Bubbly Budapest
My friend and I were looking for a rather inexpensive option for a trip over a handful of days in late August. We wanted to see something new, and since neither of us had been to Budapest, we decided that was gonna be our destination. When we travel together, we’re always looking to get a feel for our destination, sample the local food, go shopping, and see the sights.
Trip Recap
- Day 1: The AirBnB in central Budapest was convenient and we explored mostly on foot.
- Day 2: The breathtaking views from Fisherman's Bastion are worth the trek up the hill.
- Day 3: I explored the Central Market Hall and indulged in treats at The Box Donut.
- Day 4: Relaxing at Palatinus Strand on Magaret Island was a local gem to discover.
Highlights
The vibe of Budapest is fantastic. Iron curtain nightmares meet old spa town grandeur in palaces on every corner, beautiful views of the river and baths, and concrete monstrosities that bears witness to a bleaker time not too far away.
Our day in the bath was amazing. Seemed like we had struck gold and found a place that wasn’t a tourist trap, but a place where the citizens of Budapest would go to cool down and relax on a very warm August day.
With regards to food, I’m torn between the White Guide experience at MAK or the cinnamon rolls from Bite Bakery. I’ll never forget when I ordered that greasy, delightful fresh out-the-oven pastry and the girl behind the counter said: “Sorry it’s small, I give you two!!”. Needless to say, I brought one with me when I left.
Day 1
We stayed in a cheap and central AirBnB apartment, on a sidestreet to Andrássy út and since it was so central we ended up seeing most of the town on foot, however when we did use it the metro was convenient and efficient.
The House of Terror museum: this place is a chilling visit, but I think it’s important for all of us to remember that the freedoms we enjoy and sometimes take for granted today were not always a given. Many liberties of modern society were won with blood and tears by previous generations, and the House of Terror is an excellent display of what that battle looked like in Hungary. Well worth a visit, no matter if you’re a history buff or not.
The gourmet - Mak, https://mak.hu/en#home Go here for a superb gourmet dining experience, with a relaxed atmosphere! (Book in advance!)
Day 2
Fisherman’s Bastion: A beautiful old fortification, sitting majestically on a hilltop. The view over the river and the city center below is worth the trek up. There’s a lot to see in the area around the bastion as well, but just going up there and soaking up the sights and the atmosphere is fantastic as well.
St. Stephen’s Basilica: This amazing church is a mix of many different artistic styles, and will leave you hypnotized by patterns, glittering gold, marble, and polished wood. It’s probably not everyone’s style, but so worth a visit, just for the sheer overwhelm of color and textures.
The cinnamon rolls - Bite Bakery, a chain of cafés/bakeries we found all over Budapest, with awesome pastries, great coffee, and seating to rest your tired feet from tracking the city. Also, a safe bet for breakfast, if your accommodation doesn't include that. https://bitebakerycafe.hu/en/
Day 3
Central Market Hall: A mixture of souvenirs, traditional Hungarian crafts, food, flowers, and everyday necessities, the Central Market Hall is a great stop on any Budapest trip. I bought a couple of tablecloths, in the traditional Hungarian embroidery style, with beautiful vivid colors.
The ice cream sandwich - The Box Donut, cuteness, and tasty treats. https://www.instagram.com/theboxdonut/
Day 4
Palatinus Strand on Magaret Island: Magaret Island is a historical site in the middle of the river, and if we'd had more time, I would have loved to explore it further. On this trip, we just visited the Palatinus Strand outdoor baths and had a great time relaxing on a very hot August afternoon. A cheap and informal bath to visit, it was clear that most everyone there was locals, going to cool down after work or school. Well worth a visit, and kid-friendly too!
Anything you would add or do differently?
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I have regretted that we decided to be cheap and didn’t go to the New York Café for an afternoon tea. I’d like to remedy that at some point. Check the beautiful menu here: https://newyorkcafe.hu/en/cafe-menu/
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I’d also make sure to visit The Kiraly Bath next time I go to Budapest, that seems like it’d be an awesome experience.
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