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| The view from Jubileumi Park |
While making a long drive through Europe, we decided to make a short stop at the Hungarian capital city of Budapest. We had no idea what to expect. After going to so many other countries and visiting their capitals, Budapest (despite being at the heart of the Old Continent) has always somehow eluded us. But not this time! So, we booked our BnB and our Walking Tour, did some research on what not to miss and drove off.
We parked the car, got a shower, put our shortest clothes on (yes, it was almost 40°C) and headed to the nearest park, as we had about an hour until our tour started. The Jubileumi Park is the home of the Hungarien "Liberty Statue" (also known as the "Citadella") and it also offers a lot of great high view points to the Danube river and the other part of the city. Yes, Budapest actually has two parts: Buda and Pest, coming from the old words for Water and Heat and which are also connected by 15 beautiful bridges.
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| St. Stephen's Basilica |
As this was only a one-day trip, we had our concerns on how much we could understand the cultur, the people and the history, but Budapest turned out to be so open and friendly that we forgot all the worries and enjoyed this lively city and its welcoming atmosphere.
So, here are our highlights with some small tips and tricks if you plan a short visit:
1. The Parliament: a total must-see. The architecture, the view from and to it is breathtaking.
2. St. Stephen's Basilica: aka The Founder of Hungary. Most beloved and celebrated historical figure of the Hungarian people.
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| The Fisherman's Bastion |
3. Of course, the View to Buda: some say that the beat part about Pest is the view to Buda.
4. Fisherman's Bastion: it looks more like a fairy castle. Its architectural style comes from the year 1000, when the first Hunagrian king (Stephen I) started his rule. It is a historicla monument for the millennial Hungary. Its 7 towers reprsent the 7 chieftains who had led their tribes to the present day Hunagry.
5. Buda Castle: a definite must-see castle complex! Built in the year 1265, destroyed during the First World War and built again years later, it stands proud in the southern hill of Buda, attracts thousands of locals and tourists and now serves as home to the National Gallery and the National Library.
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| Citadella, The Liberty Statue |
6. Citadella (the Liberty Statue) - once built as a thank you to the Soviet Liberators, now is a monument celebrating Freedom.
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| Once upon a time busy policeman |
Tips and trcks:
1. It is a very safe city, since...forever. There is even a small statue of a policeman, showing how 'busy they were with crime'.
2. Very cheap place. It depends of course where are you coming from, But based on our experience many other countries inside and outside of Europe, it is safe to say that you would not need much for a good vacation here.
3. Take precautions if you are visiting in summer. A hat, a susunscreen and a lot of water will be needed.
4. There are many public places where you can refill your water bottles. Absolutely safe and free.
5. The language is almost impossible to read or pronunciate. Almost everybody speaks English, but still be prepared with Google Translate or any other preferred translator.
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| The Parliament Building |
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| A view to Buda Castle |