Our luggage had arrived overnight, better late than never! After breakfast we rode the Buda Castle Funicular down the hill to the Chain Bridge then took a ride on Europe’s first ever Metro system, Line One. The original 19th century route still operates today using 40 year old trains with polished wooden seats and wood panelled stations. The line now has world heritage status and is used by both tourists and local commuters.
This line took us to the Szechenyi Baths which resemble a baroque palace and face City Park which was being used as an outdoor ice skating rink during our visit.
There are indoor thermal baths, steam baths and year round outdoor pools. The temperature of the outdoor pool being 27 degrees, and at the far end, a smaller pool with steaming waters averaging 38 degrees. Elderly men were playing chess with a large plastic set in the steaming waters and the adjacent cafe had outdoor tables kept warm by the rising steam clouds.
Next on our agenda was a visit to the Budapest Parliament building (main picture). It’s a magnificent example of neo-gothic architecture and is the third largest parliament building in the world. As the building is so large we found the best views were to be had from across the river at Batthyany Square.
Feeling hungry we headed to the Great Market Hall at the Pest end of the Chain Bridge. Built in 1897 it’s Budapest’s largest market, spread over three floors selling fresh produce, sausages in every shape and size possible, paprika and the local Takaj wines. Upstairs it’s mainly souvenirs, clothing and leather goods, but the main reason for our visit was to eat in the market cafe. Tables have bright red and white checked tablecloths and a trio in national costumes serenade diners.
We settled on steaming bowls of Hungarian goulash followed by glasses of mulled wine.
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Budapest was one of the best travels me and my husband had done so far. The city is beautiful, the food delicious and the thermal baths, oh well…you never want to leave. Amazing trip
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How lovely that you had such a wonderful city break in Budapest. It’s such a beautiful city. Thank you for reading and commenting!
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We’ve been to Budapest many times, but have missed out on some of your highlights. I like the idea of taking the Funicular Railway, Metro, and cog railway. I can’t believe we missed them all.
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Thank you for your interesting comments. I hope you get a chance to go back to Budapest soon.
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Indeed – we have a standing invitation from old friends there. They always loan us a car, hence not using the public transport.
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Love the look of this place
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So relaxing, especially in winter when we visited.
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We left our footprints in Budapest in 1994. The thermal bathes were fabulous. We were prunes by the time we dried off and got dressed.
Oscar
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This is great!! I dream of going there! I will definitely be keeping an eye out for other tips in the region from you.
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Thank you for reading my posts and for your nice comments!
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Really enjoyed reading your post and loved your photos.
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Thank you for your lovely thoughts!
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Looks wonderful. Would love to visit one day.
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Wow! What a beautiful place!
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How did you like the Szechenyi Baths? I missed that the time I was in Budapest and would love to visit again to go there. xx
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The Baths were really nice and a special treat xx
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So cool!
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