Budapest

Brilliant Buuuudapest!!

t’s sure has been a while but after a prolonged break, we’re back with an update of a recent trip to Budapest. Divided by the Danube yet harmonious in its charm, a trip to Budapest presents a remarkable jaunt through a melting pot of Central European cultures, civilisations & architectural brilliance. Often adhered to as Paris of the East or The Pearl of the Danube, it’s easy to see why. This city of two towns, Buda to the West and Pest to the East, boasts enough sky piercing spires, ample baroque, neoclassical & art nouveau architectural to match the most magnificent. Budapest is a thriving destination with a bustling bohemian nightlife, countless significant historic sights, a splendid shopping scene and an efficient public transport system. Most of all, it’s cheap and very, very cheerful! Laden with a string of decorated bridges, with the robust Széchenyi Chain Bridge the pick of the pack, the River Danube is adorned with many of Budapest’s most impressive sites. From the echelons of the towering Castle District, which oozes a middle age vibe through it’s romantic, narrow streets, cobbled pathways & quaint colourful terraces, the emphatic Royal Palace building overlooks the flattened Pest below. Embrace the true splendour of the Castle district on a stroll along the surreal Fishermans Bastion for inspiring overviews of the city, especially towards the strikingly magnificent Parliament building, the largest building in Hungary. However, for the pinnacle cityscape sight, a trip up Gellert Hill gives the most impressive panoramic views of the majestic skyline of this powerful city. Check out the immaculately restored Matthias Church in the heart of the Castle District especially for it’s stunningly colourful, diamond patterned roof! Across the river, the spiralling trek up to the rooftop of St Stephens Bascilica (which houses the actual mummified hand of St Stephen!) is certainly one to tick while the trek across the city towards the towering Heroes Square Monument takes in the elegant décor of the state opera building before looping back through the characterful Jewish Quarter towards the lively, colourful Great Market Hall where many crafts, delicacies & trinkets a ’plenty can be discovered. With the slipping sun gushing through the western hills of Buda, a sunset saunter along the Danube brings a most magnificent perspective of Budapests spiking skyline, illuminated in a beaming, blissful golden glow, before sparkling to brilliance under the accelerating night sky. But what makes Budapest a great destination? Simple. The Baths. Budapest’s greatest trait. It’s paragon of eloquence. A Hungarian twist on the traditional Turkish baths, Budapest utilises it’s ample supply of natural water springs to power a vast number of public baths across the city. For tourist’s the popular choice is between the Gellert Baths and the Szechenyi baths. Opt for the more locally favoured Szechenyi baths where a vast complex of indoor and outdoor steam belching baths beckon. A welcome break from the heel hammering tourist trails, Szechenyi baths radiate authenticity. Not only is it a relaxing, refreshing experience but the bath complexes are architecturally beautiful, presenting a unique opportunity to unwind with the locals in an authentic, therapeutic setting. Taking the role of the regions party town, Budapest offers an abundance of excellent nightlife options. From the crumbling, bohemian ruin bars of the Jewish District to the more elegant surrounds of Liszt Ferenc Tér’s hot spots (a square bustling with cafes, bars & restaurants), Budapest has something for all. There’s even an Irish Bar or two for those that way inclined. For food, one won’t be left wanting with a rich selection of great value local fare, western cuisine and fast food outlets dotted across the city . Special mention to Menza restaurant, a popular restaurant in the 6^th district offering a versatile, eclectic mix of traditional Hungarian fare with a contemporary edge in a chilled out ambience. Bursting with so much more to see, getting around Budapest couldn’t be easier. With an extensive & easy to understand tram network, shuffle onto one of the old fashioned, retro looking trams to uncover another district to this multifaceted town. Budapest also hosts the second oldest underground metro system in the world – an excellent way to pop around town for a mere forint or two! Prettier & friendlier than Prague with all the glamour & elegance of it’s French compatriot. Budapest certainly lives up to it’s reputation as Paris of the East. Budapest guarantees fantastic value, an authentic experience and a relatively close escape to a vibrant, historic, progressive city.