BUDAPEST, one of the most beautiful cities I have had the good fortune of visiting. It’s picturesque landscape and charming architecture leave no doubt in my mind about the tag that fits it aptly.
I was quite surprised by the fact that Hungary was the first European country to embrace Italian renaissance. This was a result of a matrimonial alliance between King Matthias Corvinus and Beatrice of Naples and the presence of history can still be felt today. Striking examples that come to my mind are Hungary’s renaissance architecture remnants, Turkish baths, the Opera House commissioned during the Austria-Hungarian empire among others. I also had the chance to travel in the oldest metro in the world, I was a bit scared initially by the look of the trains to be true. 🙂
St. Stephen’s Basilica in the background
The Castle Hill, Buda, a part of the World Heritage Site offers great views of the city that shouldn’t be missed at any cost. It has been corrupted by commercialization with the presence of restaurants and cafes in the Fisherman Bastion’s towers, but no one’s complaining. There is a certain “je ne sais quoi” about enjoying a coffee in the royal palace overlooking the serene Danube river. 🙂
Fisherman’s Bastion
Matthias Church, Situated at the center of the Buda Castle
Parliament, as seen from the Buda Castle.
It houses the millenia old Holy Crown of Hungary.
The Parliament building is quite impressive with an astounding use of half a million precious stones and 40 kgs of gold! We stayed in an apartment quite close to the Parliament and had an enjoyable early morning stroll towards this tallest building in Budapest.
At the Parliament.
It would be a crime to not mention the bridges that connect Buda and Pest, the oldest being the famous “Chain Bridge”. Taking a river cruise is a great way to soak in the delightful views that these bridges impart to the beauty of this gem of a city.
Margaret Bridge
The Liberty Statue in the background as seen from the Liberty Bridge
One can still witness the scars of the war left behind on a visit to the Citadel located on the Gellert Hill.
Citadel walls
It offers unmatched views of Buda and Pest and definitely worth spending some time up there!
Elizabeth Bridge, Danube
Pest as viewed from Garrett Hill, Buda
A trip to Budapest is unquestionably incomplete without witnessing the nightlife. Some of my friends had a gala time at the famous bath party and came home in the wee hours of Sunday morning. 🙂 The Jewish quarters has a lot of bars in its vicinity and one in particular stands out. Szimpla Kert, the ruins pub is a must visit with its unique recycled funky interiors to say the least. 🙂 We had the best french fries ever in a cafe close by, the name of which has just slipped out of my head!
Budapest, is a city where the old and youth co-exist in harmony and a city with its own heartbeat!
On my Mind!
My Tryst with Baking 