Hands up who wants to go to Budapest for a weekend, with no kids! Me! Char booked this as a birthday treat, and going without the kids was an even bigger treat! Just once a year is nice. I can’t even remember who had the kids. Sister or Char’s Mom probably.
AirBnB
Flew with Ryanair. It’s always Ryanair or EasyJet. I wish it wasn’t, but cheap is cheap! Stayed in an AirBnB. Standard. It was one of those that we see quite a lot, but never get them because of kids. It’s a big room, with living space and kitchen and bathroom and that, and then like a floating bedroom above, with a balcony so you can see the living room. These aren’t great with kids, but suited us perfectly. Normally a bit cheaper as it’s not as much floor space, but felt nice and swish, if that’s a proper word.
We had a few things on our list that we wanted to do – outdoor spa, ruins bar, few buildings to see, but also asked for recommendations which we took up too. One of them was to see Columbo’s statue. Big fan of weird and random landmarks, so off we went. It was lovely and sunny. Like a really hot day in the UK, maybe the hottest of the year when ‘lads lads lads’ walk around with no tops on, and kids have a mixture of suntan lotion, sweat, and ice cream on their faces. In Budapest, this was a normal day. Walked along the river, Danube, and saw the Hungarian Parliament Building. Lovely stuff, but couldn’t help but note the difference between our Houses of Parliament and theirs. It was quiet, nothing happening. Ours is well busy, with armed police and reporters knocking around.
History
Budapest is split in two by the Danube. Buda on one side and Pest on the other. The Danube is Europe’s second longest river and goes through 10 countries. Amazes me to think that one river has seen so much history and changes through its time. One of those it played in Budapest was the murder of Jews in World War 2. There is a memorial along one part of the river which simply shoes some shoes which would have been left behind as men, woman and children were shot and their bodies pushed into the river. A poignant memorial.
We carried on and saw some massive Olympic rings, which I climbed. They were cool. Then we found Columbo and his dog. Two for one. Not really sure what his dog was called. I could Google it, but I don’t think it adds anything here. We had a little wander round, then got a bus back.
Transport
Some of the buses and trams in Europe are great because you can jump on for free! This isn’t what’s supposed to happen mind. There’s always a risk of getting caught. Most places, we will buy a travel card, either for the day or the whole trip. These work out cheaper most the time, unless you’re buying a card which combines free entry into places, as well as the travel. Then, you need to weigh up whether it’s worth the full cost. Loads of guides on different city cards on the internet.
We didn’t get caught. We went to a massive indoor market thing, had a look around. Then went to St Stephen’s Basilica, which is quite nice. Lovely building, nice square type place outside. There was one of those annoying Segway tour blokes trying to flog an hour on it. They are all over Europe. Char said she wanted a quick go, so did. Never seen her look so panicked in all my life! We didn’t buy an hour from him.
At night-time, had a trip to the river, see a bit of nightlife. Walked over the Chain Bridge which is really lovely at night. All lit up, the big lion statues. Busy with people walking along the narrow paths, which are fenced off from the main road. Can see loads of boats and that. Over the other side, it’s quite dull. Get a nice view of the decent side though! Had a wander down, but then came back over.
Cat Cafe
Next day, went to the mandatory Cat Cafe. There’s a couple in Budapest. The one we went to wasn’t as chilled as others have been. Felt like we were a nuisance to them. First thing they do was shove a list of rules in your hand – don’t pick up cat, don’t touch cat, don’t look at cat, don’t. Cats were nice though. Was a huge one, bigger than most dogs I’ve seen!
Later that day, we did another big tick. Outdoor spa. We got on a bus (paid or not) and got off at Hero’s Square. Big old square with loads of massive statues of heroes. Not sure who they are, or what they did. Behind that there is a zoo, which we probably would have done if we had kids. Also, behind it, to the other side is Szechenyi Thermal Bath.
Thermal Bath
Charlotte and I went in and got a ‘booth’ to get changed in. A little bit more expensive, but worth it as can lock it up and that. Baths are ace. Three big pools outside, and then loads of thermal baths of different temperature and that inside. Along with sauna and all other things you can think of. Was a hot day, really sunny, so was nice to be in the pool. Spent a couple of hours there and felt nice and relaxed. Was busy, but not overly so. A definite recommend if anyone else is going.
Ruins Bar
That night, we went to the famous Ruin Bars. These are old buildings turned into bars and that. These are buildings that were dilapidated, no roofs, or broke walls, that were graffitied and just wastes of space. Now they are all trendy (ha, trendy) bars that are well busy and good for meeting folk.
We went to the original and maybe the best of them all – Szimpla Kert. It’s a multi roomed, place, with different places to drink. There are some bonkers antiques and that inside, with graffiti and posters everywhere, and even a fairground ride thing! All exposed walls and a courtyard with no roof. A band were playing in one room. We sat in the courtyard, and a bloke sat opposite us. Char recognised him from the spa earlier, which was a bit weird. He was a solo traveler, who was a bit worse for wear.
Had a good time in there, then left to get some food. Found an outdoor street food place (most streets are outdoors aren’t they!?) and had some pizza and pancakes. Like a Digbeth Dining Club place. Nice.
Culture
Next day, we did some more sight-seeing. Went to Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion. Lovely views of the city, and nice architecture and that. Had a stroll around after that. There’s loads of nice street art in hidden places. Nice little finds here and there which adds to the charm of Budapest. Went back to the cat cafe because why not. We had gone to Sir Lancelot’s, on a recommendation. A banquet type place. But there was no one in there!
Another night in AirBnB and home the next day. Really nice trip. Did loads of stuff and enjoyed every minute. Will probs go back too! Thanks, Budapest. Next up, Romania. Obviously.