Day 175/176: Budapest

Hungary’s capital Budapest is two cities separated by the Danube River: Buda and Pest. Our plans for the next two days were to follow a self guided walking tour recommended by Offbeat Budapest. The city felt like Prague, only larger in its architecture and many conquers changing the buildings / structures.

Our first stop was the Central Market Hall for the breakfast of champions: paprika sausage, mini pigs in a blanket, and pickles. Many vendors sold cold cuts and very cute paprika bags for souvenirs. After breakfast we zig zagged through street after street to admire building designs including a Serbian Orthodox Church, University, and Royal Residence Park. At one point we walked through an old time-y film set where workers were padding the ground down with dirt and horses were lined up for a scene.

We stopped in pub Grinzingi Borozó for local beer and wine; the bartender insisted we try Unicum Hungarian liquor shot. We got lunch at Belvárosi Disznótoros (Anthony Bordian recommended). We tried blood and liver sausage; Kieran wasn’t a fan.

Other cool spots included Europe’s Oldest Subway, St. Stephens Basilica, and Liberty Square which contain two very controversial monuments. The first is a WWII monument constructed by the government to recognize German invasion; however, Hungary was actually part of the Axis Powers and welcomed German troops. People feel this monument is revisionist history and are extremely upset with the Hungarian government. The second monument is a Soviet monument recognizing USSR liberating Hungary from the Germans. It’s not as controversial, but the Hungarians clearly were upset by Soviet control. After hitting Liberty Square, we walked around the beautiful Parliament Building. For dinner, we ate at Frici Papa which was a traditional ready made meals like Paprikash.

Our second day, we rested and prepared for Balaton Sound EDM music festival. This included Kieran getting a haircut and visiting a mall for festi outfits. While Kieran got cleaned up Mary enjoyed a gin tonic while re-watching the Romania Vs Netherlands game at Beer Point. We walked along the Danube River a bit and watched the boats go by. We closed out our afternoon with a Cat Cafe; Kieran had never been before 🐱

Restaurant:
Belvárosi Disznótoros - Károlyi utca
Grinzingi Borozó
Frici Papa
Sushi Wan
Cat Cafe
BeerPoint

Food:
Paprika sausage
Hot Dog
Smile Pickles
Blood sausage
Liver sausage
Pork Shoulder
Salad
Fried Camabert
Chicken Paprikash
Pickles
Döner

Spots:
Central Market Hall
Saint George Serbian Orthodox Church
Magyar u.
Vörösmarty tér
Örkény István Színház
St. Stephen's Basilica
Szabadság tér
Hungarian Parliament BuildingRead more