Stylish lounges and modern restaurants highlight Hungary’s emerging wines at value-driven prices

Word of Mouth"Budapest's enormous opera house is certainly a grand introduction to ‘grand opera’," writes Fodorite Southam. "The price is right; the atmosphere is unbeatable; the intermissions are long. In some of the heaviest operas, the Budapest orchestra gets a break to consume supper, leaving you lots of time to take in the splendors of the lobbies."

Why Go NowHard-to-find Hungarian wines are the latest obsession in the oenophile world, and in the capital city of Budapest, at trendy new bars (DiVino Borbar) and tony restaurants (Borkonyha Wine Kitchen), visitors can sample homegrown vintages from some of the country’s half-million winemakers.

Where to StayIn spring, the 38-room Mirage Fashion Hotel will open in a converted 19th-century villa in downtown Budapest overlooking Heroes Square. By the Chain Bridge on the Pest side, the 179-room Four Seasons Budapest Gresham Palace is the city’s most opulent choice. See more Budapest hotel reviews.

Insider TipThe sweet wine Tokaji Aszú is surely Hungary’s most popular viticultural output. To get a comprehensive taste of the country’s variations, book a tasting or a vineyard wine tour through Wine Time.

When to GoTravel May to October for warm weather; avoid early August if you don’t want to deal with Grand Prix crowds.

Plan Your TripVisit Fodor's Budapest Travel Guide for the latest hotel, restaurant, and shopping reviews.

Photo: fazon1/iStockphoto/Thinkstock