Special Getaway To Budapest

Budapest, the capital of Hungary was officially created on 17 November 1873 with the unification of three neighboring cities: Buda, Obuda and Pest. The town spreads on the banks of the river Danube where Buda and Pest is divided into two areas. Today, Budapest is most commonly known as the city of two: Buda & Pest which were joined by bridges.

Difference between Buda & Pest

Geographic

Buda - Extends to the hills on the west bank of the Danube

Pest - On the left bank of the river in the lowlands

Vibe

Buda - A more historical side of the city where it is more quiet. Good for sightseeing where you can walk up to Gellert Hill that rises from the river bank to have a remarkable view of the whole city.

Pest - The more modern part of the city where you will see more metro, buses or cars. It is a more lively part of the city for night life.

Attractions

Buda - Buda Castle, Gellert Hill, Gellert Baths, Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church, St.Stephen's Basilica

Pest - Hungarian Parliament Building, Szechenyi Thermal Bath, Heroes Square, House of Terror, Jewish Museum, Opera House, Vajdahunyad Castle, New York Cafe
Our Itinerary in Budapest
Airbnb: Art Seven Apartment & Grand Suite

Where To Eat/ Drink: Street Food Karavan, Csendes Letterem, Cyrano, Duran Szendvics, Espresso Embassy, Fuego, Pampas Argentinian Steakhouse, Paneer, Pizzica, Sao, Splitza Kert

Some of the activities we did during this trip:

Climb up to Gellert Hill
Did our prewedding photoshoot at 6 Landmarks in Budapest
Morning run to Hungarian Parliament Building
Walk through the rain to enjoy thermal bath at Szechenyi Thermal Bath
Visit The Most Beautiful Cafe In The World, New York Cafe

BUDA Side

Hotel Gellert & Gellert Thermal Baths

At the foot of Gellert Hill, you will see the famous Hotel Gellert & Gellert Thermal Baths. Gellert Hotel is Hungary's 1st luxury hotel and one of the grandest spas in the city. It was built in 1918 in Art Nouveau Style which includes an open-air pool (which turns into a wave pool), an effervescent swimming pool, a Finnish sauna and a range of other saunas and plunge pools.

Gellert Hill

Gellert Hill is a 235 meter high dolomite rock rising from Danube, offering the best panoramic views with 8 bridges connecting Buda & Pest.

Chain Bridge - 1st permanent bridge bet. Buda & Pest completed in 1849
Margaret Bridge - 2nd permanent bridge built between 1872 and 1876
Liberty Bridge - 3rd and shortest bridge built in 1894
Elizabeth Bridge - 4th bridge completed in 1903
Megyeri Bridge - The longest bridge
Arpad Bridge - 2nd longest and busiest bridge
Petofi Bridge - Named after the revolutionary poet, Sandor Petofi
Lagymanyosi Bridge - Red toast rack is the most southern of all bridges

Citadella

Standing atop Gellert Hill is a a historic U-shaped fortress built by the Habsburg Empire in 1851. It was built as part of their strategy to take over Hungary and form the Austro-Hungarian empire, the Citadella remains a symbol of oppression as well as liberty. From Austrians to Nazis to Soviets, this historic Budapest fortress has a history as complex as the city itself.

Atop the fortress is The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of the Hungarian capital. A 14 meter female statue holding the palm leaf of victory that commemorates Hungary's liberation from the Nazi rule during WWII.
Left: A triumphant figure holding a 'torch' represents progress.
Right: An allegorical representation of evil, depicts a man fighting a mythical creature.

Buda Castle Hill Funicular

This funicular first opened in 1870 is the 2nd oldest funicular of its kind in the world. The funicular is the fastest way to get to the top of Castle Hill, and is exceedingly popular because of its panoramic views out across the Danube.

Fisherman's Bastion

Although the Fisherman's Bastion looks like a medieval monument, it was actually built in the early 20th century in a neo-Gothic style, specifically to act as a panoramic viewing platform across the Danube, Margaret Island and Pest. It is named after the Guild of Fishermen, which was responsible for defending that stretch of the city walls during the Middle Ages. Come at sunset to see a particularly beautiful view of the city.

View of Pest side and Hungarian Parliament Building from Fisherman's Bastion

Matthias Church

14th century Church named for King Mathhias who married here. Matthias Church is one of the finest churches in Budapest, and the most unique churches in Europe. Located atop the Buda Castle hill, it has been serving the citizens of the Buda Castle Hill since 1015, its foundation by the first Hungarian king.

The church was used as a coronation church by Hungarian kings for centuries, also a mosque for over 150 years by the Ottoman Turks, once owned by Franciscans, Jesuits, now a thriving Catholic church with holy masses, concerts, plenty of weddings visited by thousands of tourists.

PEST Side

Hungarian Parliament Building

The Hungarian Parliament Building, which was designed and built in the Gothic Revival style is one of the largest buildings in Hungary and is home to hundreds of parliamentary offices. Although the impressive building looks fantastic from every angel, to see the whole building in its full glory, it is worth viewing it from the other side of the Danube.

St. Stephen Basilica

The basilica is one of the most important religious buildings in Hungary, and visitors to the reliquary can see the (reported) right hand of Stephen, first King of Hungary. As this is a holy site, visitors who plan on entering the church are asked to keep their knees and shoulders covered.

Vajdahunyad Castle

Romantic castle located in the city park by the boating lake/ skating ring. This outstanding building was designed by Ignac Alpar and it has been used to host the museum of agriculture starting in 1897. The courts, courtyard of the castle are open late at night or at early dawn. The Faux gate of the complex is never closed so you can wonder around the courts.

In the summertime it is used as a recreational pond with boating and duck watching; During winter, it becomes a mega skating rink with music and ample lighting. This is also Europe's largest outdoor ice-skating rink.

Szechenyi Thermal Baths

The Szechenyi Baths complex is the largest "medicinal" bath centre in Europe. The waters are rich in sulphates, calciul, magnesium, bicarbonate and fluoride, which are believed to help patients with degenerative join illnesses and other medical issues.

New York Cafe

🕓Mon - Sun: 08.00 - 24.00

📍Erzsebet krt. 9-11, 1073 Budapest

The legendary New York Cafe has lived through many eras, political systems and historical turning points. The Italian Renaissance-style cafe along with a restaurant and hotel (New York Palace) is the most popular place to visit in Budapest. The sparkly gold interior surrounded by Belle Epoque frescoes, marble and brocade is so beautiful it is known as one of the most beautiful cafes in the world.