Budapest

Budapest, Hungary 492 words (TWO cities… can cut it you need)

Budapest is actually two cities, ancient Buda and Pest on opposite banks of the River Danube connected by seven bridges. Nicknamed the Paris of the East, most historic buildings enjoy protected status to preserve centuries old charm.

A romantic evening stroll or cruise offers brilliantly illuminated views and photo opportunities of the Chain and Elisabeth Bridges and other monuments.

A beautiful walk through Városliget City Park starts first at the Milennium Monument in Heroes’ Square. A World Heritage Site, it’s one of the most visited monuments in Budapest. Then ascend the Castle Hill through narrow streets and stone steps, up to the walls of the Royal Palace and 500 year old Matthias Church.

The Vajdahunyad Castle, a massive complex originally built of cardboard and wood for the 1896 world Exposition, became so popular it was rebuilt in stone and brick Touching the pen on the statue of the Hungarian chronicler Anonymus is said to bring good luck.

Visit Fisherman’s Bastion on a clear day for spectacular far-reaching views. Built in 1905 on the site of an old fish market, the white stoned building abounds with turrets, parapets, curved staircases and other Disney-esque projections. Nighttime entrance is free for lighted city views.

Construction of St. Stephen's Basilica, named for Hungary’s first Christian king, took 50 years and several architects. Many well known Hungarian sculptors’ and painters’ work is displayed inside. Ride an elevator upstairs for panoramic views. Evening organ concerts are a classical music lover’s treat.

St. Stephen Plaza and Liszt Ferenc tér and Nagymező utca off Andrássy út offer numerous cafes and restaurants to enjoy local culinary specialties. Many historic Budapest coffeehouses, the center of cultural life, are now restored. Try Gerbeaud in Vorosmarty Square or Ruszwurm in Castle Square. Pastry decisions like Dobos or Sacher torta, or a strudel come first, followed by thoughts of coffee.

Budapest’s wine cellar system, 250 years old, winds 30 kilometres inside a limestone hill. After your tour, taste Tokay, Hungary’s famous dessert wine or their “Bull’s Blood” red wine.

Amble through the very popular Statue Park for an outstanding outdoor display of communist era statues of Marx, Engels, Lenin and others, removed from Budapest after communism’s collapse.

A must see is a visit to Pest’s Központi Vásárcsarnokmarket, the indoor Central Hall Market. Offering several levels of indoor shopping, look for Hungarian sausages, peasant embroidery, folk textiles, of course, paprika. Paprika, a Hungarian spice created by grinding red peppers into paste. Easy to pack for souvenirs and gifts, Paprika is sold in seven levels of taste, from sweet paprika for stews and goulash to fiery hot. Follow it by upscale shopping on nearby Váci Street, perhaps for some exquisite Herend porcelain, an elegant Hungarian treasure.

The vast grasslands of Puszta, Hungary’s great plain, are the home of the country’s powerful and passionate horses. Equestrian prowess is a national pride, and horsemanship exhibitions by their Csikóswranglers should definitely be part of your visit to this area.