Budapest - The Pearl of the Danube

Seeing as a Ryanair flight to Budapest was at such a great price, I could not slip up the opportunity to visit a city that so many people talk about how great it is and it was a place I had never visited, so I wanted to experience something new. When I had arrived it was a very cold evening and I decided to walk along the Danube and see the parliament building. The city looks amazing at night with everything being lit up, the grandiose architecture everywhere within the city centre will have you lost for words.

After my first day in Budapest, I was already amazed by the charming aesthetic of the buildings, I walked from my hostel at Oktogon towards Heroes' Square, a series of statues dedicated to the national heroes of Hungary. I'd say that this place isn't too impressive to look at during the day, but during the night it feels much more magical. Close by the Heroes' Square is a castle in a park which is a great place for pictures, but nothing much else, there doesn't seem to be anything too interesting as there is merely a museum dedicated to agriculture there - not too interesting.

Budapest has really good public transport, you can buy a 24 hour ticket for all public transport at the great price of 1650 forint or £4.21, I took the underground from Heroes' Square to get to the House of Terror. The House of Terror sounds like the name of some cheesy tourist trap, but really it is a museum about the atrocities brought about by the regimes of fascism and communism in the 20th century. It truly shows how harrowing the totalitarian regime was, if you're interested in the history of communism, then I implore you to pay a visit. What you must know is that it's free if you're a student and you are prohibited from taking pictures or videos inside of the museum.I walked all the way to Buda Castle, a very elegant building now used as a museum, it is located on a hill as seen on the picture. It is a steep walkway to get there, but you can also pay to go on the funicular.


 Inside Buda Castle is the history museum of Budapest, the museum is ok, but I'd say it's not the most exciting museum in the world as there isn't anything to special about it. If you're not willing to pay a fiver, there's no harm in missing out. The views from the hill are amazing though, but there are much better places in Budapest to get breathtaking and scenic views. I walked on the Buda side of the Danube and this place is a perfect place to get a photo opportunity with the Hungarian parliament in all its glory in the background. On the roadside side of this river, you can expect to see some spectacular architecture as well but there isn't much else to see in this part of the city. One of the most amazing buildings in Budapest that I'd say is worth visiting is St Stephen's Basilica, the size of the church is incredible and it looks absolutely beautiful. Furthermore, it is free to go inside and look at the elaborately decorated ceiling. I'd see it's one of my favourite things to see in Budapest, purely for aesthetics. 

  
A few streets away from St Stephen's Basilica is the synagogue that gets talked about a lot, however, I did not go inside, because you have to pay and I did not think it was worth going in, especially with the crowds. So I walked over to Buda to go see the Fisherman's Bastion, the monument itself isn't that amazing but it's the views of Pest that you can see, such as that of the parliament are magnificent. 

On my way to the Citadella, I walked past the presidential palace at the right time to see the changing of the guard. Every so often the guards at the parliament building and the presidential palace will change position and march off, it's fun to watch if you are in the right place at the right time. 

If you are prepared for a tough walk, then it would be a good idea to go to the Citadella, atop of the hill is a monument which stands as a symbol of freedom from communist and fascist oppression. Furthermore it's also a great place to look over the city from each side, from the hill you can see St Stephen's Basilica, the parliament and even Buda castle. 

The next morning, I went to a market outside of the city centre, to visit a local market, the place felt much less elaborate and more true to life. I really felt that the remnants of communism was still showing, at the market I got the chance to try some Hungarian food. Lángos is a flatbread dish with dough and cheese, almost like a cold pizza. My honest opinion on Hungarian is that it isn't all that great, lángos wasn't bad, but I wouldn't go out of my way to have it and I'm not the biggest fan of goulash. 

I walked around the area of the parliament building and noticed the two holocaust memorials with backstories worth knowing about. The first one is shoes on the Danube river, which represent shoes left behind from Jews who were murdered in Budapest during World War Two, truly a sobering sight. The second one which was built recently has been controversially built as it tries to rewrite history of the holocaust. In short words, the memorial represents 'innocent' Hungary about to be struck by a bird, representing Hungary being torn apart by Nazi Germany. Denying the fact that Hungary collaborated with the Nazis and let atrocities of the holocaust happen. 

Saving the best for last, I went to the Széchenyi baths, the largest thermal bath place in Europe, if you plan a trip to Budapest, make sure you pack your trunks, because you don't want to miss this awesome opportunity. It only cost about £15 for the entry fee and I'd say you get what you paid for. There are baths inside and outside, during my experience the weather was about 2 degrees celsius, as I went outside to walk to the bath I was shivering. Once I stepped inside of the outdoor bath it was incredibly satisfying and relaxing. Probably the best experience I had in Budapest, even if you're a floating voter, you have to give it a try. 

To conclude on Budapest, I'd say that Budapest is a great place to visit, may even give European destinations such as Barcelona and Düsseldorf a run for its money. My experience felt totally crime free, no-one will try to rip you off or scam you and there are no looky looky men to bother you when you are trying to have a relaxing trip. The remarkable historical landscape combined with the affordable prices and selection of bars and cafes to hang out it should be enough to have you sold on the idea of visiting this fantastic city.