Budapest was one of the cities on my bucket list, and I finally managed to visit on May 21, 2024. After arriving at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, I went directly to my booked accommodation. I had planned to take a walk in the evening, but it was so rainy with lots of lightning that I decided to have dinner and then return to my room to rest.
On May 22, I started the day bright and early. I walked to the Hungarian Parliament Building, but there was some rain, which thankfully stopped quickly. I then walked to the Margit Bridge via Olimpia Park. After crossing the bridge to the other side, I visited the Fisherman’s Bastion. It was such a beautiful area, and I took some pictures there. I also visited Matthias Church and the Hospital in the Rock. After that, I explored the Labyrinth and visited Buda Castle, where I saw the Fountain of King Matthias. I continued my walk to the Buda Castle Tunnel and Clark Ádám tér.
Next, I crossed the Széchenyi Chain Bridge and walked to St. Stephen’s Basilica. I also visited Elizabeth Square, Vörösmarty tér, and Váci utca. I admired the Klotild Palaces and the Párisi Passage Restaurant, which had a lovely view of the building. Afterward, I visited the Budapest University Library and went inside as well. My day continued with a visit to Károlyi Garden and the Hungarian National Museum. I then walked to the Central Market Hall, which was enormous. After that, I passed by the Liberty Bridge and walked to the Citadella. I visited Gellért Hill, where I saw the charming Prince of Buda and Princess of Pest monument. I took some more pictures and then walked down to Erzsébet Bridge. My day ended with visits to Szimpla Kert, the Dohány Street Synagogue, and Gozsdu Court.
The next day, May 23, I started by visiting Margaret Island, a refreshing park area in the city. Later that day, I went to Nyugati Pályaudvar (Nyugati Station) and passed by the Franz Liszt Memorial Museum and the House of Terror. I continued my walk to Heroes’ Square, where I admired many monuments and landmarks, including the Millennium Monument, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden, Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Gatehouse Tower, and Vajdahunyad Castle in the city park, as well as the Museum of Ethnography. The Gatehouse Tower and the castle looked stunning, and I took many photos. Afterward, I returned to my room because it started raining again. I took the subway and, in the evening, visited the New York Café, which is advertised as the most beautiful café in the world. I loved the atmosphere and location there.
On May 24, I visited Gül Baba’s Tomb and Rose Garden. The roses in the garden were beautiful, and there was also a museum, which I visited. Later that day, I traveled to Szentendre, a town close to Budapest, using the train.
On my last day, May 25, I spent the morning visiting the Hungarian State Opera and St. Stephen’s Basilica. I sat around there, enjoying some coffee. The area was quite crowded, and the weather was nice. In the afternoon, I took a bus to the airport and returned to the UK.
