Budapest Mattias Church
This time 7 years ago, I literally flipped a coin. Prague, or Budapest…. 7 years later, (post that interruption), I got to fly into Budapest, and leave planes behind me until February.
Christmas markets are in full swing, snow falling intermittently. I got an Airbnb just off Vaci St, a lively area just minutes walk from loads of things to do, see, eat & enjoy.
An Airport Express Bus was the most convenient transfer, and after that, the Metro system was easy to navigate. I don’t mention transport that often, but it can make or break a city experience, Budapest was far easier than Vienna as example.
Gelarto Rosa
I bought a Copenhagen Card last time, but the Budapest Card was not the same Value offer. Discounts on attractions rather than including in the price. With a set price 450 HUF for a metro area ticket, easily accessible and payable by Card, it was more economical to buy as I went.
Pest is mostly flat and very walkable, whereas Buda is a quickly steeping hill from the Danube.
Settling into enjoying the walks, Pest was far more appealing to explore over a few days. Wonderful finds like this cleverly created Rose made from whatever flavors you choose of Gelato. YUM !!
I only spent 1 day doing a circuit around Buda. Buda Castle, whilst grand, only has a room open to visit 🙁 However, the square around Mattias Church & Fishermans Bastian was far more interesting, moreso as a film crew were setup, shooting something new with Johnny Depp.
The odd, enjoyable find in Buda, was The Labarintus. A Labyrinth of tunnels under Buda Castle, setup with some period mannequins, but quite a maze of tunnels, rooms and history, often resorting to totally dark areas where your only navigation is a rope on the wall to follow. Brilliant fun.
The thermal baths are also a huge attraction, the largest being Széchenyi Thermal Bath.
Mattias Church was delightful, with a Tower climb opportunity
New York Cafe, deemed Most Beautiful Cafe, did not disappoint for food, service or sheer beauty.
Párisi Udvar Hotel was on my shortlist before finding a more spacious opportunity. What a lobby !
Szimpla Kert, a building of Many bars, was just a visual joy to stop & watch the world go by.
St Stephens Basilica had a Christmas Market out front, but took nothing away from its grandeur, and the unique feature of being home to St Stephens right hand (relic)
And the other points of interest. The Shoes on Danube memorial was very touching
