Budapest: exploring main sights, food and wine

Meet the Budapest: one of the most beautiful cities in Europe

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is the city with such type of atmosphere what I have never seen before in any other city. It is definitely one of the most incredible cities in Europe! It is just so fabulous with it old buildings, Marzipan Museum, delicious wine and goulash, view at the night. Budapest is also called as “Paris of the East”. That’s why I decided to celebrate my birthday there.

City atmosphere

Why the atmosphere in the city is something people rave about? This is all because you will never find such atmosphere on other continent. Old buildings, amazing sights, stunning view at the night, good food and wine, friendly and talkative people. I will tell you more about it below.

Main sights

As a Europe city with huge history, Budapest has so many sights that it is impossible to see them all, but these several were exactly where I have found a lot of emotions and inspiration.

Heroes square

This is where my journey started last time. Heroes square is one of the major squares in the city. It is famous for its statues of most important national leaders. Not so far from it is located a subway station, so you can easily start your tour around the Budapest here.

Parliament

You haven’t been in Budapest if you haven’t seen Parliament at the night. It’s just stunning! By the way, Hungarian National Parliament building is the largest building in Europe. It is an educational building with 88 statues which are representing Hungarian leaders. However, you cannot see them from the ground, but they are there.

Gellert hill

On top of this hill is located amazing panorama point. You can see Buda and Pest, Ferris wheel, church from here. To get the best view take the steps going down in front of the Liberty Statue in front of the Citadella. Well, while I was standing here the only thought that I had was: “I will definitely come back to Budapest again”.

Vaci street

Typical tourist-aimed street with a lot of overpriced cafes, shops and boutiques. However, you can find a lot of interesting stuff there. For example, something like Hungarian spices, honey, liquor and popular food items. Also, there is located The Great Market Hall, what is historic market hall. Even if you are not interested in shopping at all, you will definitely have a lot of fun there!

Budapest Zoo

In the City Park, the Budapest Zoo is one of the oldest in the world, as well as many other things in Budapest. It offers more than 800 animals to be seen in a historic atmosphere. If you are traveling with children or you want to be back in childhood for a moment, it is the right place to visit. Because near the zoo there is located game zone.

Marzipan museum

Must have for people who loves sweet food. Also, it is located in the Hilton hotel! Museum is quite small (two rooms), but cool, you can see the most famous buildings here as well as the most popular characters for cartoons. Children will definitely love it! And it is great idea to buy souvenirs here.

Public transport

Subway

It is the oldest subway system on the European continent. And it is not a joke, it is pretty scary to go by subway, so be ready for this! At least, it has only 3 lines, so it is easy to use it and not to be lost in finding right way.

Trams and buses

Just same as everywhere, one thing that I wanted to note, that they have ticket controllers in Budapest. These people are wearing same clothes as everyone, so you won’t recognize them. Buy your ticket every single time!

Hungarian cuisine

“Eat your breakfast, share your lunch with a friend and give your dinner to your enemy” – it is 100% about Hungarians.

Breakfast

I was shocked that in Hungary, people usually have a large breakfast. In my country huge percentage of people doesn’t have breakfast at all. In most of cases Hungarians are eating open sandwiches for their breakfast. They are making sandwiches with butter, cheese, cream cheese, ham, bacon or other meat, even with sausages and even with eggs. They may include vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers). Sometimes instead of sandwiches they may have muesli or fruits. For drink they take tea or coffee. Children more often are eating rice pudding or Semolina Cream for breakfast.

Lunch

Lunch is very important meal of the day for Hungarians. Usually they are taking several dishes for lunch. They start with appetizers like fish or liver, then soup and then the main dish. Main dish includes meat and salad. After main dish comes dessert.

Dinner

Comparing with breakfast, Hungarians are taking very small meal as a dinner. Some people may eat a light meal, usually an open sandwich like at the breakfast, slice of cake or fruit. Dinner is a far less important meal for Hungarians than lunch. It also may be yogurt or pancakes.

Hungarian wine

Some time ago Hungary was one of the most important wine producers in Europe! For now, Hungary does have 4 main regions: Eger, Tokaj, Villany and Somlo. Each region’s wine has its unique taste and smell They love wine in Hungary that much, that even in hotel they provided us a free bottle!

Hungarian people

I wasn’t talking much with Hungarians, with a pity. But with my little experience, I can say that Hungarians are really unique people. They are doing right things, they are helpful and talkative, they really like to eat and tell stories.

As the conclusion

I want to say that Budapest should be a must have in your traveling wish list. Because it hides so much inspiration there! As you can see Budapest is one of the oldest cities, it also has oldest subway, oldest buildings, oldest zoo and etc. What could be more inspiriting than old culture? And good food, of course? I have never regret that I have celebrated my birthday there, because it was the most emotionally full trip what I ever had.