HUNGARY
BUDAPEST
Budapest, Hungary’s vibrant capital, elegantly straddles the Danube River, uniting the historic districts of Buda and Pest. Renowned for its stunning architecture, thermal baths, and lively cultural scene, the city offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern energy. We took in the iconic landmarks like the majestic Parliament Building, Fisherman’s Bastion, and the picturesque Chain Bridge. Home of paprika and goulash, we had many excellent meals.
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a vibrant city divided by the majestic Danube River into Buda and Pest. Renowned for its stunning architecture, Budapest boasts landmarks such as the Gothic Revival Parliament Building, the ornate St. Stephen's Basilica, and the historic Buda Castle perched atop Castle Hill. The city is famous for its thermal baths, including the grand Széchenyi and Gellért Baths, where visitors can relax in naturally warm, mineral-rich waters. Its lively café culture, bustling markets, and ruin bars set in abandoned buildings give Budapest a unique blend of old-world charm and modern vitality. The Chain Bridge, an iconic 19th-century suspension bridge, links the two sides of the city and offers breathtaking views, especially at sunset. Along the riverbanks, the picturesque promenade and the poignant Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial invite reflection and remembrance of the Hungarian Jews murdered at the end of WWII. Budapest’s blend of history, culture, and youthful energy, set against a backdrop of dramatic cityscapes, makes it one of Europe’s most captivating and accessible destinations.
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Culture & History
BUDAPEST FOOD SCENE
Food in Budapest was excellent, and we got in our share of chicken paprikash, dumplings, and amazing pastries. We also visited their large Food Marketplace, which is a building and not just an open market with every paprika you can imagine as well as everything else you might need to keep your pantry well stocked.
Culture & History
BUDAPEST: HISTORY
Arriving into Budapest on the Danube was very lovely as you get an immediate preview of the castle, churches, parliament and several of its bridges. Here again, much of it has been rebuilt since the war, but it still has an old feel to it. We are not in San Diego. Budapest consists of two cities that united in late 1873. Pest lies on one side of the Danube, and Obuda on the other, merging to form Budapest. Buda houses the palace, as well as the offices of the prime minister and president,...
Culture & History
BUDAPEST ART SCENE
We went to the Museum of Fine Arts to view their old masters and enjoy a beautiful Capra photography exhibit. I think we were spoiled by the extensive collections in Munich and Vienna, but this was still an enjoyable museum to visit. And let's not forget the old masters.
Culture & History
BUDAPEST: HUNGARIAN JEWS & WWII
As a member of the Axis, Hungary became increasingly hostile towards its Jewish citizens. Before the war, Budapest was a welcoming city for Jews, similar to the situation of German Jews, and they were deeply integrated into society, living among non-Jewish citizens rather than in ghettos. Many Hungarian Jews served and died in WWI and were honored for their sacrifices. We visited the Doheny Synagogue, considered the second largest synagogue in the world after one in New York or Jerusalem....
Culture & History
BUDAPEST: ARCHITECTURE
We had a delightful guide named Gretta from Context Tours who introduced us to some of her favorite buildings, which included a range from classical to Art Nouveau, Bauhaus, brutalist, and uniquely beautiful structures that didn't adhere to a single style. The brutalist were most intriguing to us as we do not seem their work much here in the states. The city expanded in concentric circles, similar to Vienna, so it lacks a clear grid layout. Most buildings are no taller than 6 or 7 stories,...
Culture & History
BUDAPEST: ARIA HOTEL
The Aria Hotel is a trendy and chic establishment, though it might have overdone the piano-themed décor, such as the keyboard pattern woven into the carpet in our room. The room was comfortably sized and as stylish as anticipated, but I found the bed slightly too soft. We enjoyed a nice terrace for relaxation, and the staff was both attentive and pleasant. Budapest boasts many renowned luxury hotels, so if you decide to visit, there are numerous choices. We usually prefer smaller boutique...
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