Live Your Best Lives
Before I visited Budapest, all my emotional fluctuations about it came from three things: Petofi's "I Would Be a Torrent," which extols the steadfastness of love; Liszt's passionately romantic "Dream of Love"; and the film "Budapest Love."
Especially the beautiful heroine in the movie, the always gloomy and sad sky, and the heartbreaking song "Gloomy Sunday", all of which make me want to visit this city.
As the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, my first impression of this city is one of luxury. The massive, magnificent buildings, the intricate carvings, the wide streets, the orange-yellow old-fashioned trams, the turquoise-blue Danube River—all speak of its former glory.
Budapestcheck the details
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is the country's major political, commercial, and transportation center, as well as its largest city. A renowned ancient European city, Budapest lies in the north-central part of the country, nestled on both sides of the middle Danube River. Originally two cities separated by a vast distance, it expanded over centuries before being formed in 1873 by the merger of Buda and Gubuda on the left bank of the Danube, and Pest on the right. Known as the "Paris of Eastern Europe" and the "Pearl of the Danube," Budapest was once called the "quietest city in the world" by the French. Budapest's most important attractions are located along the Danube. On the Buda side of the west bank, atop a steep, rocky hill, stand the Freedom Monument and the Castle. At the foot of the hill lies the Gellert Baths, and downstream from it lies the main building of the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. North of the castle, on the hill, stands Buda Castle, which today houses the National Library, the Hungarian National Gallery, and the City Museum. Sandor Palace, adjacent to the castle, serves as the residence of the Hungarian President.
5981 recommendations, 4663 visits
The Parliament Building, located on the Danube River in Pest, is a breathtakingly magnificent structure. Its brick-red dome and spire, a blend of Gothic, Baroque, and postmodern styles, are said to be modeled after the Houses of Parliament in London.
Under the scorching sun during the day, it looks solemn and majestic; at sunset, the entire building is dyed amber by the afterglow, revealing a rare gentleness and romance; at night, the entire building is immersed in a sea of bright lights, and cruise ships are still traveling on the quiet Danube River at its feet, facing the Castle Hill, which is also wrapped in gorgeous lights, across the river, and the magnificent scene of the former empire is in full view.
The Danube River divides this romantic city into two parts: Pest on the left bank and Buda on the right bank.
The majestic Chain Bridge, the gray-white Elisabeth Bridge and the dark green Liberty Bridge combine this glorious memory into one (these are the three most famous bridges in the city center. In fact, there are 9 bridges on the Danube River in Budapest).
The Chain Bridge, the first bridge over the Danube connecting Buda and Pest, offers a stunning view of the surrounding scenery. Cruise ships of all sizes pass beneath, their white foam swaying as seagulls flit. On a clear day, the Danube shimmers in a faint turquoise, creating a breathtaking spectacle. At night, the Chain Bridge takes on a new kind of splendor, ablaze with lights and dazzling brilliance.
Cross the Chain Bridge and take the small cable car to reach Castle Hill.
This is an excellent all-round view of the entire city of Pest, with a panoramic view of the Danube, Chain Bridge, Liberty Bridge, Elizabeth Bridge, and the picturesque view of the Parliament Building.
Castle Hill is the earliest old town in Budapest. It is like a huge museum that carries the development history of the city of Budapest. Several iconic attractions are gathered here, including Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church, and Princess Sissi's favorite Buda Palace.
The Buda Palace, majestically situated on Castle Hill, was once the palace of the Hungarian royal family. Yes, it was the palace where Princess Sissi (Queen Elisabeth) lived.
Although it was damaged during World War II and bullet holes can still be seen in many places, its magnificent architectural style cannot be concealed in the slightest. Currently, the Royal Palace has been converted into the Budapest History Museum, the National Library and the National Gallery, and is open to the public.
The romantic tenderness that a beautiful and lively river brings to a city is beyond words. As a "pearl" on the Danube, it is a city that Princess Sissi loved all her life.
Budapest's romantic temperament and endless charm are like a mellow and fragrant coffee, with a subtle aroma that drifts leisurely, making people want to keep sipping it, and never wanting to get enough.
