Budapest was such a revelation, I didn’t know how beautiful it would turn out to be. The two cities of Buda and Pest are separated by the river Danube, while Buda is the sophisticated one, Pest is definitely the livelier one. Here’s a list of things to make you fall in love with the city.
Fisherman’s Bastion
It’s locally known as, Halászbástya and offers some of the best views of Budapest. Perched on Castle Hill, gaze at the Danube River, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge and the iconic Hungarian Parliament Building from this neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque style terrace.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
Close to the Fisherman’s Bastion is this stunning church. Not only is the exterior impressive but step inside to marvel at the art and design done up in the Hungarian style.
Matthias Church
700 years old but every bit as magnificent today, do explore this very detailed church complete with a colorful ceramic roof.
Relax at a thermal bath
Pack your swimsuit and head to one of the lovely spas around the city for a relaxing day in the heated pools. Some of the popular ones get quite crowded, here are some of my recommendations:
Gellert Bath Palace
Szechenyi Baths
Rudas Bath
Buda Castle
This huge palatial building offers beautiful views over the Danube and it’s a lovely area to be explored at night as the castle is open 24 hours a day.
Cruise down the River Danube
Take a trip down the river for another way to experience the city.
New York Cafe
Feel like royalty when you visit this cafe located inside the Boscolo Budapest Hotel.
The Parliament Building
This grand Neo-Gothic building is worth a visit and offers tours when Parliament is not in session.
Shoes on the Danube
A really touching tribute to those who lost their lives during World War II.
The Szechenyi Chain Bridge
For more beautiful views of the city stroll across this most well-known bridge.
The cuisine
The culinary delights of a place go hand in hand with exploring new cultures and traditions and you shouldn’t miss these specialties while you are there,
Goulash – The most famous dish which is a mix of of soup and stew, meat, vegetables, spices and lots of paprika.
Halàszlé – A spicy fish soup with lots of paprika spice.
Langos – Everyone’s favorite, deep-fried bread topped with cheese, meat and different ingredients.
Somloi Galuska – Hungarian trifle, a layered cake with many variations. Served with different ingredients like raisins, walnuts, rum, chocolate sauce and cream.
Toast
Also don’t forget to grab a drink in one of the Ruin Bars around towns. They are essentially abandoned spaces that have become the watering hole of choice for the city’s hip.
Shopping
Budapest has a lot to offer to shoppers from the high-end markets of Andrássy út
to vintage shopping in streets like Falk Miksa utca.
And until next time,
Egészségedre!
