Budapest, Hungary

Continuing the 10-day bus tour through several countries in the EU, today brings us to Hungary's capital city and one most within the group were looking forward to - Budapest. 

Budapest is actually two cities split via the Danube river. Buda, home to the royal residence lays on one side, and Pest, which has seen growth from the 19th century onwards (Budapestinfo.hu, 2021). Regardless, the city is certainly considered a jewel within the Eastern EU countries. 

There are a few sights one should complete while here: the parliament buildings, thermal baths, Chain bridge, Hero's Square and a few churches (Budapestinfo.hu, 2021). I was able to visit most of these (see footnote). With that, let's get to the travel photos and stories. 

On the morning of July 10th (2018), our bus dropped us off at the bottom of the hill close to one famous church within the compounds of Buda Castle: the Church of Our Lady. 

Looking up toward the Church of Our Lady within Buda Castle.

The church also goes by the name Matthias Church, as it was King Matthias Corvinus who expanded the church into its current Gothic style. The Gothic architecture is most prominent on the bell tower built in the 15th century (Buda Castle: Budapest.com, n.d). The church also has a wonderful red tiled mosaic roof, and windows which "depict the lives of Hungarian heroes and saints" (Budapestinfo.hu, 2021). 

 

Main view of Matthias Church - the Church of Our Lady. 

Close up of the Gothic style bell tower with gargoyles visible.

I didn't go inside the church, but did learn that monthly concerts are held here. If you're into classical music, you can likely pick up a ticket and take in the interior views of the church this way (Buda Castle: Budapest.com, n.d.). 

After we were given free time to walk more on our own, I immediately broke away from the tour group to explore solo around the castle area. 

Cobblestone street in the shadows at the top of Buda Castle.

I'm a big fan of modern architectural styles, odd shaped windows and red paint, and so, this entrance captured my eye. Would love to have seen the inside of house number 21. 

I'm not sure why, but this view (below) reminded me of a scene from New York City looking towards the Empire State building. It seems similar, no?

An empire state of mind in Budapest, Hungary? It's really the Church of Our Lady.

Walking further from the church, I came across a circular area of cobblestones within which, sat small one-seater benches. I thought this was a pretty nifty idea for elderly locals to stop and chat without feeling uncomfortable sitting next to a stranger. Thinking logically though, these benches were most likely shortened to prevent homeless from sleeping on them in evenings (below). 

Enough exploring for my personal happiness, it was time to focus back on Buda Castle. Perhaps the most scenic and outstanding views of the city can be completed from Fisherman's Bastion within the castle grounds. The Bastion was completed in 1902 to "celebrate the 1000th birthday of the Hungarian state" (Buda Castle: Budapest.com, n.d.). 

The white arches and spires make for natural photo framing with view of Budapest as a backdrop. If you're traveling in Budapest with your love interest, a stop at the Fisherman's Bastion around sunset would make a romantic evening. 

Fishman's Bastion, looking from one spire to another.

Looking down on the city from Fishman's Bastion from the Buda side. 

The large building  on the right is Parliament building.

The next blog post will feature a tour of the Parliament buildings in Budapest and an excursion to Szentendre (a river side town outside of Budapest). Stop by again in one week.

Been to Budapest and have travel stories to share? Drop them in the chat. I'd love to hear from you. 

All photos by Cutenekko taken on a Huawei P10 lite.

Footnote:
Unfortunately, it was in Budapest that I got quite sick. When I booked the tour, I agreed to share a hotel room. Doing so reduces one's tour fee. My roommate turned out to be an older woman who on day one, explained she was quite sick and hoped I wouldn't catch what she had. My face fell immediately. I struggled on until Budapest, where her illness finally jumped to me. I ended up spending an evening in bed in my room, when I had planned to go to a thermal bath; therefore, sorry readers, no photos from a bath in Budapest. A lesson was learned though: always pay the single supplement fee (thus snagging a room to yourself) when joining a tour so you don't risk your health. 

Another fun story: 
Due to feeling unwell, I wore a mask for the remainder of the trip for which the tour guide gave me heck and constant side-eyes. Wearing a mask was normal in Japan and I had gotten used to the practice; I always wear one whenever I fly to destinations. The joke is on that tour guide now; during this time of COVID we're all wearing masks. 

Travel Information:

Fisherman's Bastian at Buda Castle - Travel information for visitors. 

Budapest - Official tourism site. So much great info here. Useful tabs include: 

• top sights
• pubic toilets(!) and
• barrier-free travel within the city. 

Blog Recommendation of the Week:

Curb Free with Cory Lee

I've been following Cory on Twitter for several years now. He's a global traveler, uses a motorized wheelchair and specializes in writing about barrier-free travels. Since following him, I've been more keenly aware of barriers others may face and try to advocate for better services and accessibility for all. Barrier free benefits not only those in wheelchairs, but elderly patrons using walkers, caregivers pushing strollers, even skateboarders. I hope you'll check out his site; his travel stories offer a unique perspective. 

Sources Cited: 

Church of Our Lady (Matthias Church) at Buda Castle. (2021). Budapest.hu. Retrieved October 15, 2021 from URL. 

Fisherman's Bastion in Buda Castle Budapest. (n.d.). Budacastlebudapest.com. Retrieved October 15, 2021 from URL.

Matthias Church Buda Castle Budapest. (n.d.). Budacastlebudapest.com. Retrieved October 15, 2021 from URL. 

The History of the City. (2021). Budapest.hu. Retrieved October 15, 2021 from URL. 

Top Sights. (2021). Budapest.hu. Retrieved October 15, 2021 from URL.