Budapest (pronounced Bu-da-pesht) is a true highlight of Europe and a vibrant, young capital city! We loved the bright city lights, the beautiful architecture along the mighty Danube river and the amazing thermal baths the city is famous for. We had a great free walking tour and explored St Stephen’s Basilica, Matthias Church, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Central Market Hall (had a delicious Langos here) and the Szechenyi Chain Bridge. We learnt that Hungary was inhabited by a succession of peoples including the Celts, the Roman empire, West Slavs, Germanic tribes, the Huns, the Ottomans and the Austrian Habsburg royal family. Stephen I, founded the state of Hungary and converted it into a Christian kingdom in the year 1000. Fast forward to the 18th century, Budapest became the second capital of the mighty Austro-Hungarian empire. This empire collapsed following WWI and Hungary joined the Axis power in WWII, which subsequently lost. It became part of the Soviet Union until 1989 when the country gained its independence. Hungary, which sits within the Carpathian Basin, is also abundant in water and thermal baths are very popular in this country. We enjoyed a day lounging at Gellert Baths and alternated from relaxing in the different warm temperature pools, going into the steam room or sauna, then plunging into the cold pool! We explored the Jewish quarter and enjoyed eating at the outdoor street food market called Caravan.
Traditional Hungarian stew at the markets.
The famous and beautiful Gellert's Spa.
The showers to wash off prior to going into the thermal pools or sauna/steam rooms.
The main indoor pool at Gellert's.
This one was the hottest temperature pool we could find!
Weird rule where you could only enter the swimming pool with bathing caps.
Beautiful Budapest - the Buda Castle lit up at night
The market hall with fresh produce downstairs and street food stalls upstairs.
Buda Castle on the 'Buda' side of the river.
Views of the Parliament building from Fisherman's Bastion.
Fisherman's Bastion with Matthias Church poking out behind it.
Walking over Szechenyi chain bridge.
The famous Hungarian Langos - topped with sour cream and cheese!
