Budapest the Capital of Hungary sits like many Central and Eastern European cities on the banks of the majestic Danube, Europe's second longest river that runs from the Black Forest in Germany through 10 countries to the Black Sea.
It is a popular destination on many river cruise itineraries, and serves also as the start or end point of a high number also.
Budapest was once two cites Buda on the western banks of the river and Pest on the east. But after the two were unified in 1873 the city we now know as Budapest was born.
Along with Vienna which also sits on the Danube it was once the center of the powerful Austro-Hungarian Empire.
We visited this historical city on a weekend City Break and spent 4 days getting to know some of its famous attractions and sights.
It was a 2 hour 45 minutes flight from Edinburgh to Budapest's Ferenc Liszt International Airport. The airport has 2 terminals and is connected to the city center which is 10 miles away by a frequent bus service. Taxi's are also available directly outside the terminals. We however decided to pre book Airport transfers. We booked this online useing a Agency I have now used a number of times throughout Europe and who have proven to always be reliable and offer competitive prices, so I would recommend them if you are looking for Airport Transportation in most European destinations. The company is Shuttle Direct and you will find them online.
Accommodation
Being a capital city Budapest has many choices of accommodation with most of the international Hotel chains represented in the city.
We however on this trip after a bit of research found a local hotel that I am happy to recommend, it also had a brilliant location on the banks of the Danube.
Boutique Hotel Victoria Budapest
This excellent hotel is right on the Buda side of the river, and all its rooms have fantastic views across the river with great views of the Parliament and famous Chain Bridge. The rooms are a good size and with all the amenities you require. They are are fitted with floor to ceiling windows that maximise the great views on offer. The staff were friendly and very helpful re any questions you may have. There are a few bars and restaurants close by the hotel and its a picturesque walk into the main part of the city. Give it a look if your planning a trip to Budapest.
Views from hotel room
What to see and do.
Hungarian Parliament
With its neo gothic spires and large domb this impressive building dominates the Pest side of the River Danube. It is open to the public and you can have a guided tour of the golden interior and as well as the working political chamber. You can also see the Hungarian Crown Jewels which are kept here. We did the tour and it was very interesting giving you a insight into the history not only of the impressive building but also the history of the country.
Impressive staircase within Parliament building
Hungarian Parliament chamber
Parliament Building at night
Buda Castle
Sitting at the top of Capital Hill on the Buda side the castle gives a great view across the city. The castle mirrors the countries history with Renaissance ruins around its foundations a Habsburg era facade and a stark communist interior. Today it houses two museums and the Hungarian National Gallery.
View from Buda Castle
Refreshments at Buda Castle
Buda Castle at night directly behind the Logistics manaber, Chain Bridge to her right.
Szechenyi Baths Thermal baths are a Hungarian tradition and these one's are found in City Park, they are a feast for the eyes, with the canary coloured buildings and the steaming outdoor thermal pools. Also check out the inside of the building with it's vast tiled mosaics.
St Stephens Basilica
This is a impressive basilica, inside is the mummified hand of Hungary's first king, and some impressive facades. As well as a viewing platform which gives views around the city.
St Stephens Basilica
Heroes Square This square is found at the North Eastern end of Andrassy Avenue. This is as much a memorial as it is a square, its filled with statues of Hungarian kings and leaders with a large pillar where from the top the Angel Gabriel looks down. It is also the site of the countries Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Central Market Hall This large red brick building with it's green tiled roof is a stand out, it is a great place to visit, its ground floor is a impressive local market full of vegetables, fruit, cheeses, sausages, game and fish. However head up stairs and you find a area split between some folk art and craft stalls, to a large local food court with some of the best priced food and drinks in the city.
Fruit and veg stall with the market
Central Market Hall
Logistics Manager enjoying a refreshment in the market
Margaret Island This is piece a of Hungarian countryside within the city, the island is in the middle of the river just south of the Arpad Bridge, its a completely traffic free zone. You can visit the ruins of a medieval convent or just walk the many footpaths and cycle paths on the island, there is also a few cafes and being Hungary a thermal baths. Add to that a Japanese Garden, Rose garden as well as a musical fountain. Well worth a walk around and even though we visited Budapest in the winter we still enjoyed a morning wandering around here.
Walking around the island.
A trip on the Danube
Well it was not quiet a river cruise, but you can do a trip on the Danube and see some of the cities highlights from another perspective, there are various options on offer at a few points along the river embankment, you will see piers where the River cruise barges dock, and most of them also have pleasure craft offering trips along the river.
Yours truly on a trip along the Danube the Chain Bridge in the background
Hop on Hop Off Bus.Like many cities around the world there is Hop on Hop off bus in Budapest, sometimes I feel these are not that competitive or cover a particular interesting route, however in Budapest that's not the case. Prices were competitive and the route covered everything you would want to see. We purchased a two day pass and since the buses run most of the day we did get good use out of it.
Eating out in Budapest.
Budapest certainly has a large choice of restaurants and bars to pick from so you will not be short of choice. The local food is heavily meat based with good choices in stews and game dishes. We found prices at the time of our visit very competitive. However do you want to try something different ? Well why not try one of the cities Ruin Bars. ??
So what is a Ruin Bar, well think a large abandoned factory, department store, or apartment complex all turned into bars which offer cheap drink and food, normally in a maze of rooms and mixed with street art exhibitions and the odd communists era relic thrown in. They are to be found a various locations around the city and offer something different and are worth a visit.
So that was my thoughts on our Budapest city visit hope you found it interesting and it maybe gave you a few ideas for your own trip. So let's see where our travels take us next. Keep following see you soon.
