By Marcus Winters
Touristy Stuff
If you’re like me, you’re new to the city, but you’ve spent every waking hour trying to get settled here. That means you haven’t really seen all that Budapest has to offer. So, here’s a one-day itinerary that’s sure to give you a feel for the rich culture and history of Hungary’s capital city:
Morning
Start the day with a cup of coffee and a classic Hungarian pastry, called a creamy, at Budapest’s oldest coffee house, Ruszwurm. Legend has it that Elisabeth of Bavaria, Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary (1837-1898), enjoyed their cakes so much that she would send a courier to fetch some for her breakfast each morning. Next, head to Fisherman’s Bastion, where you will be delighted by a panoramic view of the city. If you have time, stop by Buda Castle to take a guided tour through its labyrinth, which features replicas of prehistoric European cave-paintings,
Afternoon
Make your way to the sixth district and grab lunch at a restaurant serving traditional Hungarian cuisine. At the Karcsi restaurant, you can enjoy a hearty goulash, fried goose liver, and pasta with cottage cheese. Then, stroll over to Andrássy Avenue for shopping and more sightseeing. Although walking the length of this avenue only takes 20-25 minutes, it takes most visitors much longer due to the captivating art nouveau architecture. You will likely find yourself weighed down by shopping bags by the time you reach the end, as Andrássy Avenue is home to many high-end fashion stores, such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Armani. Before you go, check out my two favorite sights: House of Terror, which commemorates the German and Russian double occupation of Hungary; and Heroes’ Square, where you can see beautiful statues of important figures in Hungarian history.
Evening
Your feet will probably need rest at this point, so take some time to relax in a Turkish bathhouse. The baths are to Budapest what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. So, you haven’t truly experienced Budapest until you’ve been to the baths. The oldest baths are Kiraly and Rudas, which both date back to the 16th century. Afterward, continue winding down by visiting a café or bar in Liszt Ferenc Square for a glass of Hungarian wine. If you have a little energy and brought your dancing shoes, head over to one of Budapest’s many open-air discos. Then, cap the night with a moonlit stroll along the Danube.
Most Important
The most important thing is to make the most of the time you have in the city. Whether you are here for a few months or a lifetime, exploring Budapest will provide you with rewarding experiences and unforgettable memories. Don’t worry if you can’t do it all in one day; you’ll still have fun!
“Why are you here?” I get this question every day, and it is usually asked with not so subtle hints of confusion, skepticism, and mild alarm. The implication, of course, is that it is absolutely absurd for an American to have the desire to be more than a short-term tourist here.
The truth is that I really like this city. Budapest has an interesting culture with unique cuisine and no shortage of activities. It has beautiful, centuries old buildings with amazing architecture. It is a world-class city, but softer on the wallet than London, Paris, or Rome. And if you are not driving a car, it is a relatively easy place to get around.
My favorite thing about Budapest is having the ability to walk just about anywhere I want to go. That is impossible where I come from. To get anywhere in Texas, you have to drive a car. There is always a lot of traffic, which I loathe. And, it seems to take a lot longer to get around. And, don’t get me started about how expensive it can be to operate and maintain a car as your only mode of transportation.
Budapest also has a great public transportation system. This is something that Texas cities and most cities in the U.S. lack. New York, Chicago, and Boston are notable exceptions, but even their systems are not as well designed as those in Budapest.
Sometimes I am awe-struck by the sheer number of people Budapest’s buses, subway trains, and trams move each day. I think that the public transportation system is one of the most special and underappreciated elements of this place.
The biggest challenge for me is getting inside the minds of Hungarians. With so many things to love about this city and country, I am always disappointed by the responses I get when I tell a Hungarian that I would like to live here. “Are you crazy?” “You’re strange!” “Have you thought about London?” “Vienna is better.”
I definitely understand their perspective. Economically, Hungary leaves a lot to be desired. The wages here are generally lower than in America. Unemployment is high. Things like electronics, clothing, and fast food cost double or even triple that of other countries. And like many countries, the economy is sluggish to rebound.
However, every cloud has a silver lining. As an English Communication Consultant, creative writer, and international travel aficionado, I see Budapest as a city that is full of inspiration, creativity, and opportunity. That’s why I am here. And, I know that I made the right choice. My only regret is that I didn’t come here sooner.
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