My recent road trip through Eastern Europe started in the Italian city of Trieste, followed by the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, the Hungarian capital, Budapest, and the Austrian capital, Vienna. We travelled the path of the old Austro-Hungarian Empire, which stretched across Eastern Europe, and whose art, literature, culture, textiles and folk art I have long admired and been inspired by.

At first sight all is rather austere, but there is a real sensuality mixed with melancholy running along all these cities, their streets, music and arts. Of all the stops on our road trip, my favorite was Budapest. As you drive into the city, you see your first glimpse of the two sides of Buda and Pest towering over the Danube. You really get a sense of a grand, impressive city, a grand capital. Here are a few of my favorite places and spaces in Budapest for anyone planning their own trip.

My Favorite Hotels: The Four Seasons, which is at the beautiful Art Nouveau Gresham Palace. If you don't stay there, it is well worth visiting for drinks instead.
For a smaller and cozier alternative, I also loved the Brody Hotel.

My Favorite Shop: Anna Antikvitas for gorgeous vintage ceramics and textiles. It is located on Falk Miksa, which is a great road filled with antique shops.

My Favorite Museum: The National Museum: gorgeous antique textiles, dresses and artefacts. The perfect way to learn more about the history of Budapest.

My Favorite Things To Do: Travel around Budapest by tram! They work very well indeed and make it very easy to get anywhere in the city. I particularly enjoyed exploring Parliament House, and all the synagogues in the old Jewish quarter. 

My Favorite Restaurants and Coffee Shops: For the most up-to-date recommendations, I always ask my dear friend, Kath Griffiths, who moved to Budapest 20 years ago and knows all the ins and outs of the city and beyond. You can find these tips in her insider's guide for Cabana: A Weekend in Budapest.