Coming thru Vienna, we reached Budapest by a private car and parked it somewhere near the metro station. We rode a metro going to the center of Budapest and arrived meters away to the center and walked around while familiarizing ourselves in the City.
At the Metro Station waiting for our train and escalator ride after. This had been the longest and steepest escalator I have tried so far.
Budapest, the capital city of Hungary is nicknamed as the "Paris of the East" due to its architecture and scenic setting. It is also known for some nicknames like Heart of Europe, Pearl of Danube, Capital of Freedom, Capital of Spas and Thermal Baths, and Capital of Festivals. We had our chance to see the City on June 2013.
The Hungarian Forint at the left photo.
At first, when we got out of the metro, the first thing that welcomed our sight was a few homeless people sleeping outside the station. The street outside the station was full of noise due to the on going repairs on the streets. So I was thinking, hmmn, am I back to Manila? It was like an old street of Escolta. Old and nice. But going through, the sight became vibrant little by little. The uniformed paved street, the shops, the buildings, they all looked pretty artsy.
Buda Castle was the most vivid structure when you look on the other side.
Photos shown were captured at the Center. According to the history, Budapest was two different cities separated by the Danube River. The one where we started exploring was part of the Pest City while the other side was the Buda. Later on the two Cities became one and now called Budapest.
Days before our visit, the City experienced a large rain that lasted for couple of days, resulted a flooding in the City. We were hesitant at first for the visit, worried that we won't be able to enjoy the walk because of the rain and flood. Thankfully, we were blessed with the sun smiling in the whole City when we came and all the streets were already dry and passable. Those that still submerged in the water were the pathway going to the establishments in the middle of the river including some stoplights and subway train stations. Nevertheless, I think the flood made the tourists more curious to see the City.
Enjoying the walk. We really got ourselves to walk a lot on this trip. Not complaining though, because the weather was cold and the view is an eye candy.
It will be a nice idea to sit in here, sipping a hot coffee while reading my books.
Feels like sitting at Budapest? Why not?! :) How cute is this bench right?
It's a tourist thing you know. The every possible spot and angle you can get. :)
Colorful street foods that I regret not having to try. :(
Buda Castle and Chain Bridge looked perfect together in the background.
Took off my jacket before even reaching the other side of the bridge. It was cold when we arrived but the sun and all the walking warmed my body.
The Charles Bridge. The one that connects two places separated by a river.
Nearer view of the Buda Castle from the Chain Bridge.
Going on the other side thru Chain Bridge and crossing the Danube River.
Danube River
We were in line waiting for our turn to pay the ride that will bring us up to the Buda Castle. The train going up has 3 doors which I think can accommodate 8 persons each.
The Sándor Palace, the official residence of the President of Hungary and the seat of the Office of the President
The Chain Bridge. We came from the other side by foot and I didn't realized that it was that long until I saw it from this side. The walk was effortless and I didn't remember complaining that I am tired . Hmmn, what's the magic? :D
Loving this brick terrace overlooking the City.
Checking the sky?! Hehe
This is the Hungarian Parliament, the worldwide best known building of Budapest. Too bad we just saw it from the other side.
Hungarian National Gallery
Hide and seek game from the sun.
Here were some pretty structures and landscape you can see around the Buda Castle:
Oh, this structure made me remember the Philippine Post office. Though we don't have those pretty landscape of flowers in the middle, instead we have fountains :)
We took our lunch somewhere on the way to the Fisherman's Bastion and because we were too hungry after all the walking, I forgot to take a photo of the food. Sad that I have nothing to share any meal photos on this lovely place. :(
After lunch, we started walking again until we reached the two of the prettiest structures of Budapest. Below our some shots of the beautiful Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion which is located in the heart on Buda Castle District.
Isn't it pretty? ^_^
This roof is gorgeous. Matthias Church is I think one of my highlights in Budapest. We didn't got a chance to see the inside but I know it was more stunning as what I know that every churches of Europe possess.
A few steps from the Matthias Church is my favorite Fisherman's Bastion.
Fisherman's Bastion, a terrace with a neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque style which is located at the Castle Hill of Budapest is one of my favorite structures in the City. The structure looks like a castle that came alive from those fairy tale movies. And also has one of the best vantage point to experience a bird's eye view of Danube River and the scenery that surrounds it.
Restaurant on the Bastion with the overlooking City of Budapest. Oh it was such an eye candy!
Sitting on one of the deck of the Bastion while the Hungarian Parliament Building casually popped on my background.
Amazing panoramic view of the City from the Bastion.
Rafunzel, Refunzel, bring down your hair! Ha ha ha! No, Rafunzel was not there, it was us on the balcony. :)
Then it was time to head back home... And still saw a lot of worthy shot photos.
Going back to our car, we just walked coming from the Bastion. I didn't know how it was possible when we rode a train going to the Center from where we parked our car. I'm not really good at directions. Lol!
It was just a glimpse of Hungary and it seems more that enough to convince me to come back again one day as I can say that we had the best of Budapest. We only see a few of the City so when that day of return comes , I will never miss the thermal baths under the cold weather of Europe. For now, I will be just contented on these photos and wonderful memories we have shared in Budapest. Budapest, you are promising!
x o x o
Faith