Fisherman's Bastion is not a castle, but a defensive fortress. It is said that during ancient wars, local fishermen risked their lives to protect this place, so people named it Fisherman's Bastion in memory of these fishermen.
The whitewashed buildings, in neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque styles, are a breathtaking sight. There are several cafes and restaurants beneath the stands, where it's truly beautiful to relax in a chair on the bridge's porch, enjoying the sunset while holding a cup of coffee.
This is not only a popular landmark but also a favorite place for locals to stroll. It's said to be the most popular place for first kisses among locals, so if you're here with your loved one, be sure to take a kissing photo.
This church with a long history has gone through many storms, damage and reconstruction, and was even converted into a mosque at one point, but in the end it presented us with such a magnificent and exquisite architectural treasure.
The colorful tiles covering the roof of the building are particularly exquisite, with Hugo calling it a "symphony of stone." The carvings on the top of the bell tower and the arches are truly gorgeous and beautiful, showing its solemnity and tenderness whether in the afterglow of the sunset or in the hazy night.
This is a pair of romantic "couple bridges". The Elizabeth Bridge is named after Queen Elizabeth (Princess Sissi), and the green Liberty Bridge on the other side is to commemorate her husband (Franz Joseph I).
Compared to the Chain Bridge, the Elisabeth Bridge lacks the grandeur of its design. Its off-white exterior accentuates its softness and tranquility, reminiscent of the beauty of Princess Sissi's home. The original bridge was destroyed by bombing during World War II, and the current new bridge was renovated in 1964.
The Liberty Bridge is a very beautiful green, especially when the yellow tram passes by, the collision of the two wonderful colors brings visual enjoyment.
Budapest is known as the "city floating on hot springs," and how can you miss experiencing the hot springs when you visit? Speaking of Hungarians' pursuit of ultimate architectural beauty, they also include thermal baths.
The Széchenyi Baths boasts a magnificent neo-Baroque building surrounding a large outdoor hot spring pool. Inside, there are about a dozen different pools and saunas, making it easy to get lost in a maze. The interior is elegant and antique, with a beautiful Baroque dome.
I love the outdoor bathing area, especially at night when the lights are on and the steaming mist is particularly romantic. Unfortunately, the indoor hot spring circulation system is not good enough and the water in the pool is quite turbid.
Tips:
You need to bring your own slippers, swimsuit and bath towel. You can bring your mobile phone to take photos. The basic ticket price is 5,500 welfare/person, with no time limit. Other items are more expensive.
The name of the store, New York Palace, is as stunning as it is magnificent. The dark red marble columns, the exquisite ceiling murals, the intricately carved gold reliefs... every detail displays its elegance and splendor, truly like a palace.
They serve exquisite desserts as well as modified versions of Hungarian specialties, probably to cater to the tastes of tourists from all over the world.
As for the desserts, they looked very delicate, but the taste was not amazing. However, with the live classical music, the experience was perfect.
If you ask me what the most captivating sights in this city are, I'll undoubtedly answer: Budapest at night. Whether it's the bustling streets, the ever-flowing rivers and bridges, the majestic castle towers, or the bustling night markets and bars... every scene is captivating and romantic, tender and affectionate. Budapest at night is like a bright and charming young woman, yet possessing the innocence of a young girl.
If you look out from the Fisherman's Bastion, the night is dark and the lights are flickering. The Parliament Building is like a dazzling bead inlaid on the Danube River, which flows slowly like silk.
If you walk from the Chain Bridge, the Capitol Building, glittering with gold, looks like a jeweled lady, and the cruise ships with twinkling lights slowly pass under her skirt.
The majestic Chain Bridge, less noisy than during the day, has a softness that makes one want to get closer. The yellow trams pass by, making the bridge tremble. Returning passengers simply get off the tram halfway and slowly walk home across the bridge.
The evening breeze of late spring, with a little coolness, passes through the hair, through the clothes, rubbing against the ears, tenderly and affectionately, passing through the hearts that want to be comforted.
This is a painful mark on Budapest, a memorial to the Jews persecuted and killed in the city during World War II. Among the dozens of pairs of shoes left on the shore, one or two are children's shoes... More than 70 years ago, a large number of Hungarian Jews were driven to the Danube River and forced to remove their shoes. After the terrifying sound of gunfire, these shoes were the only ones left on the shore.
