To start an introduction about this beautiful capital city of Hungary, one must know that we visited Budapest last year 13th-14th August 2018 as then we moved to Eger. Back then we did not have in mind that we are going to start a blog. So, in a nutshell this is my husband's suggestion (who is Hungarian) on places to visit when in Budapest. - photos are taken from google except of the Vajdahunyad Castle which I actually took photo of when we visited.
P.S. we visit Hungary every year and try to go to different places, thus, this is not going to be the only blog about Hungary ;)
Parliament and the chain bridge -
The Chain Bridge was the first permanent stone-bridge connecting Pest and Buda, and only the second permanent crossing on the whole length of the river Danube. It is one of the symbolic buildings of Budapest, the most widely known bridge of the Hungarian capital.
Fun fact: The 4 lions (2 at each end of the bridge) have no tongue and when it turned out they confronted the sculptor who killed himself in shame. Although it is not true, he didn't kill himself but they did tease him for the rest of his life about the lions not having a tongue.
The Parliament is the 3rd largest in Europe and it stretches on the Pest bank between the
Chain bridge and Margaret Island. It is a magnificent example of Neo-Gothic architecture (although displaying Renaissance and Baroque characters too). As nice as it is on the outside, one is also able to see it from the inside, only by organized tours which can be booked online.
You can check out this link for tickets: https://www.budapestbylocals.com/product/parliament-tour-danube-cruise/
Margaret Island
This Island is situated on the Danube river, right between Buda and Pest, which enables you to have a quick getaway from the busy life of the city. One can find, art nouveau water tower, the ruins of a 13th-century Dominican convent, a musical fountain and a small zoo etc. Other attractions include jogging tracks, thermal spas and swimming pools. During summer there would also be pop up bars, restaurants and live music.
Hotel Gallért Bath
This hotel imposes a very art nouveau building having retro rooms. It must be said that this is a very expensive hotel catered with thermal baths. A fun fact about Hotel Gallért Bath is that several films were shot there.
The Buda Castle
This is the historical castle and palace complex of the Hungarian kings in Budapest. It was first completed in 1265, but the massive Baroque palace today occupying most of the site was built between 1749 and 1769. The complex in the past was referred to as either the Royal Palace or the Royal castle The castle now houses the Hungarian National Gallery and The Budapest History Museum.
What is highly recommended to visit is the Fisherman's Bastion, which is a terrace in Neo-Ghotic and Neo-Romanesque style situated on the Buda bank of the Danube, of the castle hill of Budapest.
In order to visit the castle, one is able to go with a cable car.
Location: Budapest, Szent György tér 2, 1014 Hungary
Váci Street, Vörosmarty square and Heros square
From Váci street you will end up in Vörosmarty square where you can take the no 1 yellow tram which is the 3rd oldest underground in the world and the oldest in the European main land built from 1894 - 1896. This tram will take you Hero's square. Most of the stations are restored to how they were when it originally opened.
One should also have a walk around Városliget and see the Vajdahunyad Castle (if you go in winter time, the lake next to it is an open air ice skating ring and in summer you can rent a boat and go around)
In addition, it is worth to walk through the city center via Andrássy Avenue in which you can find spectacular Neo-Renaissance mansions and town houses featuring fine facades and interiors. Dates back to 1872 and it's recognized as a world heritage site since 2002. Among these buildings you can also find the house of terror which is devoted to various historical terror regimes and practices (nazi, communist etc)
From this avenue you can get to Oktogon, it's name shows that the square is actually shaped as an octagon.
Nightlife
For those who are looking for a great nightlife, Budapest also caters for such people. It is recommended to visit:
Andrássy boulevard
Astoria (square)
City center
Ruin bars - such as Szimpla and Gozsdu Udvar
Hajogyari Island - sziget festival takes place here
Szimpla Gozsdu Udvar
Basic information: https://coupletravelblog.wixsite.com/mysite/post/basic-information-~-hungary
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