Hungary, particularly Budapest, has always been a destination I've eagerly wanted to explore, inspired by my deep admiration for the country. My longing to visit Budapest, especially the captivating Fisherman's Bastion, has been fueled by the many movies and film series shot in the city. The breathtaking scenery featured in these productions truly fascinated me. Transforming this dream into reality and personally experiencing these places in Budapest was an enriching and worthwhile adventure.
About Hungary
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While relatively small, Hungary boasts a remarkable variety of beautiful landscapes and abundant natural resources. It is famed for its extensive reservoirs of thermal and mineral waters, earning it the nickname "the land of waters." The country's thermal lakes and baths remain a popular destination, drawing tourists year-round.
Hungarians have a history of ingenious problem-solving, which has led to the creation of everyday objects now ubiquitous worldwide. Notable Hungarian inventions include the Rubik's cube, ballpoint pen, electric locomotive, and software like Word and Excel.
Budapest
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a city divided by the Danube River. The historic Chain Bridge, constructed in the 19th century, connects the hilly Buda district with the flat Pest side of the city.
Nestled along the Danube, Budapest is a city steeped in history, boasting an abundance of cultural treasures and natural beauty. Its iconic architecture, rejuvenating thermal baths, and delectable cuisine make Budapest a perennial favourite among travellers.
The most favourable times to visit Budapest are typically during the spring (from March to May) and the autumn (from September to November). These shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather and fewer tourist crowds. Nevertheless, Budapest enjoys a generally temperate climate, with rarely extreme temperatures.
Fisherman’s Bastion
The Fisherman's Bastion, renowned for its charming turrets and spires, stands as one of the most iconic attractions in the Buda Castle area (also, one of my favourite places in Budapest). It offers an unparalleled panorama of Budapest, gracing the city with its enchanting presence from the Buda side, overlooking the majestic Danube River and the splendid landmarks of Budapest.
This magnificent structure was meticulously constructed over some time from 1895 to 1902. Its appearance often draws comparisons to the Walt Disney film logo, albeit more exquisite and steeped in history. Notably, the Fisherman's Bastion welcomes visitors throughout the year, both day and night.
A Must See indeed! With its magical turrets and spires, the Fisherman's Bastion exudes an air of enchantment. Adorned with 7 towers representing the Chieftains of the Magyars and offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city, this destination has a wealth of experiences to offer, ensuring a memorable day for all who visit.
Details
Location : Budapest, Szentháromság tér, 1014 Hungary.
Business hours : Open 24 hours.
How to get there : To get to the Fisherman's Bastion, head for the Castle Quarter, a few steps from the Matthias Church and Buda Castle . The nearest bus lines are lines 16, 16A and 116 (Szentháromság tér stop). If you don't feel like walking all the way up to the Fisherman's Bastion, you can take the funicular.
Buda Castle
Buda Castle, known as Budavári Palota in Hungarian, stands as the historical castle and palace complex that served the Hungarian Kings in Budapest. Its initial construction dates back to 1265, while the extensive Baroque palace that now dominates the site was erected between 1749 and 1769.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Buda Castle offers many cultural, historical, and culinary experiences for visitors exploring Budapest. The Castle District comprises 3 key components: Budavári Palace, St. George Square, and the historically significant residential area.
Details
Location : Budapest, Szent György tér 2, 1014 Hungary.
Business hours : Tue - Sun (10.00am - 8.00pm) ; Closed on Mon
How to get there :
Foot - Steep stairs from the Chain Bridge, at Clark Adam Square.
Foot - Walking up the hill on a path that starts at the Funicular.
Funicular - Take the Buda Hill Funicular up to the Castle. The ride-up costs 4,000 ft (USD 11.40) and is open from 8.00am - 10.00pm
Hungarian Parliament Building
The Parliament Buildings, a renowned symbol of Hungary and a popular tourist attraction in Budapest serve as the official location for the National Assembly of Hungary. This majestic structure was conceived by the Hungarian architect Imre Steindl in the neo-Gothic architectural style and was inaugurated in 1902. It is prominently situated on the banks of the Danube in Lajos Kossuth Square, and not only stands as the largest building in Hungary but also claims the title of the tallest edifice in Budapest.
Details
Location : Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055 Hungary.
Business hours : Daily (8.00am - 6.00pm)
How to get there : Takes approximately 15 minutes to walk from the Chain Bridge. It can be reached by tram 2 or by underground, getting off in both cases at Kossuth Lajos tèr station.
Matthias Church
The Church of the Assumption of the Buda Castle, more commonly recognized as the Matthias Church, and less frequently referred to as the Coronation Church of Buda, stands as a Roman Catholic church situated in Holy Trinity Square, Budapest, Hungary. It is prominently positioned in front of the Fisherman's Bastion, at the core of Buda's Castle District.
This historic edifice boasts a rich and illustrious history. Notably, it served as the site for the coronation of two Kings of Hungary: Franz Joseph I of Hungary and Elisabeth, and Charles IV of Hungary and Zita of Bourbon-Parma. Moreover, the church witnessed the occurrence of the Marian Miracle of Buda.