These shoes, which can be sold on the black market and squeezed out for every last bit of profit, are more valuable than human lives. Today, people come here to place candles and flowers in the shoes as a token of their deepest condolences.
Liberty Hill is the highest point in central Budapest, crowned by the Statue of Liberty. The statue was created by a renowned Hungarian sculptor for political reasons during the Soviet occupation. Originally called the Statue of Liberty, it symbolized the Soviet Red Army's liberation of Hungary. Ironically, the "liberator" later became the "occupier."
After the Soviet army withdrew from Hungary, the Hungarian people advocated the destruction of the statue, but considering that the Statue of Liberty had become a tourist attraction in Budapest, they later simply removed the Soviet bronze statue on the base and renamed it the Statue of Liberty.
Tips:
Although it is a mountain, it is not too high and climbing is not difficult. You must wear a pair of comfortable shoes.
If you only appreciate the romance and beauty of a city but fail to experience its unique local customs and people, then it is definitely not lovely.
Listen to a flash mob classical music concert at the small square downstairs, queue up at a locals' favorite restaurant, secretly snap a few photos of pretty girls, ride the sleek "Little Yellow Railway" to experience the daily lives of ordinary Perth residents, go treasure hunting in the streets and alleys, wander around the bars and night markets, and shop at the largest local vegetable market...
The local customs and flavors of Budapest add a lot of down-to-earth and warm atmosphere to the city.
Budapest has the second oldest subway line in Europe - Line 1, which has only about four or five carriages, each with only 16 seats. It does not have the iron handles that we commonly see in modern subways, but rather very retro cowhide rings. The stations are also antique, small and very special.
Amidst the greenery, the "little yellow iron" slowly moves across the Chain Bridge. The heavy clattering sound replays the scenes of the last century, the picturesque scenery on both sides of the Danube, and passes through the bustling streets.
This movie-like scene made me feel like I was riding in a time machine, traveling through this equally ancient city, looking for the prosperity of the former vast empire and exploring the human nature of the city.
If I were to recommend a European city to visit with my parents, I would first recommend Budapest. Not only because of its rich history, small size and slow pace of life, but also because the food here suits our taste very well.
Let me recommend a few restaurants that we really liked this time, including affordable, mid-range and high-end ones.
The restaurant encloses one side of the Fisherman's Bastion, with the lower part being the restaurant and the other part being the bar, while seats are set up on the open corridor on the other side for people to enjoy the scenery, drink coffee or have afternoon tea.
The first floor is the dining hall. Going up the narrow spiral staircase leads to a series of circular semi-open private rooms. An oversized retro crystal chandelier hangs in the middle of the restaurant.
The menu is mainly traditional Hungarian, with some modified dishes, but the taste is excellent. The price is a bit high. Excluding the live music, we spent about 120 euros. Although this price is expensive in Budapest, the wonderful night view and amazing dishes are still worth it.
Tips:
Although the restaurant doesn't have a dress code, we observed that most of the guests that night were dressed formally, especially the locals, who were wearing suits or dresses. As a tourist, while formal attire isn't convenient, try not to wear shorts, flip-flops, T-shirts, or jeans into the restaurant.
📌The service charge here is compulsory, just like in the UK, and is included directly in the bill, so you don't have to pay a tip separately.
📍Address 1014 Budapest, Hess András tér 1. Hungary
Our private room has a great view, a wonderful night view, and you can make specific requests when booking.
I really like liver dishes, so before coming to Budapest, I was very interested in this internet-famous restaurant because its most popular signature dish is roasted duck liver (so try to make a reservation in advance, otherwise you will have to wait a long time).
The roast duck liver is so delicious and tender, and it tastes very rich when paired with cherry sauce. I highly recommend it!
The Lebanese grilled lamb chops are also recommended. I also recommend trying their homemade elderflower soda and lavender soda.
