Travel Featured Budapest
FROLICKING IN BUDAPEST
BY RICHARD CHIN
This past winter I spent 48 hours in what I now consider one of the best European cities , Budapest .
I flew into Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport and made my way quickly through immigration and customs . This was easily achieved because of my decision to only have a carryon for my three weeks of winter travel . Luckily my AirBnB host had sent me very detailed instructions on how to get to the flat I had booked . Therefore , once I got beyond customs I headed straight for the tourist counter to purchase my bus ticket into the city .
The flat was literally just around the corner , from the Hungarian Parliament Building , and a few minutes ’ walk from the Danube . The building was stunningly majestic from every angle . In fact , most of the architecture across the city was beautiful , and made taking pictures a delight . My appreciation for them , grew as I made my way through the city on foot . Exploring a new place by walking , allows for stopping whenever and wherever one wants , to drink in the surroundings , as well as become immersed in it .
My first stop was a market hall to get some food . On the ground floor of the hall are actual market vendors selling produce and goods , while the first floor is filled with restaurants . The food ranged from traditional Hungarian , to Middle Eastern and Chinese . I ended up choosing a local beef stew , or goulash . It was tasty , filling and budget-friendly , just what I needed for what turned out to be a long evening of exploring the local surroundings .
Not too far away , I discovered a Christmas Market that had St Stephen ’ s Basilica as it ’ s backdrop . It was still early , so the vendors were just setting up for the evening festivities . Thankfully my favourite Christmas market stall was already open for business , and I was able to have my first sip of Christmas cheer in a mug , right away . I ended up visiting that market , and the main one on Vorosmarty Square , multiple times over the short stay as they had everything : food , entertainment and shopping .
The following day I went on a free walking tour that started at the basilica . I ’ d never gone on a free walking tour before this trip , so I was a bit sceptical about the quality of the tour . I needn ’ t have worried . It ’ s in the interest of the tour guides to give the best tour experience possible , as they depend on tips at the end of the tour as their salaries . The guide I had , was very knowledgeable and took us on a wellplanned walk that gave us a taste of various sides to the city . We ended our tour on the Buda side of the Danube , at the St . Matthias Church near Buda castle . The views of Pest were stunning from the higher vantage point .
After a quick bite to eat , I used my phone to book entry to the spa
that the guide had recommended , Széchenyi Bath . It is the biggest and most popular of the spas in Budapest , housing 18 pools ( indoor and outdoor ), as well as saunas and a gym . I chose to enjoy the outdoor pool which was a toasty 28o Celsius and a big contrast to the outdoor temperature of 6o . The experience reminded me of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland , and was so relaxing that I stayed there for nearly 90 minutes . It was a welcome retreat for my tired feet .
The short break in Budapest was great , but it has left me wanting to take more time to really explore the city , visit some museums and experience a classical concert . This is another place that I will have to see again .