Budapest
Europe is one of my favorite places to go and my friend Gina and I decided a girls trip to Europe in the fall would be a fun getaway. We got together and talked about places neither one of us had been and Budapest was high on our bucket list. It has so much to discover from the history, to the culture and delicious cuisine. Since this was one of my first big friends trips since having Samuel we took in all the top attractions, must see restaurants and experienced the best that Budapest has to offer.
The city is divided by the Danube River that flows through the heart of Europe from the Black Forest of Germany to the Black Sea. It’s long been a lifeline for the communities that line its banks and here it is no different. Budapest is often referred to as the “City of two halves,” with the historic Buda Castle District on the west bank of the river and the lively Pest side with energy on the East bank. The city is very walkable and you can walk over the bridges from one side to the other. Be prepared that on the Buda side you will be walking uphill quite a bit so make sure to wear some good walking shoes.
Once we made our way to the Buda side we had a few places to check off of our must see list. We started our morning at Fisherman’s Bastion perched at the top of the Buda side. This is one of the cities most iconic landmarks, offering visitors a breathtaking glimpse into the past and a panoramic view of the present city. Though it feels medieval is was actually built bewteen 1895 and 1902 designed by Frigyes Schulek as a tribute to the fisherman who defended the city walls in the middle ages. I am a lover of architecture, and wandering through you will see intricate details of arches, columns and staircases that take you exploring into carefully landscaped courtyards. It’s a great spot for a leisurely stroll and stunning photographs.
Located steps away from Fisherman’s Bastion is the stunning Matthias Church, another masterpiece of architecture. This vibrant, colorful church, with its tile roof and gothic spires is a must see. Inside the church is equally impressive with beautiful stained glass and peaceful atmosphere. Because of it’s proximity it is easy to take in both sites when visiting the area.
Our next stop brought us to Buda Castle. The castle is the highlight of the Buda side and a UNESCO World Heritage site that has stood for centuries as a symbol of Hungary’s history. The castle was originally built in the 13th century and has been the residence of many Hungarian kings. Today it houses the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest Museum, and the National Szechenyi Library. When visiting you can explore the castle’s grand halls, beautiful courtyards, and enjoy another great panoramic view of the Pest and Danube from the castle grounds.
Next up on our own walking tour of Budapest we went over the bridge back to the Pest side, where our hotel, the Budapest Marriot, was located. While the Buda side of Budapest is known for its hills and historic sites the Pest side offers a different but equally fun and impressive experience.
Our first stop was the Hungarian Parliament Building. This is a very iconic landmark that sits on the banks of the Danube River. It’s the largest building in Hungary and serves as the seat of the National Assembly. There are guided tours available through the grand halls, dome hall and other important chambers, which you can purchase on site.
The very famous, Shoes on the Danube, sits right on the river, just a short walk from the Hungarian Parliament Building. The Shoes on the Danube was created in 2005 by Hungarian sculptor Gyula Pauer and filmmaker Can Togay. The memorial consists of 60 pairs of iron shoes- scattered along the riverbank, left behind by men, women, and children. The shoes represent the Jewish victims who were forced to remove their footwear before being killed by the Arrow Cross militia. This isn’t just a memorial but a call to remember the past making it one of Budapest’s most essential sites to stop and pay tribute.
St. Stephen’s Basilica is another important stop. It is named after the first king of Hungary and is the largest church in Budapest. It’s not a popular site only because of the religious aspect but because, for a small fee, you can climb (or take an elevator) to the top of the dome, where you will be rewarded with panoramic views of Budapest.
The Jewish Quarter and Dohany Street Synagogue was next on our list. This is a vibrant area with histroy, culture and nightlife. The Dohany Street Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe with stunning architecture. The complex includes the Hungarian Jewish Museum, the Heroe’s Temple, and the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park, which features the Tree of Life memorial to Holocaust victims. The Jewish quarter is also known for its cafes, restaurants and ruin bars which are fun to explore day and night. We stopped in to a farmers market at Szimpla Kert on a Sunday and explored all the local offerings.
Budapest is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Danube,” and for good reason. The charm of the city is magnified at night when its landmarks are lit, creating a beautiful reflection on the water. Gina and I decided going on an a cruise to see all the sites from the water would be a perfect for an evening adventure. We chose a sunset cruise which included two hours on the river accompanied with drinks and music. The cruise starts right down the street from the Budapest Marriott and moves down the river providing a different vantage point than exploring the city on foot. The river offers uninterrupted views of the city’s architectural gems including Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, Chain Bridge, and Gellert Hill. Whether your visiting Budapest with a significant other, family or in our case friend, a cruise offers a unique and unforgettable way to see the city.
Sitting on a street cafe sipping a coffee and also shopping are two other favorite things to do in Europe and luckily Budapest has just that.
Andrassy Avenue is a famous boulevard and UNESCO World Heritage site lined with 19th century mansion, luxury shops, theaters and cafes. The elegant street is perfect for a leisurely stroll where along the way you will pass notable sites such as the Hungarian State Opera House and the House of Terror Museum. Andrassy Avenue is also home to many embassies and cultural institutions.
Another notable street is Vaci Street. This is a great place for shopping and people watching. This pedestrian-friendly street is one of the main shipping thoroughfares in Budapest, lined with a mix of international brands, local boutiques, cafes and restaurants. At the southern end of the street, you will reach the Great Market Hall, where you can explore stalls selling traditional Hungarian food, souvenirs and local crafts.
Budapest, with its blend of historic landmarks and diverse culinary offerings, is an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re exploring the architectural wonders or savoring the amazing flavors with your family, on a friends trip or solo, Budapest is a must see destination for any traveler.
THE DETAILS
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