Our last day exploring Budapest

We kicked off the morning slowly at home with a simple but satisfying breakfast of poached eggs. It was a welcome bit of calm before diving into a full day of exploring.

Our first stop was the Central Market Hall an iconic Budapest landmark that’s part shopping spot, part cultural experience. The building itself is stunning, with its grand facade and colorful roof tiles. Inside, it was buzzing with life.

Locals and tourists mingled among stalls overflowing with paprika, sausages, fresh vegetables, pastries, and all kinds of souvenirs. We wandered through both levels, eyeing different cuts of meat, paprika tins, embroidered linens, and dried chili strings hanging like decorations. It was a great way to get a feel for Budapest’s culinary roots.

Later in the day, we found ourselves near St. Stephen’s Basilica at a wee shop selling chimney cakes the sugary, spiral shaped pastries that are cooked over open flames.

We watched them being rolled in sugar and slowly roasted until golden, then dusted with cinnamon. Fresh and warm, they were crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and so fun to peel apart as we sat near the basilica and soaked up the atmosphere.

After our sweet break, we were ready for something warm and comforting and nothing says Hungary like goulash. We found a cozy restaurant nearby and tried it for the first time. The paprika-spiced broth was rich and savory, filled with tender chunks of beef, potatoes, and carrots. It was rustic, flavorful, and exactly what we needed! It was like a hug in a bowl!

We hopped on Budapest’s underground metro, which is impressively quick and easy to navigate. Our goal? To finally experience one of the city’s famous thermal baths but when we got there, we were hit with a bit of a surprise $90 per person to enter. Ouch. For a quick dip, it didn’t seem worth it, so we decided to pass. A bit of a disappointment, but we quickly moved on.

Instead, we took a leisurely walk through City Park. The autumn trees were turning shades of gold and rust, and the air was crisp. As we wandered the paths, we saw the tethered hot air balloon rising above the park a surreal and beautiful sight. I even thought for a moment, I wonder if Mum would kill me if I went on this…. She HATES hot air balloons and it was the one thing she didn’t want me doing over here. I mean, is it technically an air balloon if it’s attached to the ground???

In the evening, we headed home and cooked dinner. Then we ventured back out to experience one of Budapest’s most unique nightlife spots a ruin bar. If you haven’t been to one, they’re built inside abandoned buildings and decorated with the most eclectic mix of furniture, art, and lights you can imagine. The atmosphere was laid back and fun, and the drinks weren’t bad either.

Finally back in bed, we were just about to drift off when we remembered… we never went to see the Parliament Building lit up at night! That iconic nighttime view over the Danube how could we miss it?

So, despite the hour, we jumped out of bed, grabbed a pair of Lime scooters, and zipped through the city to the riverbank. It was quiet, the streets were mostly empty, and it felt a little like a movie scene.

Spoiler alert: the Parliament lights were off. Whether we were too late or they just weren’t lit tonight, we’re not sure. But even without the glow, the ride was worth it the kind of impromptu memory that ends a trip on the perfect note.

Now we’re back in bed (again!), tired but happy, and getting ready for a travel day to Vienna tomorrow. Thanks, Budapest, you were incredible!Leggi altro