Stanstead to Budapest: Our Weekend Getaway to Hungary

 

My house in Budapest; My hidden treasure chest, Golden grand piano; My beautiful Castillo. . .

Budapest had been on our radar for a while, and when we spotted a deal on flights from London, we knew it was time to pack our bags. From the moment we arrived, the city felt alive—a perfect mix of history, charm, and a little bit of chaos.

We kicked things off by exploring Buda Castle and the Fisherman’s Bastion. The views from the Bastion were absolutely stunning, looking out over the Danube and Pest on the other side. It’s one of those spots where you can’t help but take about fifty photos of the same view. We walked around the cobbled streets nearby, soaking in the atmosphere. The area is so picturesque it almost feels like stepping into a postcard.

The Chain Bridge was next on our list. It’s such an iconic part of Budapest, and crossing it gives you a real sense of the city’s scale and beauty. We wandered along the riverside on the Pest side afterwards, making our way towards the Hungarian Parliament building. If there’s one landmark that truly takes your breath away, it’s this one. It’s grand, intricate, and impossible to miss. We didn’t go inside, but honestly, just walking around and seeing it lit up at night was magical.

Food in Budapest was an adventure in itself. We tried traditional goulash in a small, tucked-away restaurant, and it was delicious. Rich, hearty, and exactly what we needed after a day of walking. We also grabbed some chimney cakes from a street vendor—warm, sugary, and ridiculously satisfying. They’re one of those things you have to try at least once (or three times, in our case).

We spent one afternoon wandering around the Jewish Quarter. This part of the city has such a vibrant energy, with its ruin bars, quirky shops, and amazing street art. Speaking of ruin bars, we couldn’t resist popping into Szimpla Kert. It’s the most famous one, and for good reason. The decor is wonderfully chaotic, with mismatched furniture and random objects hanging everywhere. It’s the kind of place where you could spend hours without realising it.

The Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial was one of the most moving parts of our trip. It’s a simple yet powerful tribute to those who lost their lives during World War II, and it’s worth taking the time to visit and reflect.

For a bit of local shopping, we visited the Central Market Hall. The building itself is beautiful, and inside it’s a mix of food stalls, souvenirs, and crafts. We picked up a few paprika-based spices to bring home, which felt like a very Hungarian thing to do.

We didn’t visit the thermal baths this time, which might sound sacrilegious given how famous they are. But honestly, there’s so much else to see and do in Budapest that we didn’t feel like we missed out. It just gives us a reason to go back, right?

Budapest is a city that manages to feel both grand and approachable at the same time. There’s an energy to it that’s hard to describe but easy to fall in love with. Whether you’re into history, food, or just walking around and seeing where the day takes you, it’s a place that leaves you wanting more.

Every corner of Budapest offers something different. One moment you’re standing in awe of historical architecture, and the next, you’re exploring a modern ruin bar buzzing with creativity. The city has a way of drawing you in and making you feel like there’s always one more street to wander down, one more dish to try, or one more story to uncover. The people were warm and welcoming, and even though we didn’t speak a word of Hungarian, we got by with a few smiles and plenty of Google Translate. It’s one of those cities that manages to make you feel at home, even if you’re just visiting.

We’ll definitely be back, and next time, we’ll make sure to carve out even more time to explore the hidden gems we didn’t get to this round. Until then, Budapest will remain a fond memory and a city we’ll always recommend to fellow travellers.