A Tale of Two Cities
Discovering Budapest
They say it looks like Berlin, Vienna or Paris, but by making a comparison you limit the possibilities because you only see the comparison. Budapest is gorgeous and you will discover when you visit. It is a city with a unique and unrepeatable personality with a name that bonds two cities in one.
It is almost impossible to tell the fascinating history of Budapest in just a single post about the city so I will not discuss the history and only give a very brief intro of things to see and highlighting one very important monument. But just to be clear, to know Budapest is to know the past, the present and the future.
I have been to Budapest before, sadly with my first visit I was only there for 3 days and my travel partner ended up being sick so I truly missed out on so much of the city. I had promised myself that I would return to really indulge in its beauty. So, when I returned to Europe after Christmas in Vancouver, I started with Budapest on a whirlwind month long journey discovering Hungary’s capital.
The only thing I will speak to about the history is that the Austro-Hungarian Empire changed the appearance of this city, and also what happened during the Second World War and the true role that Hungary had as an ally of Hitler, and of his betrayal.
Hungary’s capital is blessed with a bounty of art nouveau architecture, quirky ruin bars and gorgeous bathhouses, incredible food and people and two sides of a river that you can’t miss.
When people ask me where is my most favourite place that I have been…no one can really answer that question, it’s too broad. But if you were to ask me, where is the most beautiful city or where are the people the most humble and kind, then my answer is Hungary and its incredible capital, Budapest.
Winter in Hungary
Chimney Cakes and Chestnuts
Hungary looks magical in winter. If you are lucky, you can see the city covered in snow, which is a special experience. I spent the month of January here and even though it was cold, it was a very palatable kind of cold. Most likely because you are too busy feeling all the feels of it’s beauty that you don’t even notice the cold.
Coffee houses and warm street delights are the key to happiness. LOL In Hungary, it is important to find a way to warm yourself in winter. Stop in the street in front of one of the many pop-up chestnut sellers, and buy a portion of hot roast chestnuts!
It will be hard to resist, as the smell is tempting from far away and of course on every street corner are Langos and Chimney Cakes. If you can resist eating these then you are dead inside, just saying. Because anyone who experiences life to its fullest will not be able to resist these Hungarian Street treats, their aromas are too inviting.
Stay tuned for a post all about coffee houses, restaurants, food and beer culture…coming soon.
monument to Hungarian Jews
Shoes on the Danube
On the banks of the Danube, just in front of the Hungarian Parliament Building, stand 60 pairs of iron shoes, pointed towards the river.
If you only see one historical monument while in this city…this should be it.
This monument to Hungarian Jews shot and thrown into the Danube by members of the fascist Arrow Cross Party in 1944. Shoes on the Danube is a simple but poignant display of 60 pairs of old-style boots and shoes in cast iron, tossed without care on the bank of the river. Even if you absolutely know nothing of World War 2 (I don’t know how you wouldn’t) this monument hits hard and deep. It’s important to take a minute here and soak in the reality of what transpired and the massacre that happened.
Winter in Hungary
Must See Places
Even if you don’t want to be a tourist, there are a few places that you won’t want to miss. You will be in awe of the splendor.
- Hungarian Parliament
- Heroes’ Square
- Castle District
- Fishermen’s Bastion
- Basilica of Saint Stephen
- Great Synagogue
- Great Market Hall
- Jewish District
- Váci utca (Pedestrian Street)
- Shoes on the Danube
- Bath Houses: Either on the Buda or Pest side, but the Buda side is less touristy
- Chain bridge
- Sissi´s Square
- And much more…
Please note that I have not received these products for free or at a discounted price in exchange for my opinion. There may be links that are affiliate links but at the time of posting this review, I have not received any monetary kickbacks.