B for Budapest
Budapest holds a special place in my heart, as it was my first trip with my friends.
It is actually 2 cities, Buda & Pest, often combined together.
The Basics
Where: Budapest, Hungary
When did we travel: September (September 2016)
Why this trip: A girls' trip to celebrate the end of summer
First impressions
Landing in Budapest for the first time filled me with excitement. I was buzzing from the moment I stepped out of the aircraft.
I kept telling myself "don't get carried away with excitement and be careful" but joy and excitement had taken over the main controller in my brain. [Little 'Inside out' reference for fellow Pixar fans!]
What worked
Budapest is the perfect city for young adults in their 20s!
- The combination of relaxing, yet vibrant vibes - truly gave Budapest a unique atmosphere. We could relax away our worries at the thermal baths, take in the breathtaking views of the Danube and then enjoy the vibrant nightlife in unique "ruin bars". It's a very nice trade off for a girl in her 20s!
- The affordability & great variety of food - unlike other European cities, Budapest is very affordable, making it the perfect destination for the uni going boys and girls. I remember being presented with a variety of restaurants, offering some of the best food.
- The stunning views - from the scenic views of the Danube, to the Fishermans Bastion, Gellért Hill, and St. Stephen’s Basilica for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Budapest did not lack beautiful views.
What didn’t
Truth be told, in 2016, I didn't experience much of this. However, from friends' recent trips I've heard the following going wrong.
- The overcrowding - I'd like to credit the time period we travelled to Budapest (during the weekdays + during school days), so there wasn't too much crowd. But now, I can imagine the crowds reaching an uncomfortable number. The rise in tourism, also brings the rise in the number of tourism scams.
- Safety - This is something I never compromise on. So, I'm always making sure that the places I'm going are not "dodgy" but I have been told by some friends who experienced a touch of their safety being compromised.
- Ongoing construction - The city needs to be upgraded, but I suppose that also means the scenic views are disrupted.
The standout moment
My favourite moment from the Budapest trip would be visiting the Fisherman's Bastion. Located near the Buda Castle, the views from there are fantastic! You can see both the Buda side and the Pest side.
With it being my first ever trip without my parents, I remember taking it all in and just soaking up all the views.
Who is Budapest for?
The city of Budapest is designed for young adults in their 20s!
The Buda side holds more of the scenic views whereas, the Pest is more the party side!
Would I go back?
1000% - in fact, I want to go back in 2026 to mark 10 years since my trip there. But we will have to stay tuned to see if that works out!
B for Budapest a city that earned its place in the Travel Alphabet.
On to the next letter. Until next time.
