Whilst at IMEX recently, we were fortunate enough to meet with the Country Manager for Budapest at leading DMC AIM Group Szilvia Bojte and what a privilege. The passion and knowledge Szilvia has for Budapest is immediately apparent and cemented how unique a location it is for corporate events. DMC Aim Group is part of the fantastic DMC’s which Destinations Unlimited represent and if you haven’t yet done so, you can check out our other profiles on Prague and, the AIM Group.
AIM Group opened its Budapest Office in the 1990s, making it the first DMC in the city, and for the last 30-plus years has managed a multitude of events ranging from small intimate dinners to conferences for 1000s. Some of the clients AIM Budapest has worked with include PwC, Astellas and Astra Zeneca, to name just a few, and their feedback speaks for itself (check it out here).
A typical event agenda in Budapest could look as follows:
DAY ONE
Arrive in Budapest, where a separate luggage transfer to the hotel can be organised whilst the group is enjoying a brief orientation sightseeing tour of Budapest.
Arrive at Gellert Hill where you have a complete view over the entire twin cities Buda and Pest, separated in its centre by the Danube, conquered by the picturesque Elisabeth Bridge and Chain Bridge. Enjoy the overwhelming view, a glass of champagne and a “Pogácsa”, which is a typically Hungarian welcome bite. Down Gellert Hill, you will arrive at your hotel for check-in.
Dinner at Restaurant Belcanto, one of the most original restaurants in Budapest located opposite the State Opera. The “speciality” of the restaurant is the singing and acting waiters, a wonderful experience!
DAY TWO
Group breakfast in your hotel before departing by coach for a visit to the Hungarian Great Plain (Puszta).
Stop in the town of Kecskemet for an official welcome at the Town Hall, with a souvenir bottle of Apricot Brandy and a private concert.
Continue to Lajosmize for a horse show extravaganza
Lunch at a typical Hungarian Csárda, goulash soup in the kettle, a large selection of roast meats and vegetables and a copious supply of local wines. Return to the hotel with free time before the evening’s events.
Dinner at Restaurant Gundel, Budapest’s leading restaurant. Wine tasting in the cellar, followed by dinner in the main restaurant or in one of the private rooms on the first floor to, accompanied by traditional Gypsy music.
DAY THREE
Private breakfast in your hotel.
Late morning transfer by old-timer tram to one of the most impressive structures of the city; the Market Hall. Enjoy the stunning architecture and a fantastic market with fish on the basement floor, meats, fruits and vegetables on the ground floor and handicrafts and food stalls on the second floor. An informal standing buffet will be the feature for lunch with cold meats and salads accompanied by hearty local wines and beers.
After lunch time to relax and soak up the local atmosphere.
Farewell dinner at the Museum of Applied Arts, probably the most beautiful building of the Hungarian Art Nouveau, was finished in 1896, in the year of the Millennium. The facade and entrance hall are colourful and a wild folk art fantasy, with red, blue and yellow tiles, a yellow and white floral ceiling, pink marble steps and Byzantine sand-coloured pillars. The interior “shocks” by its contrast: a modern steel-girded ceiling captures light into the pure white hall, textured with oriental zigzags and art nouveau swirls and topped with an exquisite stained glass window.
Fanfare blowers to announce the guest’s arrival. Inside, waitpersons in liveries will serve cocktails, before a master of ceremonies announces that dinner is being served. During the dinner, light musical entertainment. Coffee, digestive, followed by a classical or traditional show programme. Afterwards, dancing on a bespoke dance floor with cocktails.
Coach transfers back to the hotel.
DAY FOUR
Breakfast at leisure
Excursion to Szentendre, located at the Danube knee 1/2 hour north of Budapest, is famous for its shops, cafes and the ceramics museum. Walk around the village, visit the Margit Kovacs Ceramics museum, the Greek cathedral etc. A wine tasting can be organised in the “Wine Museum”. Possible return by ship back to Budapest. Lunch can also be taken on the ship.
Coach transfer to the airport
We love Budapest for events. If you are considering the destination, please reach out to us where we can connect you with our DMC Representation Partner, Destinations Unlimited and let us know when you plan your event, we can’t wait to hear all about it.