A Weekend in Beautiful Budapest

I really don’t understand why East Europe doesn’t get the hype it deserves. East Europe is beautiful, rich in architecture and history, fascinating, and not less importantly, so cheap.

For this month little city break I opted for Budapest. Many of my friends who visited the city already had told me how pretty, enjoyable and backpacker-friendly it was, and so, full of curiosity and expectaions, I decided to give it a go.

The Buda Castle

Budapest, capital of Hungary, is a beautiful city only two hours away from London. Many airlines connect our island to the inland, and the most economic ones offer some great deals. As for where to stay, you can chose among the options, according to the kind of holiday (and budget) you’re looking for. Do you remeber the Great Budapest Hotel movie? Well, although that hotel doesn’t exist in real life, the exterior of the Danubius Hotel Gellért resembles to it so much, and the inside a true gem of luxury.

St Istvan Basilica

If you’re more of a backpacker, you can chose among a massive variety of hostels, B&B and obviously AirB&B accomodations.

A well organised weekend will be enough to visit the city, and to enjoy some of the funniest or relaxing activities it offers. Both the two sides of Budapest, Buda and Pest of course, are very rich in attractions, history and hidden gems, so get some pen and paper and sign them all.

Pest side of the City

The Pest side of the city is the one standing on the valley part of the Danube.

On this side you can see the stunning Parliament building, second in Europe for its beauty. You can admire its maestosity even better if you chose to do a little cruise on the river; prices are very low (13.00 euros), and you can chose to have a daily one, or a more romantic evening one.

The Budapest Parliament 

Some people call Budapest “the Paris of the East”; this because if you take a walk from Andràssy Avenue to Heroe’s Square you will admire some beautiful boulevards, so similar to the most famous french cousin.

On this side of the city you can also explore the beautiful Old Jewish Quarter and its stunning mosques. In that same area, walking along Asturia road, you can reach in a few minutes the National Museum. Keep on going that way, and you will be in Kalvin tèr, where you can have a wonder in one of the most famous markets of the city, the Central Market Hall. If you’re planning of buying souvenirs for family and friends (and if you want to buy a few grams of the exquisite Budapest paprika) definitely have a stop here.

The Chain Bridge at dusk

After having visited the Market, you can walk along the bridge in front of it, the Chain Bridge, historically famous for having been the first bridge to connect Buda and Pest. On the other side of the bridge you will see a beautiful statue of princess Sissi.

Buda side of the City

Now that you are on the Buda side of the City, you can admire one of the most particular churches ever. Actually, it is very unique, as it is built inside the mountain, after a brake of the hill opened a space at the bottom of it. In there, monks built the wonderful Church in the Rock. On this side of the city also is the Buda Castle. This one is not the castle where princess Sissi loved spending time in, as her favourite was the Royal Palace of Godollo, outside the city. this doesn’t mean the Buda Castle is not beautiful though. It is stunning. Take the cableway and get up to the castle, where you can enjoy one of the most breathtaking view of the whole city. You can also visit the inside,which has been turned into a museum.

Fisherman's Bastion

From there, have a walk along those pedestrian paths,that seems forgotten by the world, and walk a few minutes to reach St Istvan Basilica, whose twins has been built in Vienna too. Exactly in front of the basilica, you can admire the Fisherman’s Bastion, where any Instagram lovers won’t resist taking some pics. Not only because it is beautiful and looks like a Disney castle, but because it offers another stunning view of the city.

Walk along the Danube, and enjoy the view. After, have a walk on Margaret Bridge, with its peculiar “Y” shape, connecting not only Buda and Pest,but also Margaret Island, beautiful green stand of the city, turned in the centuries in a massive park, loved by all runners and not.

Margaret Bridge and Margaret Island

The transportation

Transportation in Budapest works very well. From the airport you can take two buses, E100 or E200,and they both will bring you to the city center. If you’re planning to stay a few days, I would suggest to buy a travelcard in the airport itself (that you can use on bus E200 as well), and use it for the duration o your stay on every public transport,including buses and metro.

The Baths

Budapest is also well known for its baths, as the city is a land of thermal springs. Many centuries ago they were only opened to men, but nowadays everybody can enjoy them. Some of the most famous are the Gellert baths, with its roman style, and the Rudas baths, the most ancient in Budapest, built by the Turkish, beloved by tourists and locals.

The food

And now, lets talk food. Budapest is famous for its meats, especially for the goulash, the typical plate,which I absolutely recommend to try. Here are some of best places I had the pleasure of visiting during my stay: The Hungarikan Bistro, little cute place offering a good variety of typical plates. Booking is a must though, and try to book in advance, as sometimes it is booked for the whole week!

The Hummus bar, delicious veggie restaurant, very cheap, where everything is based on hummus.

And then Voros Postakocsi, another very good restaturant in Kalvin ter, where I tried the best sweet pancakes ever.

I also have to say that eating in Hungary is so very cheap. I never spent more than 15.00 euros per meal, and I always stepped out the place with my belly full and happy!

Hope you might find this useful, take care and see you on our next trip!