Budapest, a blend of emotions.

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a city that evokes a myriad of emotions. It is a place where the old and the new harmoniously coexist, creating a unique atmosphere that captivates visitors from all over the world.

As you explore the city, you'll be enchanted by its rich history and architectural wonders. The grandeur of the Hungarian Parliament Building, the breathtaking beauty of the Chain Bridge, and the opulence of the Buda Castle are just a few examples of the city's stunning landmarks that will leave you in awe.

But Budapest is not only about its impressive buildings. It is a city with a vibrant soul, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and indulge in the lively atmosphere. The bustling markets, the charming cafés, and the vibrant nightlife all contribute to the city's dynamic energy.

Yet, Budapest also has a serene side. The city is famous for its thermal baths, where you can relax and rejuvenate in the healing waters. Whether you choose to soak in the Széchenyi Thermal Bath or explore the more intimate Gellért Baths, these tranquil oases provide a blissful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

As you wander through the streets of Budapest, you'll encounter a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. From traditional Hungarian dishes like goulash and chimney cake to international culinary delights, the city offers a diverse culinary scene that will satisfy every palate.

Moreover, Budapest is a city of contrasts. The historic neighborhoods of Buda with their medieval charm stand in juxtaposition to the modern and vibrant Pest side. This duality adds to the city's allure, creating a captivating blend of old and new.

Whether you find yourself strolling along the banks of the Danube River, exploring the magnificent Matthias Church, or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere of the ruin bars, Budapest is sure to evoke a mixture of emotions that will stay with you long after you leave.

In essence, Budapest is a city that embraces its rich heritage while embracing the excitement of the present. It is a place where history, culture, and modernity converge, creating an unforgettable experience for every traveller.

After returning to Europe and following the travel restrictions of the past two years, we finally resumed our journeys. After Istanbul and Porto, it was time for Budapest, the Hungarian capital divided by the Danube River. The city itself is also divided into Buda, the wealthier and aristocratic part, and Pest, the more popular and lively area.

After the successful European football championship, the nation faced criticism for measures taken against the LGBTQ+ community, which initially unsettled me. However, upon arrival, my perspective changed. As is often the case, governments do not reflect the reality on the ground. Despite international controversies, I found modern, romantic people with a free and open mindset that defied stereotypes.

Of course, there are always a few bad apples, but fortunately, they were not prominently noticeable.

Now let's delve into the exploration of the city and how I experienced it.

Upon arriving from the mild Danish summer, the heat immediately made its presence known, prompting me to take action and change into shorts at the airport. Outside the Arrivals gate, there are ticket offices or vending machines where you can purchase tickets to reach the city.

There are also shuttles available starting from 6 euros and private transportation options. However, in my opinion, these are a waste of money considering that the public transportation system is very well-connected.

Getting around:

At the airport, as mentioned above, you can purchase tickets for public transportation. These include single tickets, round-trip tickets, 24-hour tickets, and 72-hour tickets. Since I was staying for four nights, I initially opted for a 72-hour ticket, which allowed me to reach the city center and use all public transport options (buses, trains, and trams). For the last 24 hours, I purchased a daily ticket. The price for the 72-hour ticket is approximately 4160 HUF, while the daily ticket costs around 1400 HUF, equivalent to roughly 11 euros and 4 euros, respectively.

Accommodation:

Personally, this time I chose to book through booking.com, but in a private facility, specifically a mini private apartment with a small kitchenette and bathroom. It was located in a typical Hungarian building without an elevator, so if you have difficulty with stairs, I would recommend looking for something else. The cost was approximately 25 euros per night.

I made this choice to support the local economy. The location of this accommodation allowed me to reach the Hungarian Parliament in a 10-minute walk, and Margaret Island with just a few extra steps. The same applies to the Basilica and the Jewish Quarter, which are about a 15-minute walk away.

Currency:

In Hungary, the currency is the Forint, abbreviated as HUF, where 1 Euro equals 358 HUF. As always, I used my TransferWise Debit card for both withdrawals (since some establishments don't have POS machines) and contactless payments. It's a reloadable card that is convenient for online and in-store purchases, as well as withdrawals, allowing you to save on currency exchange fees while paying minimal commissions. If you use it to withdraw cash from an ATM, remember not to accept the bank's currency conversion but stick with the one provided by your card.

