Budapest, Hungary

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is the capital and largest city of Hungary. In November 1873 it became a single city occupying both banks of the river Danube with the unification of right (west)-bank Buda and Óbuda with left (east)-bank Pest.

Its extensive World Heritage Site includes the banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter, Andrássy Avenue, Heroes' Square and the Millennium Underground Railway, the second oldest in the world. Other highlights include a total of 80 geothermal springs, the world's largest thermal water cave system, second largest synagogue, and third largest Parliament building.

Our flight was late on Friday. We flew from Rome Fumicino (FCO) into Budapest on Wizzair. The roundtrip flight was about 80 euro. We took the train from Aversa to Rome Termini and then the Leornado Express from Roma Termini to the airport.

We purchased Wizzair transfer service that took us from the airport to Madach Square which was in walking distance from the hotel. We stayed at Mercure Hotel Budapest City Center (there are several Mercure Hotels so you have to specify “city center”) that was located on the famous Vaci Utca. The hotel is in a very good location. The Danube, Madach Square, Deak Square and shopping were all easily accessible by foot. If walking is not an issue for you it is possible to walk to the Zoo as well (about 40 minutes by foot). Deak Square is where all three metro lines meet.

That Saturday, we participated in two tours: the Budapest City Tour and then the Night Stroll and cruise. We had plenty of time between the two to explore the city on our own and do a little shopping. The next day (Sunday) our flight wasn’t until 1955. We slept in for a little, went to eat at a Thai restuarant and decided to go to the Zoo.

Our original plan was to walk but we ended up walking to Deak Square and taking the Yellow line to Heroes’ Square and then we walked about 5 minutes to the Zoo. We stayed a few hours and then left to catch our transfer back to the airport. If you have time, Vidampark (amusement park) and the Hungarian State Circus are located right next to the Zoo. There is also a waterpark called Aquaworld. It is One of the biggest indoor water theme parks in Europe and has free transfer to and from Heroes’ Square.

This was a very enjoyable trip!

Photos copyright and courtesy of Sparkleling Photography.