5 reasons US travelers should embrace Budapest

The US has its fair share of famous Americans of Hungarian extraction — actors Drew Barrymore, Adrien Brody and Tony Curtis, to name but a few.

And you won’t struggle to source authentic goulash in stateside cities like New York, Los Angeles and Cleveland.

But Budapest is a brilliant place for US travelers regardless of their roots — here are five reasons they should embrace it.

1.Ruins bars

Drinking in a ruins bar like Szimpla Kert is an experience that most American fans of the occasional alcoholic refreshment will savor — they’re just so different to traditional US emporiums.

The ruins bar movement started around the millennium when enterprising entrepreneurs reclaimed derelict buildings, parking lots and industrial spaces in the city and converted them to unique public houses. They’re now commonplace and popular, but you can still grab a premium beer for $2.

2.New York Café

The New York Café in the city centre claims to be the world’s most beautiful and, when you first step into its exquisite ornate interior, you might concur.

Opened in 1894, its Italian Renaissance style features were restored to their former glory in 2006, after falling into disrepair during the post-war era.

Sipping cool champagne in these palatial surroundings, you’re instantly spirited away to a more genteel and glamorous era.

THE STUNNING NEW YORK CAFÉ IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CAFÉ IN THE WORLD

3. Beer bikes

If you’re bouncing into Budapest for a bachelor or bachelorette party, locations like the New York Café might be slightly too sedate for the occasion.

But hiring a beer bike from Kingbike probably hits the mark — after all, who wouldn’t like to be pedaled round a lively city by a sober driver while sitting at a mobile bar with pals, draining 20 or 30 liters of cold beer, cider or any beverage that floats your boat?