Sightseeing:

Here's an overview of my 4-day tour, although it changed upon arrival due to the high daytime temperatures reaching around 34 degrees Celsius. On the first day, after dropping off my backpack at the apartment, I headed to Margaret Island to seek refuge under the cool shade of the trees.

On the second day, I decided to start with a visit to the most famous thermal baths, Széchenyi Gyógyfürdő és Uszoda, or Széchenyi Thermal Bath (have fun trying to pronounce it!). I chose these baths because they are not only among the most renowned but are also located in City Park, near Heroes' Square (Hősök tere).

In the evening, I met a friend of my friend and former Tunisian roommate, Amine. Her name is Yussra, a wonderful and friendly Tunisian girl. She took me on a journey to explore the Jewish Quarter, the nightlife around it, and the area surrounding the Basilica. Naturally, we visited one of the famous ruin bars - old buildings that have been left untouched or repurposed into nightclubs, bars, or discos, often furnished with recycled materials and eclectic decor. You could find yourself sipping a Dreher beer in a bathtub or lounging on the seats of an old car.

On the third day, I finally began exploring the city's highlights. Following Yussra's suggestion, I reached Margaret Bridge and hopped on tram 2 (or 2M), which takes you from Jászai Mari tér to the Great Market Hall (Nagy Vásárcsarnok). There, I had the opportunity to taste a typical Hungarian food called Langos, a fried bread usually served with cheese and sour cream. Since it was morning for me, I tried it with Nutella, bananas, almonds, and a sweet powder whose identity I'm not quite sure of.

Tram 2 (or 2M) runs along the river, passing behind the Hungarian Parliament, through some gardens and buildings, and offers an excellent view of Liberty Bridge.

Crossing the bridge, you'll find the second most beautiful thermal baths in the city, the Gellért Thermal Bath (Gellért Gyógyfürdő és Uszoda). Unfortunately, I didn't visit them, but I'll tell you why later.

From there, I had planned to visit the Statue of Liberty and the Citadella, but upon reaching the peak of Gellért Hill Jubileumi Park, I discovered that they were closed for renovations. So, I crossed the entire park to reach the somewhat challenging-to-find funicular that leads to the Royal Palace, which was also partially closed for renovations.

In the historic district of the Royal Palace, you can visit the Fisherman's Bastion, a beautiful white wall offering stunning views of the city. Nearby, you'll find the magnificent Matthias Church (Mátyás Templom), which is worth admiring even from the outside.

Due to the heat, I was exhausted, so after heading back to my apartment, freshening up, and recharging, I decided to treat myself to a delicious pizza in the evening. In Budapest, you can enjoy excellent Neapolitan pizza at Mario's, with a view of the Parliament. I highly recommend it to everyone. After resting, I wanted to admire the Opera House, but unfortunately, it was covered due to ongoing renovations. I took a stroll through the Jewish Quarter on my own and then went to sleep.

On the fourth day, having visited almost everything I wanted to see, I headed to Margaret Island, where I relaxed in the Palatinus Strand Baths, and in the evening, I enjoyed some excellent signature cocktails at the High Note Sky Bar near the Basilica (make sure to book in advance if you want to try them).

On the fifth day, it was time to say goodbye. I packed my backpack and had breakfast at a coffee shop called Cafe Frei, which offers perfect coffee from various countries. There are several Cafe Frei locations throughout the city, and they are definitely worth trying. In addition to the cappuccino, on Friday, I tried the Beduin espresso, which is the typical Turkish espresso.

Unfortunately, I had forgotten that my return flight to Copenhagen was not at 3:00 PM but rather at 4:25 PM. So, I arrived at the airport with over three and a half hours to spare, when I could have spent the morning relaxing by the pool or visiting more of the city's attractions.

In conclusion, Budapest is a city that requires a minimum of three days to see its most famous sights. However, it is essential to return multiple times to fully experience the city's historical and modern aspects. Budapest is a city of contrasts and richness, both tough and romantic at the same time.

Given the hot weather, I chose to visit only one famous thermal bath as I wouldn't have fully enjoyed the regenerative effects of the waters. In fact, it would have drained the energy that I needed for exploring the city.

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