(26JULY22) With just 4 days of rest after my trip to the Netherlands, I went on another Euro adventure towards Hungary! I went solo and very spontaneous that I literally booked it on the last minute! (Say, about 10 days before the flight? ;p) Basically, it was my annual leave from work during that period; I was supposed to spend it with my family however, our plan has to be moved. Hence, this happened alongside that I was in dire need to have a change of scenery. I know I made it to 3 years in the UK but homesickness still kicked me to the gut especially the moment when I transferred to another house and I was in the brink of some personal problems. I even had thoughts of doing an emergency landing to the Philippines but of course, that would be irrational 🙇🏻♀️ So instead, I decided to visit one of my target EU countries on my bucket list 💖
Let me share my chill and steady trip to this country known as the “Paris of the East”. Budapest has certainly gave me that picture of calm while having frequent strolls along the Danube river.
THE FLIGHT & TRANSPORTATION
I booked my Wizz Air flight thru lastminute.com. I did score a very cheap flight with extra baggage included but the airport I head on to was terribly far! Never will I go to Luton Airport ever again (well, for someone who lives in Southeast London). It was a hassle to get there using public transport while it was pricey for a private cab. I bet this was even farther than London Heathrow! As for the airline, it’s a typical budget flight with less legroom and minimal meal service. Prepare for some cash (either in Pound Sterling, Euro or Hungarian Forinth) as sometimes, they don’t accept card transactions 🤯
Public transport in Hungary is relatively affordable for a price of 1GBP/HUF2000 per ride. I didn’t purchase any transport pass for this country since my accommodation is somewhat near to several attractions already.^^
Sometimes you would think that their transportation is free but nope! You need to scan the ticket before boarding the vehicle. Otherwise, beware of random checks per transport stops! They can issue a fine of 20GBP/HUF 8000. At first, I was really worried to navigate here due to language barrier. But at the end, it was not too bad at all; I find it safe to walk around Budapest whether during the day or night.
ACCOMMODATION
Would you stay in Buda or in Pest? Majority of the country’s tourist attractions are in the Pest side in where I also stayed. I highly recommend Danubius Hotel City Astoria for its beautiful single room and awesome service from reception, cleaning and breakfast buffet. Location-wise, it is near transport stops and a 7-min walk going to the city center.
I like the ambiance of how classy and old-fashioned this hotel looks like!💖
Plus their intercontinental breakfast is simple yet fancy. I know there's no such thing as a Hungarian sausage but these cocktail sausages taste delicious!
On the other hand, Buda/Old Buda is more of a residential avenue for the locals inspite that there are more historical sites here too.
THINGS TO DO
Despite being told as one of the poorest countries in Europe, Hungary holds an Eastern beauty from its historical neo-gothic architecture to the mellow stream of the Danube River. It felt like the whole Budapest is a huge city square filled with statues and monuments!
I went on a 4-hr city tour organized by CityRama to know more about the capital and to also be able to visit the main attractions. Sad to say, I wasn’t satisfied on how the tour went because it was very fast-paced; the time to take pictures per place was greatly reduced. And what’s more, we were left to do the tour of the Parliament Building on our own! Although, there was a separate guide inside the building. I believe there is not much sightseeing tour offers for Budapest since it’s relatively, a small country which you can finish to explore for 3 days. Though let me simplify what you have to see in this joint capital of Buda+Pest.
The Elizabeth Bridge. This is the 5-10minute walk bridge that connects Buda and Pest across the Danube. I will never forget how this was highlighted in The Amazing Race Asia 2 where they have to count the number of the bridge’s iron bars. I tried yet I lost my patience. 😝
BUDA/OLD BUDA
PEST
Heroes’ Square—I’m not familiar with their national heroes but this is one good-looking monumental square!
Great Food Market Hall/Fashion Mall - I didn’t get to go to the Food Market anymore due to lack of time but do visit the place especially if you’re a certified foodie! Hungarian cuisine is really delectable.
The goulash soup. Beef and saucey, this ever-Hungarian soup of the day reminds me of menudo.
The fashion mall is nearby the Budapest Eye. I believe that this is their main shopping town and this is also where I bought my souvenirs ^^
Talk about food a little bit, I have tried 2 of the most popular restos in this country and both have really good ambiance and serving!Just don't forget to book a table beforehand.
Dunacurso (Address: Vigadó tér 3, 1051)
Menza (Address: Liszt Ferenc tér 2, 1061)
Parliament Building—the symbol of Hungary and one of the largest Parliament buildings in the world! Do NOT miss entering this site (or else you can’t say that you went to Hungary at all! ;p). The 45-min tour is very informative about the Hungarian government and its area.
Apart from that, it was such a coincidence as well that I got to witness the kick-start of the Hungarian GP! That night (28July22), was the time when the racers were arriving at the Ritz Carlton Hotel for the presscon. I have never seen such a disciplined crowd despite that they are piling up the streets. Lol!
Besides touring the city, I also joined a whole day tour by Viator going to Esztergom and Szentendre with a mini side trip to Sturovo in Slovakia.
The Mária Valéria Bridge---Isn’t it so cool to cross the Hungarian-Slovakian border?! Although there’s not much of a difference between both countries but it joins two of their small towns with the warmest climates.
This is my lowkey proof of saying that I somehow reached Slovakia, my 7th EU country!😝 It's quite a treat that I got a glimpse of this area.
Sturovo is the Slovak town that has an overlooking view of Hungary’s Esztergom Basilica.
It is the largest Catholic church in Hungary which is filled with those huge, beautiful religious paintings.
While, being on the Esztergom side has a view of the Southern part of Slovakia. I am now concluding that Eastern Europe is fond of having spectacular parallel views from one town to another. I love it. ❤️
We had lunch near the small castle town of Visegrád. The 3-meal course was simply good. They have a complimentary vodka but I didn’t try it—the smell was already too strong for me to take.
This upper castle is also known as the summer palace of the Hungarian king!
Then finally, we head on to the pretty, artsy town of Szentendre. This scenic icon has a Mediterranean vibe surrounding local Hungarian specialties and arts. Likewise, it's a small district where you can buy souvenirs.
So that’s a wrap for one of my most fav EU countries. I will definitely come back to try their famous bath spas! Personally, Hungary is safe and fun for female solo travellers. My expectation to this country truly did not disappoint me ❤️
Superrr thank you to all the birthday greetings 💜
‘til then!
