Postcard from Budapest

Work took me to Budapest in May of 2017. Budapest is a beautiful capital city of Hungary. 

This was my first ever travel to Europe and needless to say I was very excited since I have always been enchanted by its history, and my life-time wish has been to read up and travel through this beautiful continent post retirement. Why retirement? Well I don’t know, but then that is how I have always imagined :-)

I flew out of Bangalore in the wee hours of the morning in the impressive Emirates 569. Being a solo traveler, I managed to catch a quick nap, though the nervousness of navigating through “Connections” at the magnanimous and bustling Dubai airport kept me fidgety and awake for most part of the journey. I was anxious since I had just about 1.5 hours to dis-embark and then reach for my boarding for Budapest in time. Those who know Dubai airport, will know that 1.5 hours at this airport vanishes in a blink. 

I rushed like mad through the “Connections” and security checks at Terminal 3, but not before being sent back thrice over by the security officer, thanks to my forgetfulness each time – a watch, a metal bangle, and my phone which I forgot dropping in the scan trays. Nonetheless, all this rush ensured I was at my terminal just in time for the boarding. Phew!!

When I boarded Emirates 111 to Budapest, I finally heaved a sigh of relief. Want to mention this here though – my womanly instincts of checking and cross-checking, being anxious around everything really did come to my rescue at the Dubai airport. Had I been even a tad bit relaxed, I would have surely missed my onward flight to Budapest.

What was even better was that I was the only passenger in my row, and that ensured more comfort for me in this 2^nd lap of the journey. I began to feel hungry very soon!

A view of my sumptous lunch onboard 

The view was spectacular as we descended over Budapest. Spent an awful lot of time at the  immigration's due to a long mismanaged queue but this initial glitch at the airport was not bad enough to “dampen” my spirits. 

Neatly arranged rows of houses as viewed from the aircraft while descending

I quickly hailed a taxi to my historic hotel where my colleagues were put up as well. This place has a legacy of its own, and after having watched the movie “The Grand Budapest Hotel” (yes I stayed at this iconic place), it got very difficult for me to manage my excitement levels as we drew closer to it.  The hotel has been rebranded now to Hotel Corinthia – a beautiful and majestic facility, a 5-Star rating and amongst the best in Budapest. 

Extravagant Lobby I of Hotel Corinthia, Budapest

Atrium of Hotel Corinthia, Budapest 

Extravagant Lobby II of Hotel Corinthia, Budapest 

Spa, Jacuzzi and Swimming Pool area of Hotel Corinthia, Budapest 

Brasserie Restaurant of Hotel Corinthia, Budapest

It’s important for me to share here that I was looking forward to 6 grueling days of a mammoth corporate event and roughly had just 2 days to enjoy this beautiful city.  So my colleagues and I chose not to spend time visiting monuments, castles and museums. Instead we planned to experience the outdoors – the life, the culture, the city.   

What I realized about this city was that it’s perfectly safe for women travelers, since a host of us thronged its “Utcas” - streets and by-lanes through day and night. By the way, it’s worth mentioning that “Lonely Planet” calls Budapest the most exciting capital of Europe after sunset. A glimpse of the party district after sunset might tell you exactly what I mean.

"Party District" by night, Budapest 

"Party District" by night, Budapest 

"Party District" road-side eatery, Budapest 

So here is a glimpse of what I experienced of this beautiful city –

Night Cruise on River Danube 

So as soon as I dumped my bags in the hotel room, I already had my team “Wassapping” me to join them for a dinner outside followed by a night cruise on river Danube. River Danube flows through 10 countries, and it’s the second longest river in Europe, after Russia’s Volga. One-third of Danube’s total length is in Hungary; and Budapest is often called the “Queen of the Danube”.  Danube and Budapest is enchanting and spectacular at night as every nook and corner of this city, and especially the river front is illuminated gloriously. The famous Budapest Chain Bridge, Parliament Building, the Liberty Statue – all provide a great riverscape by day or by night. Bonus of this cruise is that you get treated to some good Champagne and this one hour cruise transcends you to a different world all-together and you wish it never ended.

Hungarian Parliament

Chain Link Bridge

Buda Castle by Night

Pubic Liabrary

Chain Link Bridge

River Front Dining 

Now this is a delicious view. The background is like a canvas, and your dining can be a treat. We visited a small diner as a group and had the time of our lives. And while the musician in this picture below was given a couple of warnings by the restaurant manager to keep it low, his fantastic music earned him a free pizza by my team. We tried some great Hungarian dishes here. Being an Indian, I was challenged with my choice of meat so I kept mostly to chicken, potato pasta, and rice. I played “safe” (given my religious limitations) and yet survived. 

Shopping & Eating at Great Market Hall

We walked through the city to reach the Great Market Hall (Nagycsarnok).  This place is a shopper’s and foodie’s paradise, though I cursed myself for already shopping for some slightly expensive items closer to the hotel. This place had better bargains. Built in 1897, this structure is largely made of wrought iron and other than local fruits and vegetables, meat and exotic cheese, Tojak Wine and Hungarian Paprika stalls on the ground floor; one can find a shopping haven on the first floor of this market.

First floor of Great Market Hall houses exquisite Hungarian embroidered stuff, Hungarian Dolls and Crockery. Things you would want to get back home as souvenirs. But what amused me the most was the range of Lemonades available here that quench your thirst after you have thronged this place that is buzzing with activity at all times.

Bike riding across the city

Rented bikes are a great and eco-friendly way to see this great city since it has almost 200 kms. of pathways designated to cycling alone. It’s convenient, and economical if you are up to it , and most important if you know how to ride it – I don’t :-(

The most nostalgic sight was that of the "Bud-rickshaws" that reminded me of my humble home town where these rickshaws still ply.

 

Soak in the sights

I will forever remember Budapest for its monuments – Buda Castle, the Parliament, and Fisherman’s Bastion, Vajdahunyad Castle and the amalgamation of old and new buildings. This is a city that preserves its history, culture and heritage and where vintage and contemporary co-exist beautifully.

This is the city of spas and thermal baths, and you cannot leave it without taking a dip into one of these pools of water. There is a culture around these baths in Budapest right from the Roman times and the Ottoman empire, and be rest assured they will draw you in, and soak you up quite literally J

I have heard from some well-traveled folks that very few cities in Europe can rival Budapest’s beautiful and romantic setting – I cannot compare but will totally agree. 

To conclude, I will only say that my maiden visit to this European city, the Danube cruise and thronging the city by night have been the highlights of my short “official” visit and left me wanting for more. I would recommend this place on top of your list of cities to be visited if you are planning a tour to Europe. 

So enjoy this photo gallery of Budapest here -