Budapest was the starting point for our winter trip to Iceland. We caught a direct flight from Ferenc Liszt International Airport, arriving a day early to explore the city.
A single day isn’t nearly enough to take in Budapest’s charm. We stayed in a cozy flat in a lovely old villa near City Park (Városliget), which we explored on our arrival evening. Although it was off-season for parks, I can only imagine how beautiful it must be in the spring. We strolled through the park and reached Heroes’ Square, one of Budapest’s major landmarks.
After a long 6-hour drive, we were ready to relax, so we enjoyed some hearty goulash at Városliget Café and called it a night.
On our second and only full day in Budapest, we began with a walk down Andrássy Avenue, one of the city's main thoroughfares. Finding a good coffee spot or breakfast proved challenging, as many places were closed or had limited options.
We eventually stumbled upon Bookcafé (Lotz Hall), a stunning café with a grand, palace-like interior. The place is beautifully adorned with chandeliers and frescoes, making it well worth a visit.
Afterwards, we grabbed breakfast at a nearby spot but weren’t particularly impressed. It seemed there were better dining options further down the street, closer to the Danube River.
We continued our stroll, passing the Hungarian State Opera, and then turned right towards St. Stephen’s Basilica. This impressive church, the largest in Budapest, is a marvel of architecture and intricate design. While I’m not religious, I appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of such buildings, and St. Stephen’s certainly rivals some of the grand churches in Paris.
We soon reached the Danube and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, which connects Buda and Pest, the western and eastern sides of Budapest. It’s a striking landmark with great views of both riverbanks.
We arrived at the base of Castle Hill and, finding the funicular crowded, decided to take the stairs through the park instead. The walk led us to Buda Castle, where we enjoyed panoramic views of the city and the stunning Hungarian Parliament Building.
Next, we explored the Castle District and visited Matthias Church, renowned for its colorful roof and ornate interior. The nearby Fisherman’s Bastion, with its white lookout towers, offered even more breathtaking views.
Returning to the city center, we had dinner at Tokio, a Japanese restaurant where we enjoyed some ramen. Although we had planned to visit one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths, we opted to relax in our flat instead. Next time, we definitely want to experience the baths and perhaps check out some of the city's unique ruin pubs!
