Top Five Things To Do While In Budapest

5: Hero Square/Parliament

I have a tie for 5th place, I could not choose one. Hero Square is just simply breath taking. Located  at the end of one of the most Beautiful avenues in Europe Andrassy Ut. Surrounded by embassy and lush buildings. It is also the entrance to city park. It is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is also where the tomb of the unknown soldier is located. The square makes you feel small and insignificant. You can feel the weight of Hungarian history as the statues of the seven leaders who found Hungary look down on you.   Parliament is an amazing piece of architecture. It a massive building located next to the Danube. One thing that many travelers might miss, is the amazing court yard in front of the parliament. Where you can seat down and admire this amazing building, as the hustle and bustle of everyday life  pass you by.

4: Castle Hill

Castle Hill, is one most centrally located tourist spots in all of Budapest. With Buda Castle at the top of the hill, and next to  the president's house, and a short walk away from Fisherman's Bastion, and St Matthias. You can pack a lot of site seeing, in a couple of hours. Plus the view from the Castle, of the Pest side of the city is just amazing.

3: Spa Baths

Budapest is known for its Many thermal baths. The two most well know are Gellert Baths and Szechenyi Thermal Baths. But there are countless Thermal Baths in the city. Most of them offer  a day in the baths,  food, and sauna, and massages, for a really great price, around 15 USD. Its a great way to relax with withs, while surounded by great architecture, locals, and  a relaxing atmosphere.

2: Walking along the Danube

What more can be said about walking along the Danube. It is a once in life time experience. It is great to walk around the river, and see hungarians interacting with the river. The Danube is still a part of everyday live in Hungary. You can see locals fishing or meeting each other for a date. Also some of the most important land marks are located next to the river, or close by. The parliament, Buda Hill, Margaret Island. Fisherman's Bastion, Chain Bridge, are all close to or next to the river.

1: Ruin Bars

Ruin Bars are bars that are located in run down or semi-destroyed buildings. The buildings were considered useless, and unable to house people.  Most of the Ruin Bars are located in court yards, of those buildings.  Ruin Bars are one of the best ways, to spend a night in Budapest. The drinks are cheap and atmosphere is great. They serve from fine scotch, to a local favorite Shrek. (three parts wine, two parts soda, one part kiwi liqueur) It just a fun way to spend the night, make new friends, meet locals, and forget about your problems.

Review On My Days In Budapest

As you have seeing in the pictures I have posted, Budapest is an amazing city. During my trip through Europe I visited Budapest twice. The pictures in my previous posts are from the fisrt time I visited the city. This first time I spent 4 amazing days exploring the city. When I arrived in the city, I had the fortune of meeting Beth, while I was checking to my hostel. It was great to be able to make a friend right away. I spent the first day. In Budapest exploring the Buda side of the city with Beth. The next day, I ventured out on my own. I went on a great walking tour of the city, Which I would highly recommend.  Walking tours are a great way to see a city, if you have a limited amount of time, and a small budget. (Most walking tours are tip based) On Saturday I spent the day with my new friends Beth, Chelsea, and Angus. Exploring the city. On my last day after a really fun night out, hanging out in Budapest famous ruin bars. I visited the famous Gellert Baths and Spa's. A real treat, and a great way to unwind from a late night out. Then I was off on train to my next destation Prague.

The Lobby At Gellert Baths (1)

The lobby At The Gellert Baths (3)

The Effervescent Pool At The Gellert Thermal Baths (2)

St. Matthias Church

Built in 1015 in Romanesque style St. Matthias towers over Buda. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of Budapest. Used for coronation and major events since it was built. 

Me and Beth

A lot of people wondered and questioned, why I was travelling by myself. Most people believed I was just going to wander around by myself, like a weird loner. But that was not the case. My first time in Budapest, I met Three amazing people (from Left to Right Beth, Angus and Chelsea) I first met Beth,  literally seconds After I had checked in. She was also in the same room. A quick hello, how are you, where are you from, was a enough to build a friendship. For the rest of that day we wondered around Budapest, talking and getting to know each other. She was a seasoned traveler, who was willing to give me a lot tips. Two days later, I was siting in the lobby of the hostel and a saw a girl reading a brochure about a tour I had being on earlier in the day. I made a quick comment and we started a conversion. That's how a met Chelsea. A couple of minutes later I met  her boyfriend Angus, who joined  us, and we hit it off. The next day which was when the picture was taken. The four of us hung out for the whole day. I  got to learn a lot more about them. They are truly some of nicest  people I have ever met. They where willing to share about their lives and their interests  with me. Being able to walk around Budapest with such good company was one the highlights of my trip.  It was simple  interaction that led me to make friends half way across the world. Just by being open minded and willing to engage and interact with others. Meeting people is truly one of the best things about travelling.    

Selfie

Crow With A Golden Seed Statue

The View From the Pest Side Of The Danube

Me On The Roof Of St. Stephen's Basilica

The View From The Steeple Of St. Stephen's Basilica (2)

The Staircase Up To The Steeple Of St. Stephen's Basilica

The View From The Steeple Of St. Stephen's Basilica (1)

A Boat On The Danube

Akvárium klub

Akvárium Klub is a bar  located  under the reflection pool. It is used as meeting point for Budapest youth.  Due to the fact of its central location and near a skate park. During the weekends the the area around the reflection pool is full of young people just hanging out and drinking. During the week days, locals and tourists deep there feet in the reflection pool to cool down.

Sziget Eye Belvaros

Sziget Eye Belvaros, is a ferris wheel they is put up ever summer to promote the Sziget Festival.

The Hungarian Academy Of Sciences

The Hungarian Academy Of Science was found in 1825. 

Thumbs Up At St. Stephen's Basilica