I've waited a while to write this blog, because I wanted to "save the best for last". Though this isn't my final blog, I often felt the need to reserve this destination for a special time. But first, let's be honest. Without “Googling” do you know where Budapest is? What do you know about it? Prior to visiting, I didn't know anything about Budapest. Let's be frank, I didn't even know it existed! So what changed all that? My sister went for a few days, sent some photos and my interest was piqued. As a very flavoured traveller, she only had positive things to say; so Budapest quickly made its way to the top of my bucket list.
Having gone, I can safely say that to date, Budapest is perhaps my absolute favourite European city (yes, ahead of the cliché destinations that saturate media). That's a bold claim! So why have I made it? Budapest offers a fantastic mix of what tourists travel to other cities for, plus more. I experienced an abundance of things to eat, see and do. Similar to Dubrovnik, Budapest didn't feel like the typical European city. In my opinion, it's an eclectic city which combines the best aspects of popular destinations: the café culture of Paris, the fashion of Milan, the architecture of London, the modern vibe of New York - all at a low price. I appreciated how Budapest has a healthy mix of the old and new world. History and modernity meet in complementary harmony. Take for example old school trams, juxtaposed to New York Style malls. Let's go in detail about why Budapest stands out:
Architecture - Europe is known for elegant, intricate, historic architecture which spans different periods and styles. But there is something about Budapest that pushes the limits outside of the norm. Take for example the Parliament Building - it's exemplary and perhaps even unmatched.
2. Beautiful Views- the city of Budapest is divided into two sections Buda and Pest. On the Pest side are areas with higher terrain, including the spectacular Fisherman's Bastion. The building alone is awe-inspiring, but wait until you see the view of the city lying beneath! You might stand frozen for a few minutes. No amount of pictures I took did it justice! Another noteworthy lookout point is Gillert Hill.
3. High End Shopping- certain areas reminded me of Milan. The layout, feel and exclusive brands were all very similar.
4. Sophisticated Cafes-in this sense, Paris has nothing over Budapest. I'm talking cafés with high rise ceilings adorned with stunning paintings and carvings, oversized floor space, live piano music. You will instantly feel like you’ve entered utopia. Budapest also offers a sweet collection of desserts (I've listed some below).
5. Thermal Baths - this is one of the attractions Budapest is best known for. Visiting in the winter or colder months makes this phenomenon even more fascinating. Amidst the cold weather, you race into inviting warm outdoor mineral baths in just a swimsuit! It's quite a thrill! Here's what also sets Budapest apart: it's a great destination during the winter, when travel prices may be lower.
6. Family Fun- there's a lot to do in Budapest for kids! There’s a family-friendly thermal bath with temperatures set to values appropriate for kids. It also offers kiddie pools with slides and other attractions. Visit St. Margaret's Island, a beautiful garden paradise with green areas, a train ride and more. Check out the Budapest Eye, a ferris wheel that provides views of the city. It's similar to the London Eye, but at about ⅓ of the cost! There’s also the Children's Train which can take you and your littles for a ride up Gellért Hill.
7. The City Lights Up!- it's hard to say whether Budapest is more beautiful in the day or night. In the daytime you are able to savor the beauty of the buildings, but in the night, prepare to be enraptured by a different kind of beauty, as the city transforms into a lightscape. The Charles Bridge by the Danube is particularly enchanting and romantic.
8. Affordability- this is one of my favorite aspects of the Budapest. Europe can get expensive really fast. What I love about Budapest is that it's a great way to experience another destination without breaking the bank. Here's what I mean. When I visited, it was possible to get a three-course meal for €20. Hotels, plane fares (particularly when booked at the right time) were all affordable. Transportation, even taxis, fit within our budget. Entry to sites were also reasonable.
So maybe, I've convinced you to visit Budapest. If so, you might want to keep this list of Foods to Try and Places to Visit, handy.
What to Eat in Budapest
Goulash- this type of stew is popular across Central Europe, but it originated in Hungary and is one of their national dishes. Each country tends to have its own variation. The Hungarian version is more thin (it's a soup) and decked out with juicy pieces of beef and seasoned with paprika.
2. Langos - these fried rounds of dough are delicious! The most common version is topped with sour cream and cheese. There are also sweet options with toppings like Nutella and Banana. You definitely want to try one (or two)!
3. Paprika Chicken and Dumplings - try this one for a hearty dinner. Hungary is well known for paprika and it is shown in this dish. The texture of the dumplings is more like pasta. It's always so exciting to experience different country’s takes on various foods.
4. Chimney Cakes- it's controversial where these goodies originated, as they are popular across the Czech Republic too. But either way, they are tasty. These are made of soft pastry dough spun into a cone. The dough is baked over an open fire then usually rolled in cinnamon sugar. More modern versions offer ice cream on the cone topped with Instagrammable toppings.
5. Cakes (Dobos Torte)- Budapest is one those places I’d travel to just for the desserts (Vienna and Paris are the others). I didn't get to try all the options I researched, but I had Dobos Torte and it's etched in my heart. This treat offers thin layers of a yellow cake sponge, sandwiching chocolate filling. That's all topped with a crunchy caramel coating. Gosh guys, look what you did! Now I want to go to Budapest!
What to Do in Budapest
Hungarian Parliament Building - it's the most captivating building I've seen! You can opt to do a tour if the inside, but the outside alone did it for me!
2. Fisherman's Bastion- said to resemble the logo of Walt Disney's films, this former fortress provides an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the city.
3. Buda Castle - witness the changing of the guard at this site that dates back to the 1200’s. Not only has it been the residence of royalty, but also houses galleries and museums.
4. Gellért Hill - another beautiful site to enjoy panoramic views.
5. Thermal Baths- for me, Széchenyi Spa is the poster child. What if you could feel like royalty for a day? It begins with entering a larger-than-life reception area, where high ceilings and beautiful carvings steal your attention from the reason you came in the first place. But the highlight is the fact that you'll be swimming into history, as you immerse yourself into the stunning beauty of a former palace! This is one of Budapest's more expensive options, the high temperature of the water is not ideal for kids. But it's fabulous. If you visit only bath, let it be this one! Another option great is Gellért Thermal Baths. For families, I recommend Palatinus Bath.
6. Margaret's Island- perfect for families. This green space is decked out with century old trees, play areas, romantic ruins and inviting walking paths and flower gardens.
7. Cruise the Danube- as with most European cities, there a river and there's a cruise! But the way the Budapest lights up! I’d say it's worth taking this one!
8. Széchenyi Chain Bridge - this place is fabulous, view it in the nighttime for a great photo opp.
9. St. Stephens Basilica- one of the city's main monuments with historical significance and brilliant architecture.
10.Hungarian State Opera House- full of beautiful sculptures and radiating elegance, this former palace is a ballet and opera lovers’ paradise.
There you have it! Did I convince you to put Budapest on your bucket list?