If you ever heard the song called “Budapest” by artist namely, George Ezra you will find how familiar this city is and how you should visit this city once in your life. Unfortunately, that song actually does not tell and describe
Personally, before the song released, I find hard times to differentiate between Budapest and the city of Bucharest in Romania. Because both cities almost had the same name and both are located in Central-Eastern Europe. Not to discredit Bucharest, but Budapest had its own beauty and now turn to be one of the most visited city in the world.
There is a funny story when I decided to came to Budapest for the first time which is actually not for travelling but to attend the study session funded and organized by Youth Peace Ambassador Network (YPAN) about preventing radicalisation in European Youth Centre Budapest (EYCB). At the time I was still undecided yet since I was also invited to attend Youth at Work Kick of Conference in Istanbul, so there is clash of schedule. The one in Istanbul will be held in 5 star hotel and its conference not a study session. It does not require you to think too much, and of course it is a great deal for vacation in Summer. :). However my curiosity of city Budapest and Radicalisation prevention among Youth in Europe bring me to this great city.
So I decided packed my bag and went to Budapest, but What’s special about Budapest tough? I will explain briefly because I’m sure you guys will search on another blog which writes everything in detail but for me this what I think based on my experiences.
Thermal Bath Is Everything In here
Yes, Thermal Bath is the main attraction in Budapest, thanks for its abundance of resources of natural mineral waters. You can find many thermal bath spots in Budapest. They even had a party called “Sparties” and you know what it’s mean, Party in the spa. It’s very weird because this kind of bath actually came from Turkey: of what they called “Turkish Bath”. The fact that Hungary used to be part of the Ottoman Empire makes this kind of activity quite popular. I tried one in a popular thermal bath in Budapest called the “Lucacs Thermal Bath”.
It was very fun, they have a lot of facilities such as sauna, cool water pools, warm water pools, huge swimming pool, weight baths, tub baths, steam bath, and many other things. For Budapest Card Holder you can get a free entrance to this place. The price is 3,900 HUF (including the locker service) so in euro at least 12 Euro. Not so expensive for a famous thermal bath. I will recommend this place but you can choose another option if you want.
The Famous Ruin Bar (Szimpla Kert)
At first when I came to this place I thought I’m in the middle of horror house or something because basically this bar stood on ruin houses. So it does look like an abandoned house. My friend from Bosnia said to me that this is one of the most popular bars in the Budapest. At first, I don’t believe him but after I came and saw the beauty of it, I understand why. Why this bar quite popular among young people in Budapest and also for the international tourist. The answer may be because it creates a “wild atmosphere”, it feels a completely different world. You can never experience this kind of bar in any part of the world. This one just amazing concept and should be your main list when you visit Budapest.
Budapest Eye
Just like the London Eye, Budapest also has their own version of “eyes” and its located in the city center near Budapest’s popular park Erzsebet park. Personally, I don’t like to ride a Ferris wheel but they offer a great panoramic view of Budapest. So its worth to try.
Buda Castle
Yup, this is Buda Castle is probably the most popular and iconic building in
Shoes on the Danube Bank
This site probably the most emotional place I ever visited after the Concentration camp In Autswitz or Germany. This is a memorial to the remembrance of 3500 people who were shot and threw out into Danube river by the fascist Arrow Cross police “Nyilas”. 800 of victims were Jews and during the capitulation, some of them were transferred to the Austrian concentration camp. I have no idea that this antisemitic, anti-Romani party of Hungary exist during world war. I assume they are allied with the Nazi probably. Anyway, when you see this memorial you will see how much pain and fear the victims were felt during the execution time especially since it faced the Danube river. You have to visit this place if you visit Budapest, its worth to visit. Beside the memorial, you will see the phrase “To the memory of the victims shot into the Danube by Arrow Cross militiamen in 1944–45. Erected 16 April 2005.”
Buda Tower
Another famous and iconic building in Budapest is Buda Tower of Magdelene Church. It had 170 stairs to the top, so you need to prepare some energy to go to the top of this tower. It’s an old tower but they keep it original so that’s why it’s very important to the people of Budapest. You need to pay 1.500 HUF (4.6 euro) for adult, and student or groups as much as 600 HUF (1.84 Euro). Its worth to try if you a person who likes historical sites and you can see the beautiful panoramic views on the top of the tower, otherwise just skip it because I got tired after I reached the peak. LOL
Budapest also provides a lot of
I think that’s it. I believe there is so much thing to explore in Budapest but I have just little of time. I enjoy this city so much and I believe anyone of you who read this post will enjoy too. Whether you like having Thermal Bath or just seeing around the city and enjoy the beauty of the river of Danube, you will be amazed by what this city can offer to the tourist.