Tips:
Average price per person: ¥80-¥120
📍Address Liszt Ferenc ter 2, Budapest 1061, Hungary
This restaurant serves affordable and authentic Hungarian food. It is located in the city center, close to Bar Street. It is a very cost-effective restaurant that serves traditional Hungarian cuisine. Many locals go there to eat. Although the storefront is small, you need to queue up to eat.
You must order Hungary’s national dish, “Beef Soup”. Although it is very similar to our potato goulash, the taste is surprising.
I also recommend pairing it with the local specialty rice, which tastes a bit like brown rice, but is more chewy. I like it very much.
Tips:
Per person: around ¥50.
📍Address Október 6. u. 22-10, Budapest, 1051 Hungary
The temperature in March and April is relatively suitable. Generally, it is enough to wear long-sleeved clothes and prepare a coat, but you must also take sun protection measures.
Summer, from May to August, is hot and sunny, and many of Budapest's attractions are outdoors. However, after sunset, the weather becomes more comfortable, with a cool breeze and a pleasant temperature.
It rains a lot in autumn and winter, so traveling may not be very convenient. However, the cold and gloomy weather, combined with such a tragic city, can also be regarded as a kind of travel mood.
Therefore, try to choose a time that suits you. Because the weather is good in spring and summer, there are more tourists and many attractions require queuing.
Hungary is a Schengen country, so you can enter with a visa from any Schengen country.
Regarding visa applications, it is recommended to start 1 to 2 months in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
The currency of Hungary is Forint, and the exchange rate is approximately 1 Forint = 0.0024 RMB.
We can exchange forints directly in London, at post offices and some large supermarkets. You can exchange euros in China and then exchange them for local currency in Budapest. There are many places in the city where you can exchange currency, but it's best not to exchange money at the airport, as the exchange rate is not very good.
Since the attractions we wanted to visit were mostly in the city center, we primarily searched for accommodations in the first district and ultimately booked the Mira Luxury Apartment. The apartment has a fantastic location, about 300 meters from the Parliament Building, with Freedom Square just downstairs and St. Stephen's Basilica less than 500 meters away. The Danube River and the Chain Bridge are a mere five or six minutes' walk (about 900 meters). Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion are less than 1.3 kilometers away, a half-hour walk away.
This apartment is hidden in an art museum. It was built in 1903 and is a very unique Secessionist-style building. The floors of the apartment are separated from the museum, so it is very interesting to visit the museum as soon as you go out. This is what attracted us the most at the beginning.
🌈Surrounding facilities: There is a supermarket, pharmacy, cafe downstairs, and there is also a market nearby for buying vegetables. Across Freedom Square is a street of bars and restaurants. It is also very close to the subway station (Kossuth Square Station) and bus stops.
🚇Address: Mira & Spicy Luxury apartment, Honvéd utca 3, 1054, Budapest, Hungary
💰Price: The studio we booked is £65/night, which is about RMB 590. You can check other room types and prices on booking.com.
The room is decorated very warmly and is fully equipped with a TV, kitchen (without range hood), hairdryer, toiletries, and there is also a parking space downstairs.
Tips:
1. This apartment is very popular, so it is better to book it two months in advance to be safer.
2. The open kitchen does not have a range hood, so you can only cook some food by steaming or boiling.
3. The bathroom is open, and if it is winter, there will be some steam in the room after taking a shower.
4. The heating is not very hot. If you are afraid of the cold, tell the landlord in advance to prepare an extra quilt.
5. The museum in the building where the apartment is located exhibits contemporary furniture, decorations and paintings, and often hosts art events. For details, please visit the official website: www.magyarszecessziohaza.hu
I strongly recommend taking public transportation. Budapest is not a very big city, and transportation is very convenient. There are 4 subway lines, and the bus and tram lines are also very developed. We walked to many attractions, which was very convenient.
Budapest has a ticket pass, which costs 350 forints for a single ticket and 3,000 forints for ten tickets. You can buy it at the machine after leaving the airport, and there are instructions in Chinese and English.
⚠️ Note
1. This type of ticket cannot be used for the airport bus and you need to purchase another ticket for 900 forints.
2. Some friends have encountered scammers. When buying tickets on the machine, a scammer came to exchange money with you, and you ended up being cheated. So everyone should be vigilant.
Recommended destinations in Budapest:
