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.