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Doing all the things in Budapest

A City we loved

Maybe it was the Aperol Spritz.  Maybe it was the scenic Hungarian Parliament overlooking the Danube.  Whatever it was, it was glorious and we were there for it.  A few days in Budapest was all it took for us to find an excuse to try and stay longer.  

When someone says they went to Budapest, I wonder what people visualize the city appearing like; the people, sounds and smells.  I know I had a very limited idea of what to expect, other than the famous bath houses.  After spending 4 days in the city, I can say Budapest was quite a modern city, but retained a plethora of old European charm and distinct culture.  The cost of living seemed very reasonable and we both noticed a sense of nationalism, which could be a result of strict immigration laws. 

I took a day to film some of the more notable places Mila and I visited.  The video should do a good job at giving a sampler of what to expect in the city.  Enjoy!

Logistics for Budapest included:

  • The flight to Budapest on WizzAir ran $140.
  • The Airbnb was an AMAZING two floor renovated studio in a classic apartment complex for $160.  I think this was one of my best stays of all time thus far.
  • Transit, including a hop-on hop-off Big Bus tour was around $70.

Total for core logistics was $370 per person – not bad at all!

Hopping Around

As mentioned in the Logistics, Mila and I used the Big Bus Tour in Budapest to get a quick history lesson with boots on the ground.  We did the same in London a week prior and it definitely helps get a lay of the land.  The tour route included key points of interest on both the Buda (West) and Pest (East) side of the Danube.  And whenever we wanted to explore something further, such as Castle Hill or the City Park, we’d hop off, walk around and pick up another bus later.

With all that walking, the payoff for me was the Hungarian cuisine, which was always accompanied with live music from a violinist and pianist.  Although it may not look the most appetizing, goulash and plenty of the other meat-based dishes (venison from deer and elk) were right up my alley.  And what better pairing than some Tokaji wine and shots of palinka.  Both brought me back to memories with Mila sampling Port wine in the Douro Valley and Lithuanian spirits with the Quad Squad.  

  • Tokaji Wine – normally a dessert wine (white), but not fortified like Port.
  • Palinka – Hungarian fruit spirits (or brandy).  They are strong and delicous.
Over on the "Buda" side
Over on the "Buda" side
Liberty Bridge
Liberty Bridge
Hop-on Hop-off bus tour worth it here!
Hop-on Hop-off bus tour worth it here!
Vajdahunyad Castle
Vajdahunyad Castle
Traditional Hungarian cuisine
Traditional Hungarian cuisine

The Iconic Parliament

I’d consider it indecent of myself to not make at least a mention to one of the most iconic buildings in Hungary and perhaps the global scale as well.  The Hungarian Parliament building cannot not be a focal point in Budapest.  The damn city is basically built around it.  Despite being relatively new (constructed in the very late 1800’s), it presents itself as much older due to the neo-Gothic architecture style.  The best part is, tours are available to get a sneak peek of the inside.  What a place it is, too; with all the precious stones, gold, statues, frescoes and of course the Holy Crown of Hungary.  Mila and I really couldn’t decide which we liked more – the exterior or interior.  And to try to make a decision, we even took a boat tour to see the Parliament shining bright during the night.

Outside the Parliament
Outside the Parliament
Inside the Parliament
Inside the Parliament
Walking the Danube
Walking the Danube
View from the river boat tour
View from the river boat tour

In addition to the Parliament building, we spent some time at the famous Széchenyi bath house.  I think it’s a little too hyped-up for what it is, but having a morning swim there was actually a super nice way to start the day off.  It’s not crowded then and I could only imagine how much better this place would be during the colder months.

With a little Lángos (fried bread with sour cream, garlic and cheese) for a snack, we also took the metro a little further west (Buda) to a shopping mall to check out the scene.  I think it’s a good way to breakout of the tourist bubble, level-set and remind myself that even though I am in a distant city on vacation, things operate similar to back home and people are going about their daily lives.  The streets are lined with multi-story apartments with some laundry on the balcony, sports teams are competing in the local park and a busy main plaza caters to shoppers.  And just for comparison, the mall was 5 floors and much better than anything I had where I grew up!

The Final Spritz

Although I didn’t mention it much, Mila and I were suckers for Aperol Spritz in Budapest.  Hang on… was this beautiful and tasty cocktail responsible for how much fun we had?  Well, I know for sure it at least contributed!  Between bath houses, hearty cuisine and wonderous architecture we fully embraced our experiences in the city of Budapest and made some lasting memories to look back upon.

-ML

Final spritz in Budapest

Recap of Places

Check out the MAP for links!

  • Parliament Building – you cannot not see it
  • Kacsa Étterem – our spot for classic Hungarian cuisine
  • Castle Hill – so much to explore here.  Spend a day of the Buda side!
  • City Park – there is a castle and the Széchenyi thermal baths are here
Picture of Michael Lakus

Michael Lakus

IT professional, athlete, musician, ponderer of many things... Born and raised in Florida, I began traveling internationally after college. I created this site primarily to remind myself of where I've been and to share my experiences on traveling with a quirky, stress-free, travel attitude.
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