Budapest, I Love You

Summer vacation is my favorite time of the year for several reasons. The first, and most obvious one, the school year is over. I get excited for summer way in advance, and I begin to make lists of things I hope to accomplish during the summer months. I love summer vacation for the many adventures that occur. An adventure is anything from an outing to Whole Foods to a trip on a more grand scale.

I knew summer ‘17 was going to be a good one; one of the reasons being that I was going on vacation to Budapest, Hungary with my family. Having been to Budapest several times in previous years, it quickly became one of my all-time favorite cities. If an opportunity ever presents itself through which you could visit Budapest, take it. I highly recommend it.

Budapest is one of the more overlooked European cities, and it deserves way more attention that it currently receives. From the quaint cobblestone-paved streets to the calmness of the Danube River, this city is a traveler’s (and foodie’s) dream come true.

An interesting fact about Budapest is that the city is actually separated in two by the Danube River: hilly, grassy Buda, and flat, prairie-like Pest. The divide creates the perfect blend of city and countryside living. Connecting Buda and Pest are a series of beautiful suspension bridges, including the Chain Bridge, Budapest’s most iconic bridge. My personal favorite is the Liberty Bridge. It sticks out in my mind, not because of its green facade, but because the bridge is closed on certain weekends, during which tourists and locals flock to relax and spend time with friends and family. Catch a sunset while sitting on the Liberty Bridge; I promise you won’t be disappointed.

There is no shortage of things to do in Budapest. We didn’t have a car while there, so we did a lot of walking (such good exercise). A car isn't necessary in this city because everything is so easily accessible by foot. Budapest, in my opinion, is best seen on foot. The city is so charming and the architecture is stunning. It’s difficult to repress the urge to take pictures of the city from every corner of every street. Don't worry about any language barriers while in Budapest; just about everyone speaks English so getting around and communicating with people is no problem.

There are many places to go breathtaking panoramic views of Budapest. Climb up to the top of Gellèrt Hill, to the Citadel, to see the city in all of its glory, including the Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge. On a hot and humid day, the uphill trek might seem never-ending but completely worth the sweat and exhaustion for the view at the top.

Fisherman’s Bastion, located on top of Buda Hill and in front of St. Michael’s Church, is the perfect location to catch a glimpse of the famous Hungarian Parliament, as well as another marvelous view of the city. Be sure to pass by Buda Castle and catch the most elaborate display of the castle’s changing of the guards.

One of my favorite activities was riding the Budapest Eye. I simply couldn’t get over the view from the top. The many tree-lined avenues reminded me of the movies, and the view of St. Stephen’s Basilica was almost too much architectural beauty to handle at one time. On a related sidenote, for a small, nominal fee of 500 forint (roughly two dollars), you gain entrance to the 364 stairs that lead to the St. Stephen’s Basilica observation deck, which is yet another great place to get an aerial view of Budapest.

Taking a Danube River boat tour is a must when visiting Budapest for the first time. The tour is complete with informative commentary and picture-perfect scenery. We decided to go on one of the later tours in order to witness the sunset (the Hungarian Parliament against the pink, sun-kissed sky is nothing short of fantastic).

Looking to go to shopping after a long day of sightseeing? Visit Andrássy út and Váci utca, Budapest’s most famous shopping avenues (think Champs-Élysées but in Hungary). The streets are lined with picturesque cafes and street artists, so grab a bite to eat, or sip a delicious lemonade, and explore the European (and American) stores. European fashion is very unique and different - my favorite stores for everyday wear are Pull and Bear and Mango. I do wish they had locations in Chicago, but unfortunately, they do not, so it's always a treat to check out those stores whenever I'm in the city.

Budapest is a food lover’s fantasy. Some foods you cannot leave Budapest without trying include Gulyás Leves, a thick soup made using beef and a variety of vegetables, and Kürtőskalács, a chimney cake made of sweet dough that is then rolled in sugar and various toppings. Head over to the Great Market Hall for a unique farmer’s market experience. Don’t miss out on the loads of paprika and Hungarian salami. For those who love fresh squeezed juice, there is a stand in the back of the market that makes the juice right in front of you, and it’s the perfect drink to cool you off after a long day of walking.

There are so many cute restaurants and cafes all throughout the city; it's difficult to choose where to eat. One particular restaurant I really enjoyed was Kajahu. They used organic produce and grass-fed beef, which my entire family appreciated and was excited about. Not only was the food amazing (their seasoned fries, wow), but the restaurant interior was very modern and visually-appealing. For some of the best Gulyás Leves, head to the Casablanca. The soup is made to perfection, and the location is good for people-watching.

This time around in Budapest, I was dying to try chips on a stick. I had previously seen pictures and knew this trip wouldn't be complete without trying this unique snack. Hot Dogs Cold Beer, located right down the street from St. Stephen's Basilica, served them, and they did not disappoint.

I'm so in love with this city, from the architecture to the cuisine, and I often dream about returning. Everything about it makes me want to live there. Who knows, maybe one day. Until next time, Budapest!