Highlight Reel: Budapest

Before I write about my experience in the great city of Budapest, I need to explain how I got there.

For those who have never been on an overnight sleeper train, listen closely. It is QUITE the experience and not for the faint-hearted/claustrophobic/germaphobic. I bought a ticket in a six-sleeper couchette, not knowing exactly what that meant. Fun fact: it’s six bunk beds in a 6’x6’ compartment. I lucked out with two girls from Germany who got on at Berlin with me. The steward was a large man who spoke NO English (or German) and resorted to the Google Translate app to ask in an unfriendly tone “What’s the problem” when I couldn’t find my bunk. I was nervous his rudeness was a sign of things to come in Hungary (I was later proven wrong!).

After 13 hours in a bunk bed on a train that stopped all night (a Spanish couple joined our room at about 3:00am so we were all nice and cozy), I arrived in Budapest. The city was absolutely beautiful, and I enjoyed my walk to the hostel on the Pest side of town.

I was so early to the hostel that I couldn’t check in yet, so the nice people at the front desk suggested I go to the baths to relax after traveling. I walked Andrássy Street to Szechenyi Spa Baths, one of the largest spa baths in Europe with 15 indoor baths and three outdoor pools. Again, not an experience for the germaphobic because you have people from all over the world coming to sit in saunas and warm water pools... it wasn’t my favorite experience but I’m glad I tried it!

The days blended together quite a bit during my time in Budapest- the weather was beautiful every single day. I took a free walking tour, saw the sights and also heeded my guide’s recommendation to go visit the Hospital in the Hill, a former hospital-turned-nuclear-bunker-turned-museum built into the side of a mountain. It was such a unique museum, I would recommend it! I also visited the Terror Museum, which was interesting but if you go, you should get the audio guide! There’s not a lot of signage in English, plus the exhibits are a bit scattered, so I feel like I missed some important things.

Other notable visits included the Central Market Hall, filled with vendors selling everything from produce to souvenirs to traditional Hungarian meals. Go with your patient - and stretchy pants - it’s a bit chaotic but worth it! The one day I went to take the funicular up the hill to the palace, it was closed for repairs, so I enjoyed plenty of steps to get up there (worth it). Finally, I took a night cruise down the Danube to see the city lit up. It wasn’t expensive and it was absolutely stunning!! Just make sure to bring a warm coat. 

Budapest was probably the most beautiful of all the cities I visited so far on this journey - would definitely recommend! Stay tuned for highlights from Vienna...