Budapest – forever in love with You

 

#WHY I LOVE BUDAPEST

I am the happiest person to call Budapest as my HOME. So why I love living here?

Because of the beautiful architecture we have, because of the sunrises you can watch from the castle area and the sunsets you can see from Normafa, because of the peaceful early morning runs I can have at Margaret island, because of all the fun nights I have spent in the great ruin pubs we have in Budapest. Because of the best breakfast spots all around Europe, because it is at the same time a smaller European capital city, but big enough to do anything you want. Because of the not too many, but definitely great and unique Hungarian fashion designer brands, because of the night walks at Bem rakpart with the magical nightlights around.

BUT! First of all, because of the people! There is this eastern European directness combined with a sometimes moody, but always helpful heart!

Words can not tell how much I love to live here and how much I am grateful to call this place my home!

 

#WHEN TO GO

Come anytime, you will find the way to enjoy the city – I guarantee.

My favorite season is spring with the best weather for sightseeing – no doubt. You can not miss a walk at Toth Arpad setany when all the flowers and trees are in bloom. During summer, days can be really hot – temperate can hit even 40 C degrees, while winter days are usually between -5 C and + 5 C degrees during daylight.

 

#WHAT TO SEE

My heart would say immediately: do not leave before seeing everything :), but I know most of you will come for few days, so I have tried to collect my favorite places for you.

 

Fisherman Bastion and the Area of the Buda Castle 

I believe this must be a number one destination if you visit Budapest. Not just because of the insane panoramic view, which can be enjoyed from Fisherman Bastion, but because this place immediately brings you to a fairy tale – thanks to the magical towers and surroundings; and you can easily feel yourself as a princess (or a prince 🙂 ).
Never miss to go into the Mathias Church or to take a walk at Toth Arpad setany and watch either a sunset or a sunrise from there.

Useful tip for IG fans: to take a good picture without many tourist, you need to arrive before 8 AM. This place is open all year around, day and night.

Buda Castle sits on the top of the Castle district, which is famous for its medieval and baroque houses and churches. The castle itself is a pretty attractive building, but you will love the most the picturesque view, which you can have to Pest side.  The Hungarian National Gallery is moved to Buda Castle in 1975, so you can visit many great exhibitions too. Find the actual exhibitions and collections on the following link: http://mng.hu/visit/altalanos_informaciok_en

There are more ways to reach the castle, you can take a gentle walk or use the funny Buda Castle Funicular. Check the actual schedule on the following link:

https://www.bkv.hu/en/en/buda_castle_funicular_

 

The Castle Garden

It was built between 1875 and 1883. After several years of blooming it was shut down in 1984 and it needed to wait till 2011 for its full reconstruction. Today it is shining again in its original beauty. It holds several classical music events, but during summer time it is working as an open-air cinema too. Here you can find the link for the actual events: https://www.varkertbazar.hu/index.php/en/events?y=2018&w=29

 

Citadella

Citadella is located upon the Gellert hill, and was working as a fortress. This place hold strategic importance in Budapest’s military history. Another great place to visit for a panoramic view.

 

Clark Adam square

At Clark Adam square there is a tunnel in front of Chain Bridge, where you can walk up. It is a special place in my heart, when I was a teenager, I often go up here and was starring the busy roads and people how they are passing through the Chain Bridge.

 

Normafa

If You want to have a great picnic with a view, this is your place. I used to have Saturday afternoons spent here with my picnic basket full of great stuff and board game.

 

Elisabeth Bridge, Margaret Bridge, Chain Bridge, Freedom Bridge

You should visit all of them. I can not even decide which one is my favorite. But the good thing is, that they are all very close to each other, so you can visit all of them. 🙂

 

Saint Stephen Basilica

The street and its square in front of the basilica are my favorite in the city. It has an amazing vibe with its monumental size and view to the church. Do not miss to go in and then to go up and take as many pictures as you want 🙂 It is simply stunning.

Parliament and the shoes at Danube bank

I guess no explanation is needed why you should see the house of Parliament.

However if you are there, do not forget to visit the shoes on the Danube Promenade. Approximately 20,000 Jews were brutally shot along the banks of the Danube River. The victims were forced to remove their shoes at gunpoint and face their executioner before they were shot without mercy. These shoes are a haunting tribute to this horrific time in history, created by the film director Can Togay and the sculptor, Gyula Pauer.

 

Budapest’s thermal baths

Budapest is often called as “the city of spas”. Indeed this city has several natural amazing and healing warm spas. The two most famous ones are Szechenyi thermal bath and Gellert thermal bath. In case you want to visit a less touristic one I suggest you to check the following link out, it is a great page about all our baths in Budapest, however no matter which one you choose, Szechenyi should be on your list :).

http://www.bathsbudapest.com/

 

Vajdahunyad Castle and the City Park

 

Lupa Beach

Just a 15 minutes drive from the city center with palm trees, Mexican vibes and sandy beach! Definitely a must experience during summer time.

#WHERE TO EAT

 

Having the best breakfast in town

Rojt es Bojt kaveskucko – a small coffee spot with a vibe of a french boudoir and the most friendly staff ever. They have the most amazing bagels too, do not miss to try it 😉

https://www.facebook.com/rojtesbojtkaveskucko/

Villa Bagatelle -one of the best ones at Buda side. They have a pretty garden, where you can enjoy your breakfast like you were having picnic 🙂 Such a great idea!

http://villa-bagatelle.com/

Zoska – small place with a lots of young people in a vivid and colorful style. I love their smoothies and scrammbeld egg 🙂

http://www.zoska.hu/

 

 

Best pubs and restaurants

High Note Skybar – if you want to conquer a rooftop bar in Budapest

http://highnoteskybar.hu/en/

MOST bisztro – if you are looking for the best ruin pub

http://www.mostbisztro.hu/

Shanghai Splier – if you are staying at the area of Gozsdu udvar and want to have Asian food

http://spilerbp.hu/shanghai/en

Cafe Kör – in case you would like to have a great diner in the heart of the city

Borbirosag – if you would like to combine exceptional food and great wines

http://en.borbirosag.com/

Drop Shop or Divino – to taste our great wines

http://dropshop.hu/nyito.php?agecheck=ok&lang_id=2; http://divinoborbar.hu/en/

Chez Dodo – if you are as big macaron lover as me

http://www.chezdodo.hu/home

Terv Presszo – if you are looking for the great Hungarian cuisine

 

 

Sooo…. I hope it was not too long and I certainly do hope, that once you had the possibility to taste this city, you will close it into your heart and you will leave with an intention to come back as soon as possible.

 

Sincerely,

The Macaron Girl