Budapest: How to Make the Most of a Short Trip

To begin with, here’s an element of Hungarian history which is interesting. Budapest was originally constituted of two cities: Buda and Pest, situated on the opposite banks of the river. The cities were officially joined up towards the end of the 19^th century, but each part has its own personality, Buda being more residential and Pest livelier.

Here are a few of Budapest’s main attractions, which in my opinion deserve the hype surrounding them:

• Take a stroll around the Parliament, a beautiful neo-gothic building built in 1885, which contrasts sharply with the tall, grey, square buildings surrounding it, typical of the post-soviet style.
• Don’t miss two other important buildings which are not only significant in terms of religion, but also culture: The Great Synagogue (the biggest in Europe), and the Basilica of St Stephens; both beautiful and worth a visit. You won’t be disappointed.
• Next you can cross the river and go to Buda and climb the hundred or so steps which will lead you to the fisherman’s bastion; from there you will have an amazing view of the river and Pest. Whilst there, visit the church with it highly colored roof. Inside you will find columns and walls decorated with various colorful geometric patterns that are so modern, they seem to follow current trends, even though the church was last redecorated in the 19^th century.
• If walking across the city is not your thing, the Budapest tram service is your answer. Line 2 is especially worth the ride as it runs along the parliament and the river. On a sunny day, you are in for a treat (yes, it is occasionally sunny in Hungary!).

Take a break from culture and switch to the many leisure activities of Budapest, which are in fact often filled with historical significance too.

• Don’t miss the major attraction - the Budapest Bath. If you do not mind the mass of tourists, my recommendation would lean towards the Széchenyi Thermal Bath; its beautiful architecture and its fifteen pools (indoor and outdoor) make it a great experience. If you would rather go for less crowded, more local, and nonetheless beautiful, aim for the Gellért therm bath.
• Keep at least part of an evening free to stroll around Gozdu Udvar, a long arcade which is the liveliest neighborhood of Budapest at night. Filled with bars, clubs and the main attraction: karaoke, you can take your pick and a fun night is guaranteed. There, you will be surrounded by a pretty good mix of tourists and locals, making Gozdu the perfect place to meet people.

• Try out Mazel Tov, a pretty restaurant, that has a homey vibe despite its size, and serves quality Israeli and Mediterranean food at excellent prices.

• Finally, whilst guides tend to recommend the Great Market, I found it to be quite a disappointment apart from its architecture, which is interesting. Unless you are looking for dozens of memorabilia stalls and a vast number of tourists, you should instead check out one of the many other Budapest markets such as Hold Utca Food Market, or Szimpla Farmer’s market.

I really hope these tips will help make your trip to Budapest as memorable as mine.