Beautiful Budapest

Hi Everyone,

Today we are going to visit Budapest, Hungary. The first time I visited Budapest was during the time when Hungary was becoming independent from the Soviet Union and the country was in much turmoil. A few years ago, I revisited the city and found it had become one of the most stunning cities in Europe. Since that time I have returned to this lovely place at least twice more on river cruises.

The beautiful architecture, spectacular views, majestic mountains, incredible history, warm-hearted people, and the stunning Danube River make it a fantastic place to explore. Budapest is often called the Paris of the East because of its wonderful art and culture. Located at the center of the Carpathian Basin it is not far from Vienna, Prague, and Warsaw. Budapest offers many wonderful sightseeing gems for visitors.

The Hungarians arrived in the Budapest region in the 9th Century from central Asia. Budapest has gone through enormous changes over the centuries with various rulers to emerge as a major metropolitan center. Buda, Obuda, and Pest were united in 1873. Buda is the site of the 13-Century Buda Castle, home of Hungarian kings for almost 7 centuries. Pest is the center of commerce, entertainment, and shopping. The Danube River runs through the middle and is the entrance or exit of most river cruises. Budapest is the capital of Hungary.

Do and See

Parliament

A must see for any trip to Budapest is the Parliament completed in 1904, the most prominent landmark of Hungary. There are almost 700 rooms in the Parliament that can be visited.

The Hungarian Parliament provides insight into Hungary’s political and historical past. Originally, an independent state, it became part of the Austro-Hungarian empire to World War I, after World War ll it became a Soviet Satellite state until 1990. Hungarian politics are diverse and the history is rich.

Heroes's Square, St. Stephens Basilica, and the Great Synagogue

There are so many more historical memorials and sites in Budapest than can be included here. Heroes’ Square is one of the most important monuments in Hungary and features sculptures of the Seven Chieftains who are believed to have led the Hungarian people from central Asia to settle in the Carpathian Basin and prominent rulers of Hungary. St Stephens Basilica is one of the most important religious buildings in Hungary. It is home to the mummified hand of the first King of Hungary, St. Stephen. The Great Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe built in 1859. In the Garden you can see the weeping willow memorial.

Buda Castle

The first Buda Castle built in the 13th century was located on the south side of Castle Hill to provide protection from attacks by Mongols and Tartars. The castle was badly damaged in WWII, but much of the exterior has since been fully restored. The Buda Castle is open to the public and you can visit the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, and the Széchenyi National Library. Museums dedicated to music, military history, pharmacy (in the first pharmacy in Budapest), and the life of Houdini are also found here. There are spectacular views of the city from this site.

Did you know that underneath the Buda Castle there are caves which date back to prehistoric times? Count Dracula was supposed to have been imprisoned here. You can tour these caves.

Thermal Baths an Spas

Budapest is world famous for its beautiful thermal baths and spas. The first (Rudas) was built in the 16th century. These wonderful baths and spas have flourished in Budapest because of the wealth of thermal springs that crisscross underneath the city. There are at least 15 public thermal baths in Budapest located in stunning areas with wonderful architecture.

Shopping, Food and Night Life

This city has become a shopper's dream. It is the fashion center of the region and has something for everyone from high fashion to flea markets.

The Grand Market near the Danube has all kinds of Hungarian food classics like sausages, Hungarian wines, and paprika. The second floor sells handmade items from all over Hungary such as linens, clothing, dolls, glassware, purses, etc. I love this market and have purchased many things here.

There has been a culinary revolution in Budapest in the last few years. New restaurants, bistros, and street food places with great food have been opening on every corner. Night life has exploded. Classical, folk, and popular music as well as theater all flourish in Budapest.

Best Time to Visit

March to June and September to November are the best times to visit Budapest.