Budapest
August 2018
Budapest is the capital of Hungary and actually consists of two ancient cities: Buda, located on the right bank of the Danube, and Pest, on the left bank. This great river that crosses it has influenced its urban architecture and led to the construction of many bridges, 11 in total, connecting the two parts of the Hungarian capital. It is, in my opinion, an integral part of the charm of the city.
This blog will take you through the many streets of the city as well as the bridges that connect them. Mainly made on foot and by metro, my trip also took the train to go to a fishing village 21km from Budapest: Szentendre.
Good walk !
Budapest is a city straddling a hill and a large European river. Due to this urban morphology, the discovery trails oscillate between the edge of the river and the ups and downs between the two parts of the city. The first thing I did when I arrived there was a walk along the Danube to soak up the original atmosphere of this city. The beauty of the many bridges that make it up immediately charmed me, but the spectacle is even more beautiful at night. After this first walk, I went to the Széchenyi baths. The latter were built over a thermal spring at the beginning of the 20th century and are among the largest thermal baths in Europe. There are many tourists there, but also many Hungarian pensioners who play chess.
This trip was also an opportunity for me to taste the famous Kürtõskalács, hollow caramelized buns covered with icing sugar that can be filled with cream for the greediest. They are found all over the city and it is interesting to taste the different flavors on offer. Another major must-see in the Hungarian capital, Saint Stephen's Basilica is located in the very busy district of Lipótváros. It honors the first Hungarian king and was finalized at the beginning of the 20th century. Its imposing building blends into a large pedestrian square on the edges of which are many restaurants and bars. It is also in a parallel street of this square that I was able to taste a delicious burger: the Bamba Marha Burger. However, pay attention to the rather expensive prices practiced in the direct vicinity of the basilica before settling on one of the many terraces.
After wandering the streets of the city, I boarded a cruise to enjoy the view of the city from the water. Having made this day and night cruise, I can say that the city is all the more beautiful at night thanks to the illumination of the Hungarian Parliament and the many bridges which are reflected on the waters of the Danube. For a better view of the city and its many buildings, I recommend taking the bus up to the citadel. Take advantage of the descent on foot to admire this superb view.
Another must-see place in Budapest is Buda Castle. It is accessible by an old-style funicular that goes up from Clark Adám Ter square and takes us directly there. The climb offers a beautiful view of the city which gradually recedes. Once at the top, the view of the Chain Bridge and Pest offers us a postcard landscape.
Now let's take the train to Szentendre, a small town located about twenty kilometers from Budapest. This city has a strong historical heritage, ranging from the Romans to the Ottomans, mixed with an artistic culture that is clearly visible when we stroll through it. The city is also home to several museums and cultural venues. The central square, Fö Tér, is the starting point for alleys going in the four directions of the city and is surrounded by many restaurants and shops. When I went there, the artistic spirit immediately jumped out at me with the many decorative elements hanging across the alleys and the many colorful buildings in the square.
_edited.jpg)