🇭🇺 BUDAPEST

In 2017, I went to Budapest in Hungary and I loved it! It was my first time in Eastern Europe and to be honest there was not much I knew before going. I quickly learned this city was amazingly rich in history. Fun fact, did you know that Budapest used to be two distinct cities, Buda and Pest, which were separated by the Danube? In November 1873, the two eventually united to become one city.

WHERE TO STAY?

Let me start off by saying that we flew with Lufthansa, which is by far the best airline I’ve ever flown with! The food and service were amazing! In terms of accommodation, we stayed at the Continental Hotel Budapest, which cost approximately $210 CAD per night. It was very well located, in a safe neighbourhood, and close to everything. We went everywhere we wanted to go on foot.

ACTIVITIES

1 – Shoes on the Danube

The story behind this unique monument is heart wrenching. It honours the 3 500 victims who were shot into the Danube during World War II by fascist Arrow Cross militiamen. The victims were ordered to take their shoes off prior to being shot. The memorial represents the shoes they left on the bank. Being there really made me reflect on how the war has affected so many people. I highly recommend you take a moment to visit Shoes on the Danube on your next trip to Budapest. It is located close to the Chain Bridge (Széchenyi lánchíd) on the Pest side.

2 – Szimpla Kert (Ruin Pub)

Szimpla Kert is Hungarian for “Simple Garden”. Ruin Pubs are a unique way to experience Budapest’s nightlife. There are many ruin pubs in Budapest but the one we went to was the most famous: Szimpla Kert located on Kazinczy St. There you will listen to cool music and find a great selection of foods and drinks. The decor is surreal with its maze of collectibles, each room is different. You can also visit during the day as they serve lunch. You’ll also find, just around the corner, Káravan Street Food where we had a delicious typical Hungarian chimney cake!

3 – Buda Castle

Buda Castle (Budavári Palota) used to be the historical palace complex of the Hungarian kings. The castle now houses the Hungarian National Gallery and The Budapest History Museum. It was built between 1749 and 1769. Visiting the exterior of Buda Castle is a free and fun experience! Nearby, you can also visit Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya). It is a neo-Gothic fortress and terrace situated on the Castle hill. It was built between 1895 and 1902. It has one of the best views of the city. Close by you will also find Matthias Church, a Roman Catholic church which is over 700 years old.

4 – Parliament of Budapest

Located in Lajos Kossuth Square, the Neo-Gothic Hungarian Parliament is the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary. It is a notable landmark and a popular tourist destination in Budapest. It is the third largest Parliament building in the world. You can also tour the interior if you feel like it. I personally thought the exterior was breath taking!

In the Square, behind the Parliament building, I strongly recommend you take the time to visit the free In memoriam 1956 október 25 Memorial and Exhibition. It is a must if you want to learn more about the poignant local history. The Exhibition is about the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 against the Hungarian People’s Republic and its Soviet-imposed policies. Over 2,500 Hungarians and 700 Soviet troops were killed in the conflict, and 200,000 Hungarians fled as refugees. 

5 – Hospital in the Rock

One of my favourite activities was the visit of the Hospital in the Rock! The Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum is a hospital that was created in the caverns under Buda Castle in Budapest in the 1930s, in preparation for the Second World War. In the 1940’s, during the Siege of Budapest, the hospital handled the wounded and dead. The hospital was designed to treat 60–70 patients, but at one point, it was being used to treat 600 wounded soldiers! After the war ended, in 1958-1962, the hospital was turned into a bunker for chemical and nuclear attacks. It is now a great museum to visit! The entry fee is 4 000 HUF, approximately $19 CAD per adult. It is open Monday to Sunday 10h00 to 20h00.

Let me apologize in advance for the bad quality photos, as we were not allowed to take pictures inside the facility!

6 – Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Here’s something you don’t see everyday! Located in City Park, Széchenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest is the largest medicinal bath in Europe. It was founded in 1913. Its water is supplied by two thermal springs, their temperature is 74 °C and 77 °C.  The complex also includes indoor pools, saunas and steam rooms. Massage treatments are also available.

It is open day and night. On weekend nights from 22h30 to 03h00 it becomes a Spa Bath Party! Another great thing about the bath is that it’s open all year round. The price for a locker and access to the baths is around 6 300 to 6500 HUF, depending on when you go, about $30 CAD. We had lots of fun! Another popular bath in Budapest is Gellért Bath.

7 – Dinner Cruise on the Danube

If you’ve read my previous post on Paris you now know I love dinner cruises on my travels! Needless to say a cruise on the Danube would be part of my itinerary in Budapest! So I decided to book with Silverline Cruises via the Expedia Platform. Our cruise departed from Pier 11 at the Jane Haining Embankment near Vigado Square. Our cruise included a 4-Course Dinner with a live Piano Show. There was great entertainment from 2 pianists and a singer, the food was delicious and the views to die for! In terms of prices it came down to $80 CAD per person, pretty decent!

8 – Central/Great Market Hall

The Great Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok) is the largest and oldest indoor market in Hungary. The opening ceremony was on February 15th, 1897. The market offers a huge variety of stalls on three floors. Most of the stalls on the ground floor offer produce, meats, pastries, candies, spices (including the famous Hungarian paprika), and spirits. The second mezzanine floor has eateries and souvenirs. That’s where I personally got the majority of my souvenirs. The basement contains fish mongers, picked vegetables stalls and a few specialized butcher shops. 

Some of you might know by now that I’m a foodie, so I’ll share what I had to eat at the market: I had two Lángos. It consists of a fried dough on which you put either savoury or sweet toppings. I had the greek and the nutella one…yummy!

The market is located at the end of the famous pedestrian shopping street Váci utca and on the Pest side of the Liberty bridge at Fővám square. Note that the market is closed on Sundays so plan your visit accordingly! By the way, you should take a walk on Liberty Bridge, it is gorgeous!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

There are a few more things and tips I would like to share before I let you go!

First let me tell you the correct way to pronounce Budapest: Boo-da-PESHT!

Fun fact, did you know that you could visit the House of Houdini in Budapest?! It is a museum and performance venue located at 11, Dísz Square, within the walls of the Buda Castle.

A great street to stroll on is Andrássy út. It is recognized at a World Heritage Site. The Avenue is great for long walks alongside beautiful buildings. It has many cafés and upscale boutiques such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci.

 When it comes to the food, you definitely have to try the goulash, a typical Hungarian meal. They also have amazing desserts!

Finally, the currency they use is called the Hungarian Forints. $1 CAD is worth approximately 200 HUF.

Enjoy!

Mlle Wanderlust

xx

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