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BUDAPEST

Budapest is said to be the sister of Prague with unmistakable red brick rooftops. While I think that Prague is more beautiful, many backpackers and people I’ve met including those who live in Prague say that they like Budapest much more and that to them Budapest projects the air of a typical Central European city.

Trip brainstorm

- The red-domed, neo-gothic parliament is perhaps the most recognizable parlinamental house in Europe with its domineering presence on the bank of the Danube. It is the iconic image of the city and the largest building in Hungary.

- The Castle Hill does live up to its fame as most visited attraction with  Enjoy the soothing sights of The Royal Palace and visit The National Gallery which housed inside.

- The Fisherman’s Bastion is a must-stop site. Despite having seen many castles in the Czech Republic and elsewhere, I was stopped speechless by the sight of white-stoned turrets visible from afar and stairways leading up to the parapets. Enjoy a beautiful view of Pest on the other side of the Danube from a lookout terrace.
- Walking to the end of Andrassy Avenues to Heroes Square, a spacious square somewhat resembles Place de Bastille in Paris.  Statues of important Hungarian kings and characters are constructed between columns of the colonnades. Don’t be surprised when you recognize the similarity of some statues to members of the famous Hasburg royal family from Austria. When the memorial was constructed in 1896, Hungary, like many central and eastern countries, belonged to the Austrian empire.

- You will be surprised, as I was, to find out one popular and relaxing activity to do is indulge yourself at Budapest’s many spas. The city is blessed with 19 million liters of thermal water rising up to the surface, making it the only capital city in the world to have up to 100 thermal baths in its vicinity. I was oblivious to this fact until the last day when I had a sneak peak at a city guide.  Imagine a classical European buildings (national museum, theater, gallery, etc..) with a beautifully decorated indoor swimming pools replacing the ground.  I left Budapest a very very unhappy person.

- My favorite is Vörösmarty square where I spent the most of my time sampling local foods at various food-stands, looking at colorful and unique Hungarian crafts (In my opinion, Czech Republic, Hungary and Estonia have the most beautiful and unique souvenirs in Europe) and watching a folk singing and dancing performance. (I don’t know if I was there during a local festival or this happens every weekend.)

- Renting a bike is another activity to consider especially if you happen to make friend with someone who run a bike tour. But don’t attempt to do all these bicycle stuns as he does if you don’t want to have a big cut on your leg.

Food

Goulash is the first thing image we associate with Hungarian food. It is a kind of thick soup and not a stew, which often found in restaurants from other countries. If goulash is too heavy for you, try fish soup, another Hungarian delicacy, chicken paprika, a good home-made stew and grilled trout with almond. You should also try Hungarian sausages which you can find plenty of them at market hall at Vörösmarty square.  Eat a couple and bring the rest home.

Accommodation

Sample cost

Transportation

Ferihegy airport is 15kilometers away from the city center. Terminal Ferihegy 1 is for budget flights, Ferihegy 2A for Schengen flights, and Ferihegy 2B for non-Schengen flights. The airport is easily accessible by public transport. Airport bus no. 200E carries passengers directly to and from Terminal 1 and 2.

Direct train from Ferihegy 1 terminal to Budapest Nyugati train station takes around 30 minutes.  From terminal 2A or 2B, you can take a bus to  Ferihegy . You can buy ticket in the tourist office at terminal 1 or from vending machines at platform B.

Zóna is a contracted taxi company with the airport which offers fixed rate. See prices per taxi: Zone 1-2:  €16 (3600 HUF). Zone 3: €18 (4000 HUF). Zone 4: €20 (4400 HUF) It’s advisable to use taxis with Zóna logo. Others are illegal and likely rip you off.

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