Backpacking in Budapest

Budapest is unlike any other city...With most places being free to explore and within walking distance, wandering is certainly a pleasure.

Since the fourth century BC, everyone from the Celts, Romans, Slavs and Mongols; to Ottoman Turks, the Habsburg's, Nazis and Soviets have settled in Budapest leaving their unique marks on the city. With the colourfully tiled architecture, the centre is exquisite but remains edgy thanks to its years under communist rule. Budapest is perfect for a romantic trip with a lover or mixing with the locals and making new friends. This culturally rich and beautiful city is enough to make you fall head over heels with the atmosphere. Known as the Paris of the East, the city has a lot to live up to-and certainly exceeds expectations!

Three cities for the price of one

Have you heard that Budapest is actually formed from three separate cities? Buda Óbuda and Pest merged in 1873 to create the Budapest as we know it. I recommend for first-timers to visit Buda and stay in Pest. I enjoyed the authenticity of courtyard apartments in the Ferencváros district. When in Hungary, do as the locals do! The historic centre of Budapest is compact, so three or four days is an ideal amount of time to explore. Just make sure to cross the Széchenyi Chain Bridge and discover both the unmissable Buda and Pest sides.

The Buda Side

1. The quaint Funicular rises up the side of Castle Hill. Once you reach the top, Castle District is just like stepping into a fairytale with its cobbled streets and haunting 10th century-era soldier sculptures lining Fishermans Bastion. Make sure to revel in the breathtaking panorama of Pest including the Gothic-style Parliament building. From mid-day until sunset, the Bastion will be at its busiest. I must add, One of Budapest's lesser-known historical treasures, the Buda Castle Labyrinth, is perfect if you find you have time to kill while waiting to watch the sunset. They famously once held Vlad Tepes, also known as Vlad the Impaler–the real-life inspiration for Bram Stoker’s antihero. With only an oil lamp to guide you, these tunnels will surely give you the shivers!

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2. The Habsburg Gate is fiercely protected by a sculpture of a soaring eagle grasping a sword. The wealth of the Hungarian Kings is strikingly obvious. Unfortunately, During World War Two the original Palace was destroyed and rebuilt. The baroque style castle now houses the Hungarian National Gallery and The Budapest History Museum.

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3. The Matthias Fountain is one of Buda’s hidden treasures. The fountain tells the magical story of Ilonka (the heroine of a famous 19th-century ballad by Mihály Vörösmarty) and how she fell in love with King Matthias while he was deer stalking incognito. This impressively sculptured fountain can be found at the rear of the History Museum.

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4. Beside Fishermans Bastion is the statue of Saint Stephen, the first King of Hungary in 1000 AD. The Matthias church towers above with its spectacular decorated roof. Its rich history may explain the almost dizzy-making patterned walls and columns found inside. During the Turkish occupation in 1526, the church became a mosque and was later converted back into a church.

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5. Perhaps after hiking up the Gellért Hill and reaching the Citadella's Liberty Statue, rest tired feet at one of the famous thermal baths. Why not enjoy the sumptuous healing pools of the elaborate Gellért Baths? Surrounded by cherubim like statues and mosaics, this is not one to be missed. The Rudas and Király baths give an older and more authentic feel if that is more your style.

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The Pest Side:

1. Grab breakfast in the Great Market Hall and then why not hop on a bus to experience St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Hungarian State Opera house on the way to Heroes Square. With museums lining every side, there is plenty to keep everyone happy. The statues of riders on horseback below the colonnade represent the seven chieftains of the seven Magyar tribes that settled in Hungary.

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2. Just past the square stands the magnificent Vajahunyad castle. This castle was designed by Ignác Alpár who wished to combine the entire evolution of Hungarian Architecture into a single construction. You can just imagine the beauty!

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3. Wander across the shady park to Budapest Zoo which is considered one of the best in Central Europe. Plan your visit around the many enchanting shows, including seals with balls balanced carefully on their nose.

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4. To relax after a long day and let your hair down why not take a dip in Hungary’s deepest and hottest thermal baths. The Széchenyi baths are immensely popular all year round and no trip to this city would be complete without a day at these famous baths.