While I would like to tell you that I saw tons of historical monuments and landmarks whilst in Budapest, that wasn’t quite the case. We stayed fairly central, spending time on Fashion Street and Vörösmarty Square (the main shopping and Christmas market areas). And, these areas are the same as I have seen in the other European cities I have been to: loaded with H&M’s, Zara’s, NewYorkers, and other cheap and trendy fashion stores. Not that anything is wrong with that, or those stores, but I was hoping to see some cool local boutiques with true Hungarian (or German, or Czech, or Slovakian) fashions. I am sure these boutiques are out there, just not as the main pull for visitors.
Fashion Street, Vörösmarty Square Christmas tree, roaming carolers.
It was still quite nice as this area was loaded with friendly, jovial people all in the Christmas spirit. Food and trinket stands were everywhere and carolers walked the streets. Once the snow started to fall, I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. It was a perfect pre-Christmas atmosphere.
We also spent a couple hours one night up at the Buda Castle built in the 13th century. After it got dark. When it was freezing out. Nonetheless, some intricate architecture and design that is worth looking at even if you can’t feel your toes.
There is no monarchy running in Hungary and the castle, after some reconstruction due to damage done during WW2, is now home to a library, a museum, a ballroom, and some administration offices.
A view of Pest and the Chain Bridge from the Buda Castle.
Unfortunately, that is really about all the historical aspects we made it to while in Budapest. I know you wonder how I spent five days there and was so limited in my sight seeing, I don’t know how it happened either. Just gives me reason to go back and explore it again. SOON!
As always, for more pictures, click here.
Steve and crew had met some folks in their travels that showed us the night life in town. And, this will have to be another post. Some interesting characters met here and there.
