I remember when people asked me where I was going on my first trip to Europe in 2005. And of course, they smiled and hosted their heads when I mentioned Rome, Paris and London – everything they knew. But when I said to Budapest, there was a break and a look of questioning. With questions like: “Where is it?” Hungary – and “why?” I would smile and think “why not!”
But it was something deeper that attracted me there. See the film American Rhapsody, which took place in Budapest was my first introduction and a first overview of this charming and beautiful city. Something deep and intrinsic pulled me in his direction. I thank this feeling every day because Budapest turned out to be one of my favorite places that I have visited so far.
Budapest is a beautiful city and known for its thermal baths, its Art Nouveau architecture and many bridges. These bridges are not only monuments, but also large views to discover the city. And as Lonely Planet has so eloquently written on bridges, they “are stitches that have linked Buda and Pest together since the two were politically linked in 1873. “”
I never knew before my visit, but Budapest is made up of two sections. Pest, the flat area of the city east of the Danube. And Buda, the lush and hilly region west of the river. So, I divided my guide into buda and devastating.
Explore Buda
Gellert Hill
From the Gellért Hill summit, you are faced with the most fucking sight in the city. You can see the striking contrast of the flat city of Pest and on the other side of the Danube the magnificent green, hilly and rural landscape of Buda. There is also a large outdoor market here selling Hungarian costumes, Hungarian cuisine, Christmas ornaments made by hand complex in sticks and magic boxes of which my friend and I bought one.
Royal Palace and Labyrinth
The Buda side, to the left of the Danube, is beautiful with rich and lush hills and has a global charm of the old world. Here, there are various historical sites such as the Royal Palace which dominated above us with its gardens and many labyrinths below. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has 28 km of caves networks that have been formed by thermal springs, and are popular to date. During my second visit, I even went down to the labyrinth under the castle of Buda to test my will.
Cave
Buda caves are an excellent day trip – once you have found them. There are about 200 caves under the capital formed by thermal springs. There are 9 protected caves and 3 open to the public. Two caves that I would recommend a visit are the cave of Szemlöhegyi and the Pálvölgyi cave. But be sure to bring warmer clothes with you, because the caves are much cooler.
Matthias church
Also on the side of Buda is the Matthias church. Built in 1896 in the neo-Gothic style, this church is part of Castle Hill and was named after King Matthias Corvinus. He was king of Hungary in 1458, at the age of 14 until his death in 1490. This charming church stands among the walls of the fishermen’s bastion.
Fishermen’s bastion
It looks like it has been there for hundreds of years, perhaps even out of Buda hill. The Bastian of the fishermen was not built until 1905. The seven white turrets represented the 7 Magyar tribes (as the Hungarians were called) which entered the Carpathian basin at the end of the 9th century. The name comes from the medieval guild of fishermen who defended this extent of the wall. So far, this place has my favorite views and offers superb photo opportunities through the turrets and on the balconies, even looking back.
Explore pests
Nyugati station
Nyugati station was built in 1877 by the Eiffel company based in Paris (maybe you have heard of it). And everything on the station is large. The view from the outside is two large pavilions flanking a solid glass face. Inside the iron framed room is breathtaking with the bustle of travelers who catch trains. The building, more than 6,000 square meters and 25 meters high, feels endless.
Underground metro
Beauty does not stop above the ground. Below the roar of trains is the second oldest underground railway system in the world and the first on the European continent. Below the station, you will find the emblematic line 1 of Budapest which dates back to 1896. The station still has its old charm and has been declared UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Saint-Stephen Basilica
Another large site is Saint-Stephen’s basilica. Built in a neoclassical style over 50 years, it was completed in 1905. And 150 meters high, it is the largest church in Hungary. This magnificent cathedral is large outside and even more inside. He was weakly lit but had spotlights on importance sections like the altar, where Saint-Stephen was. The holy right (Saint Dexter) is also found here which is the mummified right hand of Saint Stephen in the holy right chapel – strange but true.
Parliament
From the Basilica of St. Stephen to the buildings of the Parliament where you will find the crown of St. Stephen, the most important icon in the country, is housed. Completed in 1902, the Budapest parliament building, like many other eclectic Budapest buildings, was built in a mixture of neo-Roman and neo-Baroque. Sitting along the Danube, the parliament of Budapest is the 3rd largest building in Parliament in the world. This massive structure, with all its contrast of austere white turrets and red dome and roof, is magnificent from all angles.
City park
Need a dose of large spaces, head to City Park. Here you will find a large pond, various sculptures, including Anonymous, a statue of a monk carved in 1903 which has a strange macabre air, as well as a certain number of historical sites. Completed in 1896 when they celebrated 1000 years of Hungarian history. At more than 300 acres, the park has many jewels, in particular; Château de Vajdahunyad, Carré Hero’s, thermal baths of Széchenyi and Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden.
Hero square
Hősök Tere, or Hero’s Square on the edge of City Park is a huge square. Flanked on both sides by beautiful museums, with a pillar 36 meters high with the angel Gabriel above, with the Hungarian crown in one hand and the Hungarian cross in the other. And at its base are Árpád and the other six Magyar chiefs on horseback who occupied this region at the end of the 9th century. Behind the pillar are two arcs. There are statues of fourteen leaders and statesmen of King Stephen to King Matthias. And standing at the top of each end of the arcs are four allegorical figures; (From left to right) Work and prosperity, war, peace and knowledge and glory. The place was built in 1896 for their centenary as entrance to City Park. It’s glorious! There is something in symbolism that has really resonated in me and he continues to be one of my favorite squares.
Thermal baths
A visit to Budapest is not complete without a visit to one of their many thermal baths. I visited the thermal baths of Széchenyi which were built in 1913, and I was the first thermal bath of devastating. This large complex is magnificent architectural. And even if it was busy, entering the water is refreshing and so relaxing that everyone and everyone blends. There is so much to do; Some people played chess in the pool, some enjoyed a turn in the whirlwind and many floated their eyes closed and in the total happiness of the thermal spa.
Advice:
* Take a Budapest card saved you a ton! It offers a free metro, discounts on food and other things, as well as free entry of attractions such as Buda caves, museums and many others.
* If this is the first time that the city, consider making a free walking visit or a hop-hop-off bus visit. Both can not only help you orient yourself with the city, but also teach you about hidden jewels and the history of Budapest.
There is something magical that flows into the veins of the streets, bridges and people of Budapest. And so many places looked like something that came out of the pages of a fairy tale.
Did you go to Budapest?
