BUDAPEST
I went by train to Budapest arriving from Vienna. The train was charming with a restaurant looking like a movie in the fifties. There was a change of atmosphere from Vienna so clean and organised to Budapest more vibrant and with still a flair of what I would call eastern countries.
As every body knows Buda and Pest were assembled (in 1873) to become the capital of Hungary.
For Hungarians people the Revolution in the middle of the nineteen century is very important
They then became a state on their own even if they were coupled to Austria via the Emperor
Since that time Budapest has developped a lot and in particular with monuments like the Parliament and the famous Andrassy avenue.
Certainly Buda (the old city) is fascinating because of its history
The former kings have developped a system of defence in order to preserve the city from invasions.
The turcs have occupied most of Hungary for centuries. However the main souvenir from their presence are the baths. You cannot say the architecture has a reminiscence of those days.
People in Hungary are globally friendly and I think happy to see visitors coming and enjoying the city.
What makes Budapest beautiful is of course the Danube (which is sometimes blue) which separates Buda from the vibrant Pest. You will enjoy crossing the Bridge of Chains which was constructed 200 years ago and help to go easily from one side to another
Today Budapest is an important city in Europe and it is really woth going because of its pesronnality.
I will say a few words about Buda because you naturally you will start your visit with that part of the city.
If you stay in Pest you will cross the bridge and may walk (climb) to the castle if you dont want to wait for the funicular (sometimes crowded).
It is the oldest part of Budapest and it has some magnificient bulldings in particular Buda Castle (have a look at the Hungarian National Gallery), the castle district and the Matthias Church which I consider one of the most beautiful churches I ever saw.
You will admire the roofs of the old buildings and the beauty of the painted walls in the church.
After the visit I recommend going down to the Danube and eat in an old small palace in the Vizivaros aera (Aranyszarvas). That will complete the visit with a touch of history and a charming lunch. After you may want to relax in the beautiful Gellert Baths (Art Nouveau).
TO DO
I stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel on the riverfront.
The historic building has been beautifully renovated, and the hotel is lovely. The breakfast was excellent… The Gresham restaurant is very good, and there’s also a decent Asian restaurant. I wasn’t impressed by the restaurants in Budapest. Years ago, I went on a press trip and we spent our time eating foie gras. Back then, gay clubs were very popular with women who weren’t bothered by male patrons. Now it seems attitudes have changed, and straight venues also seem safe.
The foie gras craze has passed, and the food is pretty much the same as anywhere else: Italian, Asian, Hungarian, world cuisine... but I’d have a hard time wholeheartedly recommending any one place. You can try Café Kor and Fatal (Hungarian meat-based cuisine).
We went to City Park and the scenery was so beautiful! It’s north of the city but not very far. People were ice skating, and there’s a beautiful museum (Music Museum) designed by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto. The neighborhood is called Varosliget. You’ll see Heroes’ Square there. The restaurant was decent.
For tea time, head to the famous New York Café (so famous that you have to wait hours to get in)! Find someone waiting in line for you and have them call you when it’s your turn. A bit sneaky but practical.
Be careful with taxis. Some of them aren’t entirely trustworthy.
From the café, head to District VII: trendy and full of bars, shops… young people bring this neighborhood to life, and it’s very pleasant to stroll around. There’s a food market where you can find plenty of things to buy as souvenirs. A pleasant and charming place.
You’ll surely want to try the Hungarian hot baths. The experience is worth it and will only take a few hours to get a feel for the Hungarian way of life.
I also saw a folk dance performance celebrating the 19th-century Revolution
(Municipal Folklore Center).
You might want to see the impressive Great Synagogue.
Don’t miss the recently renovated Palace of Arts: a beautiful round building with wonderful collections.
Andrassy Avenue, inspired by the Champs-Élysées, is a lovely place to stroll and shop. I didn’t buy much, but the shawls are pretty.
You won’t leave the city without taking a lovely boat tour. It’s well-organized, and you’ll learn a lot about history while sipping Hungarian champagne, all while seeing the massive Parliament building from the river. You’ll see it up close, and for me, that was enough. Some say the tour is worth it. Maybe I’ll come back to Budapest in the summer this time…
