Budapest : City of Senses ; Chapter 2 (Final)

Day of indulgence in Pest  

It was a beautiful Friday morning. The sun was shining and the mercury has risen to a more comfortable temperature. We took a metro to Hosok Tere. The metro line is the oldest in Continental Europe. The stations still retain the original design that make us felt like we were arriving at a train station in Hogwarts. One thing I like about transportation in Budapest is that they are very efficient and you have choice to use either metro, trams, busses (many kind of busses from the normal, big super busses and trolleys) or cabs. They are quite cheap too.

 Hosok Tere Metro Station

Hosok Tere (Heroes Square) is the most famous square in Budapest. Its 36m high column can be seen as you coming up from Andrassy Ut. Quater circular collonades extend to both left and right of the column. Between the pillars of the collonades are figures of  'greats' from the Hungarian history. You may recognise this square from of the pit stops in Amazing Race. The Hungarian Art gallery and Museum of Fine Arts are located on the either side of the square. Being art enthusiasts, we were tempted to check them out but time was not on our side.

Hosok Tere (Heroes Sq)

Not far from the square, located in the middle of City Park is Vajdahunyad Castle. This magnificent castle was built in an eclectic style of architecture including Romanesque, Baroque, Gothic and Tudor. The castle now houses the Agriculture Musuem.   

Vajdahunyad Castle

City Park

Any visits to Budapest will not be complete without a visit to one of its many thermal baths. Within the perimeter of the City Park is Szechenyi Bath. Built in 1908, its cupola is visible from anywhere in the park. After what happened yesterday at Gellert Bath, we were like a couple of eager beavers to check this one out. The place is huge. You can easily spend a whole day dipping or swimming in many thermal pools available. These pools have varying temperatures and sulphur content. You may also pamper yourself with massages or even getting manicure and pedicure done. The water is believed to have therapeutic value for various of deceases. 

Szechenyi Bath

The walk down Andrassy Ut from Hosok Tere was fantastic. This street is another UNESCO World Heritage site. Magnificently built 19th century  buildings flanked the street all the way towards Deak Ter (The main interchange). Some of the buildings may look weathered and dilapidated, but they add charm to the already charming street in a charming city.

Andrassy Ut

Hungarian State Opera House on Andrassy Ut

Somewhere in a mid section of Andrassy Ut is Terror Haza or House of Terror. The building was the headquaters of the dreaded secret police. It is a reminder of the tragic periods in Hungary's 20th century. This museum commemorates the victims of terror, its momentos are reminders of the dreadful acts of terrorist dictatorships. We both agree that this museum is a must see place in Budapest. The place was done exquisitely tasteful and modern. The exhibits were original, rich and meticulously organised. The visit to Terror Haza makes me realised how lucky we are not to live in the era of struggle and turmoil. It makes me appreciate peace more. Peace is not for the privileged but to all of mankind.  

Terror Haza

I realised that this trip to Budapest is one of the most civilised trips I ever made. A far cry from the usual budget holidays and backpacking trips I did before. Maybe because it was just a weekend trip, Budapest is way more affordable than any cities in Europe I have been before and I was with a member of Danish Royal Family, isn’t it right Sariati? We had lunch at one of the most famous restaurants in Budapest, Menza. It was truly a gastronomic and visual delight. The decor is very retro and chic and the food was fantastic. Again you do not need to brake a bank to dine here. 9000 HUF for a complete meal for two was actually a bargain. 

Nagycsarnok

Vaci Utca

Market on Vaci Utca

This trip will be on my mind for a long time. Budapest is really charming to say the least. It offers so many attractions that my short weekend trip did not do justice to this magyar capital. The magyar are a very friendly people too. You will feel welcome by their warmth and hospitality. I had a a great time and I was honoured to share the experience with my beloved friend and sister Sariati.

Whiteligter's Budapest Index:

Accommodation @ a 4 star hotel = 50 Euro / night

Complete Meal @ decent restaurants = 4500 HUF / 15.60 Euro

Bath entrance = 3000 HUF / 9.70 Euro

Metro ride = 140 HUF / 0.45 Euro

Good fridge magnet = 1000 HUF / 3.20 Euro

More pics of Budapest Here  

 We conclude our trip to Budapest with a visit to The Nagycsarnok (Great Market). This huge market is the place to hunt for souvenirs. I must say that I was struggling to control the shopaholic in me. Hungarian crystals, ceramics and embroidery are renowned for their exquisite designs and quality but they are very expensive. I just closed my eyes and baught a table cloth with matching napkins and some other matching embroidery items since I do not know when I will be back to this wonderful city again. We did some last minutes souvenirs hunting at Vaci Utca, an extensive pedestrian malls on our way back to the metro station.