Wanderlusting in Budapest

Buda castle and Chain bridge at night 

Someone once told me Budapest was crowded and dirty. From the Jewish quarter in the Pest area where we stayed, I can understand why that would be the impression. Still, there are some parts of Pest which had their own charm—the magnificent Parliament building is in this area. The Buda area on the other side of the Danube, however, was the one which surpassed all expectations. It was quite beautiful especially at night.

Here are my must-see’s and do’s in Budapest:

• Thermal Baths—we went to the Lukacs Thermal Baths, which was not very touristy (so not as pretty) and was included in the Budapest Card that we got. These baths have been in existence since the time of the crusades. This was one of the most relaxing experiences for us and something we could do again and again. The lockers were co-ed/mixed so hubby and I got to go together. The place was a maze but we managed to find the indoor pools (the outdoor pools required swim caps). Bring your own towels and slippers so you don’t have to rent these at the baths.

The pools were marked according to temperature—22 (immersion pool), 32, 36 and 40 degrees. I loved the 36-degree pool and I found it the most relaxing. Hubby liked going in the 40, then dipping in the 22. Those temperatures were too extreme for me.  The baths are said to be medicinal with waters containing minerals that help cure a myriad of illnesses. Some visitors, after successful recovery, have placed marble plaques along the walls. The baths did wonders for our jet lag and our aches and pains. We wished we had time for at least one more trip!

Lukacs thermal baths in Budapest

Lukacs thermal baths in Budapest

•  Buda area—this was the most beautiful area for us. While we walked the Castle district back and forth a few times, the Buda Castle shuttle did help us get around (we no longer took the funicular going up). 

one of the many beautiful structures in Buda side, Budapest

• The Matthias church with its glaze-tiled roof and the Fisherman’s Bastion behind were really striking. 

Matthias Church, Budapest

Fisherman's Bastion, Budapest

• Of course, the Buda castle which houses the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum, was the grandest structure there.  We squeezed in 1-2 hours each in the gallery and museum and went on a 2-hour walking tour. 

Buda Castle, Budapest

Going down this castle on a hill, we crossed the Chain bridge, connecting the Buda and Pest areas. As the sun set, the buildings were lit. It was the most beautiful panorama I have seen. Actually, it has become my favourite.

Chain Bridge, Budapest

• Pest area—as I said, this has its own charm. Here you can find the Hungarian Parliament building which was so beautiful, all other seats of government structures that I have seen paled in comparison. We didn’t have a lot of time but the tour in the Hungarian Parliament came recommended. Tours were on different languages per time slot so if you miss English (it gets sold out), the only available times left to fit your sked may be in a different language.

the Hungarian Parliament Building from the Danube

It is also in this area where you can find the Great Synagogue (the largest synagogue in Europe and second largest in the world), 

Great Synagogue, Budapest

St Stephen’s Basilica, and several modern historical monuments/memorials such as the Communism monument and the Shoes on the Danube. 

Vigado in Budapest

St Stephen's Basilica, Budapest

Shoes on the Danube, Budapest

This city is definitely worth visiting.

Tip:

The Budapest card was worth it for us. We were able to use it for local transportation, museum admissions, walking tours, Buda castle shuttle, and the thermal baths.