The Pearl of the Danube - Budapest

City Walks

Feb 4

Did you know that that the capital city of Budapest was formed in 1873 joining together two different cities, Buda (on the west bank of the Danube) and the Pest (pronounced Pescht, on the east bank)? Although they are united under one name, they are still referred to separately.

I was pleasantly surprised when touring Budapest, Hungary. I had no idea how the people there embraced their history and architecture. There is so much that either has been, or is in the midst of, some form of restoration. The way they light the building along the Danube River made me happy I did the nighttime cruise.

I definitely want to go back again; there is so much more to see than the time I had allowed.

Here is what caught my eye. I hope you enjoy!

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Building details incorporate wrought iron work, glass and architectural sculptures.

Buda Castle, or the Royal Palace, was built between 1749 and 1769 for the Hungarian kings.

Inner City Parish Church in Pest

St. Stephen’s Basilica (Szent Istvan Bazilika), built between 1851 and 1906, is the largest church in Budapest.

One of Budapest’s five Pointer Pubs

Heroes’ Square is the largest and most symbolic square in Budapest, designed in 1896 to mark the 1000th anniversary of the Magyar conquest of the Carpathian Basin.

Heroes’ Square

Heroes’ Square with Millenary Monument sunset

The richly decorated Szechenyi Thermal Baths, are the largest baths in Europe with fifteen indoor pools and three huge outdoor pools.

The elaborate cupola mosaics at the Szechenyi Thermal Baths are part of the overall regal and ornate design of pools, and statuary are incorporated into the architecture, designed by Gyozo Czigler, for hosting residents and visitors to the City of Baths.

Elaborate corridor - Szechenyi Thermal Baths

Changing Rooms - Szechenyi Thermal Baths

The Great Synagogue on Dohany Street

Looking up at a corner building’s architecture.

Architectural details

Vajdahunyad Castle was originally built in 1896 and rebuilt in the years 1904 to 1908 of more solid material.

Looking out the back of the funicular as it runs up Castle Hill to Buda’s Old Town

Matthias Church with Trinity Statue in the foreground

The Trinity Statue by Matthias Church

Wandering down a side street.

View from the windows of the Fisherman’s Bastion

Fisherman’s Bastion

View from the windows of the Fisherman’s Bastion

Dome in Matthias Church - Pest

Interior Matthias Church

Interior Mathias Church

Interior Matthias Church

Fisherman’s Bastion

House of Parliament was built between 1885-1904.

The view from Parliament Building

Buda Castle interior

Side entrance of the Parliament building

Supreme Court Building was built between 1893-1896.

Budapest Nyugati Station in Pest was designed by the Gustave Eiffel Company.

Architectural details - Nyugati Station

Budapest Nyugati Station in Pest was opened in 1874 and is often referred to as the “Budapest Gate”.

Train arrival in Budapest Nyugato Station in Pest

Bridge - Margitsziget (Margaret Island)

Decorative architecture

Decorative wrought iron railing

The Tram

Architecture and neon

This is Liberty Bridge which connects Buda and Pest across the River Danube.

Art is all around, you just need to look up.

Great Market Hall was built between 1894 and 1897.

Great Market Hall

Liberty Bridge

Twilight

Parliament Building at night

Chain Bridge at night

Things you should know:

Budapest is a walkable city.
All Communist statues are in Memento Park (I missed this place, maybe next trip).
The City is abundantly rich in architectural treasures in many styles.
It’s easy to get around.
It’s affordable.
Bring a swimsuit for the baths (I forgot mine).
The Hop-on Hop-off bus is a great way of getting the lay of the land.
They use Forints (HUF), not the Euro(EUR) for spending.
It’s cheaper to buy your tram/bus ticket before boarding.
Many people speak English.
There is a large amount of public art, so enjoy it!
You will need a valid passport and a travel power adapter if you are from the US.
Tipping 10% to 15% is standard for good to excellent service.