Details
Location : Budapest, Szentháromság tér 2, 1014 Hungary.
Cost : 2,500 HUF (Adults) ; 1,900 HUF (Students and Seniors) ; Free entrance (Children who less than 6 years old)
Business hours : Mon - Fri (9.00am - 5.00pm) ; Sat (9.00am - 12.00pm) ; Sun (1.00pm - 5.00pm)
How to get there :
Funicular - Budavári Sikló.
Bus - Szentháromság tér, lines 16, 16A and 116.
Bus - Szentháromság tér, lines 16, 16A and 116.
Chain Bridge
The Chain Bridge, which links Buda and Pest, the 2 historic sides of Budapest separated by the River Danube, is the oldest among the 7 bridges that now traverse the central part of the city. It was completed in 1849, making it a symbol of the city's architectural and engineering heritage. It holds the distinction of being the very first bridge constructed to span the Danube in all of Hungary.
Details
Location : Budapest, Széchenyi Lánchíd, 1051 Hungary.
Business hours : Open 24 hours.
Elizabeth Bridge
Elisabeth Bridge, which stretches across the narrowest section of the Danube (290 meters) to link Buda and Pest, takes its name from Elisabeth of Bavaria. She was a beloved queen and empress of Austria-Hungary, the consort of Francis Joseph I, and tragically assassinated in Geneva in 1898.
Nowadays, a grand bronze statue of Elisabeth graces the bridge's Buda side connection, set amid a quaint garden. The bridge itself, characterized by its original and eclectic flamboyant architectural style, was constructed between 1897 and 1903.
Budapest Night Cruise
The tour guide mentioned that the night view of Budapest is just as beautiful as Paris, and I couldn't agree more. Experience the enchanting beauty of Budapest with an evening sightseeing cruise along the Danube River. Board the boat at the central pier and enjoy a drink of your choice, whether it's champagne, wine, beer, a soft drink, or mineral water, complemented by a special Duna Bella lemonade.
As you cruise along, take in the iconic landmarks on both shores, including the majestic Chain Bridge, Elisabeth Bridge, Budapest Parliament Building, Buda Castle on the hill, and the scenic Margaret Island. Listen to informative commentary about these attractions via the multilingual audio guide available in 30 languages. After the captivating tour, the boat will return you to the central Budapest pier.
Initially, we were concerned that the 1-hour cruise might be dull, but it turned out to be a fantastic experience! The night views were spectacular, allowing us to admire the beauty of the city's architecture. Even for someone prone to motion sickness like me, no worry about that. I didn't experience any dizziness during the cruise. Overall, I believe it's a ride that is absolutely worth it.
Details
Location : Dock 10, Marcius 15. Square, Budapest. The ship departs from Dock 10, right by Elizabeth Bridge.
Entrance fees : €16.50 (Daytime cruise) ; €25 (Evening cruise)
Duration : 1 hour
Hungarian Folklore Show Including Dinner
Hungarians are known for their passion, and their folk dance and music vividly express their emotions. We immersed ourselves in the diverse performances, gaining insights into Hungary's culture through the energetic showcase.
The experience included a delightful three-course meal accompanied by wine, setting the stage for the main event — a traditional performance featuring folk music and dance. We sat back, enjoying the show that beautifully highlighted Hungary's rich cultural heritage.
Hotel
Mercure Budapest Castle Hill
Nestled in Budapest's shopping district, the 4-star Mercure Budapest Castle Hill offers a charming stay within a 25-minute walk from the Shoes on the Danube Monument, providing captivating city views. The hotel boasts an international cuisine restaurant and a welcoming lobby bar.
Conveniently situated in the city's business centre, the property is just 0.7 km from the underground Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum and a minute from the Deli Palyaudvar tube station. Located at the heart of Budapest, Mercure Budapest Castle Hill is a 12-minute walk from the 19th-century fortress Fisherman's Bastion. The fantastic accommodation is approximately a 10-minute drive from the intriguing House of Terror Museum. The Miko Utca bus stop is conveniently close to Mercure Budapest Castle Hill.
Some air-conditioned rooms feature complimentary wireless internet, a flat-screen television, and amenities like a mini-bar and coffee/tea-making facilities. Guests can enjoy a walk-in shower, a separate toilet, and comforts such as hairdryers and towels.
Details
Location : Budapest, Krisztina krt. 41-43, 1013 Hungary.
Cost : RM450+ RM890+ per night
Check-in time : 3.00pm ; Check-out time : 12.00pm
How to get there : The nearest train station is Deli Railway Station (200 m)
It's unfortunate that we only had 2 days to spend in Budapest, Hungary. I wish we had more time to explore this beautiful city. I'm also eager to visit other counties. Alright then, the Europe travelogues for Poland and Slovakia are the only ones left. I'll do my best to complete them soon. Don't forget to watch the travel vlog below. Until next time.
Travel Vlog
( Subscribe to my YouTube Channel : TheShinilola )
#ShiniInHungary
For more photos, search the hashtag #ShiniInHungary on Instagram. There, you can also find additional details about my personal experiences during the trip.
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