaurants. You can use the airport’s free WiFi as well for a limited time of 2 hours.

Once you are done with having a nice meal at one of the many food places, head to the Observation Terrace at the Terminal 2A departure hall on the mezzanine level. This is a great place get some fresh air before or after your flight and gaze at the comings and goings of the airplanes. This is only an option of how to spend your time at Budapest airport.

Budapest Business Hotels

A lot of excellent hotels are today offering dedicated facilities for business and executive travelers. For example, the Sofitel Budapest Chain Bridge offers luxury rooms with views over the famous Chain Bridge, while their Paris Budapest Café offers an amazing fusion cuisine. However, the hotel really excels in the business facilities it offers. There’s a dedicated Business Centre with all the high-tech capabilities, along with meeting and event facilities if you’re hosting an event. The hotel’s location is central, so it’s a great accommodation point if you plan to sightsee a bit.

Similarly, the centrally positioned Courtyard by Marriott Budapest City Center Hotel offers spacious rooms and modern amenities, being an exquisite destination for business travel. The rooms and the suites are sophisticated, offering perks like high speed Wi-Fi, comfortable bedding, top-notch toiletries and lighted mirror. The hotel’s restaurant, Oléo Pazzo, is ideal if you’re entertaining clients. And for those interested to host an event, the guests would be happy with the venue’s space, equipment and easy access from the airport and the train station.   

The Eurostars Budapest Center Hotel offers pure luxury, bright atmosphere and state-of-the-art equipment in the middle of this European capital. This hotel is done in Roman era architecture while displaying the size of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. Interestingly, this look is well combined with all of today’s modern Hungarian solutions. Budapest is one of the most important cities among the European capitals, bringing a lot of value in terms of business activities. The Eurostars Budapest Center Hotel is really marvelous, siting in the place of an apartment block which was built right before the regime change. Many of the rooms are positioned towards the spacious interior and provide relaxation from the everyday busy tempo. The hotel is amazingly comfortable, with truly high quality services.

Wine & dine to impress your clients

Entertaining and impressing your clients is an important part of “sealing the deal” after an exhausting day of meetings. Hence, we recommend the Costes Restaurant, where the food is amazing and the atmosphere is right. Guided by Executive Chef, Miguel Rocha Vieira, it is the first Hungarian restaurant to receive a Michelin Star (in 2010). It radiates with impeccable service and wonderful ambience being continuously rated as the best in the country. Having in mind that their tagline is “without compromises”, you might make an important statement by booking here. 

And if you wish to unwind a bit together with your clients, you can always book a dinner cruise at one of the large and elegant boats on the Danube. You can actually fit this into your business activities and sneak a peek at Budapest at night. While you absorb the wonderful panorama of Pest and Buda on the riverbanks, you can enjoy fine food from the buffet dinner, and perhaps some live music.

Sightsee a bit

If you are lucky enough to have a bit of more time while in Budapest on business, you should definitely make the most of it by going out to explore the city. Go on a walk along the Danube Promenade and enjoy the spectacular architecture of the city center. Head up to Castle Hill and take a stroll through the medieval streets to the gates of Buda Castle. Make sure to stop by at the remarkable Neo-Gothic Hungarian Parliament right on the riverbank, being the third largest parliament in the world. You can also explore the green spaces of City Woodland Park, which is also home to the Zoological and Botanical Gardens or relax at the huge open air Széchenyi Medicinal Bath. And if stay in Budapest over the weekend, make sure to enjoy their vibrant nightlife.

If you happen to be traveling to Budapest on business, you will definitely be pleasantly surprised at just how well the city caters to corporate guests, with great accessibility, remarkable accommodation and hi-tech conferencing facilities. On top of that, you can visit other top fine dining restaurants in Budapest and enjoy the local flavors. After such an experience, even if it’s a brief one, getting to the Budapest airport to leave would not be easy.