Words and Photos by Tanya White

The Queen of the Danube Sparkles

In 1873, the two cities of Buda and Pest combined to create one of the most glamorous capitals in the world. The city known as “The Queen of the Danube” rivals Paris with its culture, food, and dazzling lights.

Day One
Floating along the Danube, sipping plum wine on the deck of an elegant river ship is a calm and majestic way to arrive in Budapest. Formed in the late 1800s when two cities merged to become one, two distinct cultures still remain. Hop off the boat and hop onto a double-decker bus tour, a fun and informative way for travelers to orient themselves in the city.

Make a stop for sustenance in District V near the river between the Chain and Liberty bridges. Stroll through cobblestone streets, sampling Hungarian cuisine or enjoying pub food. For an evening on the river, numerous boat tour options are available. The ideal time to go is just before sunset, so that the boat is out on the water as all the lights across the city activate. It’s sparkling and leaves no one guessing why many call Budapest the “City of Lights.”

Day Two
The ‘Buda’ side of the city, on the west side of the Danube, was once the home of Hungarian royalty. Explore Castle Hill, a quaint area filled with shops, cafes, and museums. The Matthias Church has been serving citizens since the early 1000s and has the unique experience of being both a Catholic Church and a Mosque. The views are awe-inspiring. Carve out an hour to tour the Hospital in the Rock, a bunker within the six-mile long cave system hidden underneath the hill that was built during WWII. This spot was a secret military hospital and only opened to tourists in the early 2000s.

To finish day two, experience firsthand why Budapest is also known as the “Thermal Baths Capital of the World.” With a dozen thermal baths and over a hundred hot springs in the surrounding area, it’s easy to find the perfect temperature for everyone’s liking.

Day Three
Wake up energized from the mineral soak and get ready to explore the east side of the Danube, formerly known as Pest. Start at the Parliament buildings, tour the Gothic Revival edifice and watch the changing of the guard. Walk across the famous Széchenyi Chain Bridge and continue along the river pathways to the Liberty Bridge. Complete the loop by crossing back to the east side and enjoy the afternoon at the Great Market Hall. Head upstairs to the food court to sample various Hungarian cuisine, from tasty casseroles or goulash to sweet pastries. Pick up paprika spices for culinary friends back home, either sweet or spicy, and keep an eye out for the most intricate and extravagant handmade needlework at ridiculously low prices.

Finish the day at the city’s original ruin pub, Szimpla Kert, in District VII. Enjoy craft cocktails and street food in an eclectic environment and swap stories with other visitors enthralled with this enchanting city.

If you go…
Getting Around: Walking is the simplest way to get around. Use a taxi or car share service to navigate between districts.
Forecast: There is a typical cold winter, hot summer cycle, nothing extreme on either end, although most tourists visit in summer to avoid crowds.
Things to Know: Pre-book any tickets wherever possible, e.g. museums, the parliament.
Fun Fact: You may hear half a dozen languages spoken, including Hungarian, English, German, Romanian, Croatian, and Serbian.

Did you know?
This interactive map of the city is helpful when considering neighborhoods to explore further: hoodmaps.com/budapest-neighborhood-map.