Hotelier Henry Kallan recommends taking in some of Budapest’s great architecture.Speraco/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Hotelier Henry Kallan wants each of his boutique hotels to reflect the city it's in. For his newest property, the Aria Hotel Budapest, the focus is a passion for music.
"Most people first think of classical music and opera when visiting Budapest, but there is also a dynamic jazz and contemporary music scene.
"At the Aria, we are planning to invite music students to play at [the restaurant] and in the music garden. We also hope to create regular jam sessions to support local musicians and give guests an authentic taste of the emerging talent in the city."
Beyond the music, Kallan suggests five places to experience Budapest.
Heroes' Square
"As a hotelier, I am inspired by great architecture. So, after dinner, I often like to walk through Hosok tere, or Heroes' Square, and admire the magnificent imperial palaces built during the Austro-Hungarian empire. The art museums are there as well, but I am always too busy working to venture in."
Café Jedermann
"Café Jedermann is a tiny but cozy club, just a bit out of the city's tourist centre, but still in the lively area of Pest right next to the river Danube. Jedermann is held by a trombonist from Amsterdam and has a feel-like-home atmosphere with a good kitchen. The most special thing about it is the regular gigs of some of the best Hungarian jazzists, inspired by Hungarian folk and [Bela] Bartok's heritage. On Wednesday nights, young musicians from the jazz faculty of the Franz Liszt music academy gather to collaborate and experiment." 58 Raday, jedermann.hu
Mazel Tov
"Mazel Tov is one of the newest additions to the city's famous ruin pubs. It's in the Jewish area of Budapest. The design, the crowd, the live music and atmosphere creates a certain magic, and it is a spot enjoyed by locals." 47 Akacfa, facebook.com/mazeltovbp
Szimpla Farmers' Market
"When I want to get a taste of local food, Szimpla Farmers' Market is my favourite place to get the genuine feeling of Budapest cuisine that one cannot get at a restaurant. Hungarian cuisine is made from simple and fresh ingredients like goat cheese, homemade syrups, meats, fruits and vegetables, and the best of these comes from truly local farms." Held at the Szimpla Kert pub every Sunday. 14 Kazinczy, szimpla.hu/szimpla-market
Kopaszi Dam
"The Kopaszi Dam, to me, is like a symbol of the kind of renaissance happening in Budapest. It used to be a neglected area and now that it's been renovated, it has become a relaxing and beautiful place to enjoy a charming afternoon." obol.hu
This interview has been edited and condensed.