Budapest

08.06.2017 – 11.06.2017

Did you know that Budapest, the capitol of Hungary, is actually two cities (Buda has many hills and Pest is quite flat) separated by the Danube River? There are eight bridges that run along the Danube to connect these two cities. We recently spent a few days in this fascinating city with two college friends, Pat and Ashley. We ate all the paprika and some non-traditional Hungarian food as well (Sushi, Food Trucks, and Mexican… Why not?) We started our trip with a free walking tour (always a good choice) to orient ourselves and learn more about the history and culture of Budapest. We ended the trip with a 15-hour overnight train back to Zürich. We had a wonderful time and it was fun to travel with friends!

The Stats:
39,989 Steps
1 Taxi
1 Overnight Train
2 Trains
5 Metro Rides
1 Plane ride

P1000039 — St. Stephen’s Basilica
(Szent István Bazilika)

P1000056 — Buda Castle
(Budavári Palota)

P1000061 — Budapest Castle Hill Funicular
(Budavári Sikló)

P1000075 — Standing at the Buda Castle overlooking the Széchenyi Chain Bridge and Pest beyond. In World War II, the bridge was blown up by the retreating Germans during the Siege of Budapest, with only the towers remaining. It was rebuilt, and it reopened in 1949. *

P1000080 — Sándor Palace, the head of the state government office

18954961_10211362925247260_3186126388080521012_o — Egészségére (Cheers!)

“Created to honor the people (mainly Budapest Jews) who were killed by fascist militiamen in Budapest during World War II. They were ordered to take off their shoes, and were shot at the edge of the water so that their bodies fell into the river and were carried away. It represents their shoes left behind on the bank.” – Source

P1000198 — Snacks and Drinks on the balcony of our AirBNB

20170610_215732 — Leaving the Széchenyi Thermal Bath

There are over 100 natural thermal springs in Budapest. As a result, thermal baths have been a tradition in this area since the time of the Romans but was strongly solidified by the Turks. These warm, medicinal waters are a very popular attraction in Budapest and throughout Hungary. And if you were curious, yes, a bathing suit is required.

20170611_004726 — Riding the “Budapest Eye” ferris wheel

P1000268 — Hungarian Parliament Building

P1000099 — Fisherman’s Bastion with St. Matthias Church beyond

P1000092 — St. Matthias Church
Mátyás Templom
The original church was dedicated to Our Lady of Buda by Saint Stephen, King of Hungary, in 1015 and rebuilt in the 15th century and since renovated several times. I’m pretty obsessed with the colorful and patterned roof.

P1000274 — One of the most stunning church interiors

P1000299 — Waiting for our tour of the Hospital in the Rock Museum

This was one of the coolest things we did! If you’re interested in learning more about this underground hospital that was built within ancient natural caves and later turned into a nuclear fall out shelter… I would recommend! Check it out here!