The Pearl of the Danube – Budapest, the romantic capital

Australiantimes reports that Budapest, the Pearl of the Danube, is rightly placed among the most attractive European capitals. Besides its cultural and political centrality, it offers a lot more than tourists would expect. It is easily accessible by plane and it does not matter whether you stay only for a long weekend or for a whole week, there is a lot to explore in the romantic capital.

What is so romantic about Budapest? Here is the list:

Is is the river Danube?
Cutting Budapest into Buda and Pest, the Danube is a magnificient division line between the two banks that offers a stunning view with the bridges like the marvellous Széchenyi Chain Bridge that make visitors and locals alike stop and marvel at the amazing scenery.

Is it the light?
In the morning, it is the vapor covering the river that amazes the passers-by, while at night, the illuminated buildings and the sights offer something magical.

Is it the old touch?
The ancient buildings like the Parliament Building, the largest building in Hungary and the 2nd largest parliament in Europe, provides evidence for the incredible architecture that makes the image of Budapest similar to London with the Houses of Parliament over the Thames.

Is it the green areas?
Apart from the City Park around Vajdahunyad Castle, Margaret Island with its Music Fountain also makes you stop for a moment. Once you are already enchanted, you cannot let yourself not to be lost in your own thoughts.

Is it the Castle District?

Undoubtedly, it is the Castle District that is the most romantic part of Budapest. With the stunningly-decorated Matthias Church and the neo-Romanesque terrace of the Fisherman’s Bastion, a spectacular panoramic view is offered to the whole city.

Some important things to keep in mind:

Public transportation is an excellent means of discovering the city when your accomodation is not in the centre. However, the noisy and crowded metros, buses and trams can easily cause nuisance to a first-time traveller.

In fact, there is nothing better than going on foot and being amazed by the beauties in every corner of the city.

There is, for instance, the Liberty Statue up on the hill holding a palm. Then, right in front of the Parliament, on the Pest bank, you can bump into dozens of pairs of shoes that are in remembrance for the Hungarian Jews who were shot into the Danube by the Nazis leaving their shoes behind. Some further walk will take you to the Gresham Palace Hotel, the example of Art Nouveau architecture or to the St. Stephen’s Basilica. If you are ready for a longer journey, walk through Andrássy Avenue that leads you to the Heroes’ Square where the statues of some outstanding Hungarian figures can be seen. And if you are already there, don’t forget to go to the beautiful City Park or try the thermal facilities of Széchenyi Thermal Bath.

This list is only a brief desrciption of what is going to wait for you if you are planning a trip to Hungary. With its impressive architecture and affordable facilities, Budapest has a lot to offer irrespectively of age and interest 🙂

Source: australiantimes.co.uk