My Budapest: An Interview With Fashion Blogger Festy In Style

Hungary’s leading fashion and style blogger discloses her favourite places in the city

As one of Hungary’s leading fashion and style bloggers, Festy, of popular blog Festy in Style, is an authority on Budapest’s chicest hangouts. A regular at all the major Fashion Weeks, when she’s not travelling the world and collaborating with international designers, Festy can be found checking out the city’s hottest restaurants and spas. Here, she reveals her favourite places in Budapest.

How long have you lived in Budapest?
I’ve lived here for 15 years and counting, and I’m still very much in love with my city!

What items should visitors to Budapest definitely remember to pack?
They shouldn’t forget to bring bikinis or swimming shorts, because Budapest has so many beautiful spas.

Where are your favourite places to shop in Budapest?
I love to stroll Andrássy boulevard, which is home to all the international boutiques, but my favourite local designers are Cakó, Alma Abonyi, Rienne Creations, Non+, Áeron and Nanushka. I also love Nini Molnar for fabulous handbags and statement jewellery from Rienne Creations.

What fashion trends are big in Budapest right now?
We’re obviously influenced by international trends like any other city, but you can also feel the eastern European impact here. Glamour is key and local women love to dress up in skirts, high heels and decorative accessories.

Describe how you’d spend your ideal day in the city?

I’d start the day at Café Savoy, a cute Parisian-style café that serves tasty breakfast plates and a great variety of cooked to order eggs. Then, I’d indulge in a spot of shopping on the elegant Andrássy boulevard. I’d have lunch at one of the fabulous Michelin star restaurants nearby, such as Borkonyha Winekitchen, which serves fantastic Hungarian dishes paired with Hungarian wines. I’d then burn off my delicious lunch with a romantic walk in the Buda Castle area, before watching the sunset from Citadella. I’d finish the day with a blissful trip to one of Budapest’s famous spas, perfect for late-night bathing.

Where are your favourite places to take friends visiting from out of town?

I usually take friends to Up and Down Restaurant, 360 Bar, Fröccsterasz, and the one and only Budapest Eye, because it’s such a great location for taking pictures.

Where do you go for a special celebration in Budapest?

For a blow-out meal, I’ll usually head to Bock Bisztró or Costes. Bock Bisztró is known for its hearty Hungarian cuisine, and dishes such as beef tenderloin ‘Budapest’ style or Bock’s signature schnitzel really hit the spot. Costes is a refined, Michelin-starred restaurant and the ideal choice for a special occasion.

Can you tell us any local secrets that visitors don’t normally know about?

Whilst you’re here, be sure to stock up on products from famous Hungarian beauty brand, Omorovicza. The brand makes its award-winning, luxury skincare products from Hungarian mineral resources, meaning you can take some of the magic of Budapest’s spas home with you.