Budapest – Best Places to see – Things to do

**Széchenyi Chain Bridge**
Photography by Me!

Hey Everyone! Since everyone is on a global lockdown, no one can travel anywhere (not even to Europe), until they are allowed to do so. Why not look at my travel diaries? I have written about other European cities in my previous blogs. Let us see Budapest, the Hungarian Capital, from my eyes. It is the hotspot and popular destination to go in Europe. Many people come here to sightsee! Budapest city itself is a twin city – with ‘Buda’ on one side of the Danube River & ‘Pest’ on the other side. We will cover the best places to see in Budapest (especially the famous bridge in the photo above) and things to do and where else to go. Also, what sorts of food you can eat in Budapest. Also, I will be letting you know some trivial facts about this city and about which all films have been shot in this beautiful city. You must have it on your checklist!

Did you know? There are 15 such bridges in Budapest! It is quite a lot! And I have seen the majority of them! A bridge after few kilometers!

Széchenyi Chain Bridge

**Sunny day at the entrance of the Bridge!**
Photo Credits: http://www.facebook.com/My.Pictureseque.Clicks

I stand just at the entrance of the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. I know you have seen this bridge in several Hollywood & Bollywood movies (I know that I have). If you have spotted the same in other films of other nations, please do comment on this blog. I shall check them out! Some of the Hollywood Films are A Good Day To Die Hard, I Spy, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, In The Land of Blood & Honey, Munich, An American Rapsody, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, World War Z, Hell Boy II: The Golden Army, Transporter 3, Terminator Dark Fate & much more. Some of Bollywood Films have been Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Jab Harry Met Sejal, Raabta, Aks, etc.

**The Lion Stands Strong!** (Buda Castle on the Buda Side of Budapest)

Let’s take a walk around Budapest, shall we? Let’s start by walking on the pedestrian side on the Széchenyi Bridge (Below) to the other side? Who knows what we shall find out?

**Enjoying the Danube River** via the Bridge

**Me giving a candid shot!** Parliament in the background!

Hungry Kya?

Now, after roaming around in the heat checking out the best places to see in Budapest, let’s eat! I am famished! I need food! Especially breakfast!! I had come early in the morning and did not get a chance to eat. So let’s jump at it! Where can we find such delicious food? Think Think? Well, everywhere! Budapest is ringing with many restaurants at reasonable prices! The food at reasonable prices! Can you believe it? Hahaha! I can! It’s breakfast time! You can eat pure European & Continental Breakfast! Bread, Coffee, Tea, Milk, Honey, Butter, Eggs (however you like it)!

**Breakfast: Bread, Tea & Egg**s (was about to be served)

Pest Side of Budapest

The East Bank of Budapest was called Pest prior to 1873. This is where the majority of the city’s population and landmarks are located. This elevated view from Castle Hill (On Buda Side of Budapest) shows a few highlights you must explore. The Chain Bridge spanning the Danube leads to István Széchenyi Square. Here is where you will find the Gresham Palace on the left (now a Four Seasons Hotel) and the Ministry of Interior Building (on the right). The dome is St. Stephen’s Basilica. Inside are the relics of Saint Stephen, the first King of Hungary. [Courtesy: Encircle.com] You can also do the river cruise of both sides of Budapest and check out major attractions! How much is the cruise in Budapest, you ask? The cruise does not cost much. It is just 2 Euros!

Hungry Again? It is Lunch Time!

Oh Yes! It is lunchtime! It is so hot out here! But that was the best part of Budapest! Weather was pleasant (thanks to the weather god out in the skies watching us from above, I wish I meet them soon and discuss the weather plans!). Since restaurants were around the corner, I sat with my family and had a great time munching on cold beverages (Lipton Ice tea) & Snacks (Pizza & other items). Well, what are you waiting for? Visit Budapest whenever you get the chance! Well, I drank Lipton Ice tea, ate Pizza & what else?

**Beautiful Restaurant at the Pest side of Budapest!**

Buda Side of Budapest

Buda is the classier and more residential side of the city, The western part of Budapest is known for being a bit quieter and the place to go for a leisurely sightseeing experience. [Courtsey: TravelNotesAndBeyond.com]. Buda is the hilly and more historical part of the city. Buda was once the place where the Hungarian Kings resided. The hill on which Buda sits is known as Castle Hill. Castle Hill is home to the main Budapest Old Town attractions: the Buda Castle, the Fisherman’s Bastion, and Matthias Church. [Courtesy: Contiki.com]

**Buda Castle Gates at Buda Side of Budapest**
Courtesy: Encicle.com

The most frequently used entrance to Buda Castle and the Hapsburg Steps is through this ornamental gate. Although you will be in a hurry to start exploring the Royal Palace, take a moment to examine the gateway’s ornate reliefs. On the left is a bronze sculpture. At first glance, it appears to be an eagle in flight. It is a mythical bird called Turul. According to lore, this giant falcon is god’s messenger and sired the birth of the Hungarian Árpád dynasty of kings. The Turul is also Hungary’s national symbol. [Courtesy: Encircle.com]

Well, there are many things to do in Buda Side of Pest. Don’t get sad. You can take a walk around the below landmarks and trust me, you will be shocked at their architecture and design.

**From the Lookout Point at Buda Side!** (1st Photo)

That’s all folks! I shall bring you more photos of my travel to Europe! Lisbon, Portugal is next! Stay Tuned and I shall entertain you with my travel saga!