About Budapest
Budapest is a city famous for its ancient Turkish baths, a unique and fun element of the destination. But did you know the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage site? That is impressive wouldn’t you say?
The city has many unique offerings and I am thrilled to share some with you after my recent trip there. I found the destination touched me in a way I did not expect and wish I could have spent more time there.
First let’s orient ourselves as to where exactly Budapest is located. This is a city that is probably better known than the country where it is situated.
Budapest is the landlocked capital of Hungary which is easily accessible via flight or train from several other European countries. You can easily combine visiting Budapest with other famous cities such as Vienna and Prague. The stop there will certainly be well worth your time, I promise.
Buda and Pest” – this city has two sides with two different personalities! The famous Danube River and 7 bridges both divide and unite them. As I learned from our very knowledgeable tour guide, many years ago, the Pest side was the less popular and more residential side of the city.
But now the Pest side has grown into a thriving city center where most of the major sights are located, along with a multitude of restaurants and bars. You can experience fine dining at Hungary’s first Michelin star restaurant Costes.
The Buda side is now quieter but still full of beautiful sights, including Buda Castle. It offers some fabulous hilltop views overlooking the city and the iconic Parliament building on the Pest side.
Let’s Start Our Tour
Shortly after our arrival to Budapest we headed to an intriguing museum called “The House of Terror”. While the name certainly did not appeal to us, it had come highly recommended to us as a “must see” by a Hungarian born acquaintance of my son’s.
It was our first glimpse into the fascinating and dark history of this city. Its people not only survived the atrocities of the Nazi’s, after WWWII they were subjected to decades of brutality of the Soviet dictatorships; this lasted for many decades up until around 1991.
This museum makes an emotional and educational impact that everyone should experience, in my opinion.
After our tour we began our exploration of the city walking along the famous boulevard of Andrassy, and I thought to myself how this city had a deeply sad story to tell. Yet its not so distant dark history contrasts with an ambiance of lightness and beauty that exists today.
I found the culture’s sense of survival intriguing and inspiring and I think it is these contrasts that I love most about this city.
As we walked through a high-end residential neighborhood passing one stunning historical home after another, we found ourselves in the famous Hero’s Square.
From there we entered the heart of Városliget Park where my breath was just taken away. We were impressed by the beautiful and intricate architecture of the buildings set among the landscape of the surrounding lake, gardens and green lawns. It became pretty obvious to us why this is a world heritage site.
Here is where you will also find the hot thermal baths Budapest is famous for – the Szechenyi Baths. You see, there is literally warmth underneath this city as it is built atop of nature’s very own thermal springs which are rich in natural healing properties. Another contrast I would say – a healing warmth beneath a city that experienced the cold brutality of its past history.
The building itself is impressive whether or not you decide to enter and soak in the baths. In the evenings it is a fun social scene; just keep your cell phones in their lockers as I understand one too many tourists have dropped their phones in the over 100 degree soaking baths. That can be a quick way to ruin an almost perfect vacation.
The city is super walkable so we soon found ourselves curious to see Margaret Island which I would describe as “a smaller version of Central Park”. It is another lovely park on an island that connects to the Pest side of the city via a pedestrian bridge. It was a clear and sunny Sunday afternoon so the park was full of locals and tourists enjoying the day. It was a perfect end to our exhausting and full afternoon.
I know this is a just a glimpse of what amazing Budapest has to offer. But I hope it entices you to experience it for yourself. With our help and expert planning I think you will walk away in love with this fascinating city just as I did. Can’t wait to send you packing to Budapest!
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973-887-7441 or Carmen@SuntasticHoneymoons.com
