Budapest or Pestbuda?!

Posted on by

DSC02767

 

 

(This is part of a summer trip report using miles and points to fly first class on Emirates from JFK to Dubai/Paris, costing $41 and 100K Alaska miles; the cost of these flights would have been $23,914! I pinch myself to think I got such an unbelievable value for my miles!)

Budapest is actually two cities, Buda and Pest, which merged in 1873. They even considered naming it “Pestbuda!” Buda is on the west side of the Danube River, is hilly, and has the best views. People say, “Visit Buda, but stay in Pest,” and that’s what we did. We stayed at the Club Carlson, paying with points, back when you could get the third night free! It wasn’t anything all that special, but it was free! Here are some pictures of our room.DSC02851DSC02850

We headed over to the Buda side to see the Royal Palace, whenI heard this low roar and soon saw airplanes overhead. Unknown to us, it was the weekend of the Red Bull Air Races and it was FANTASTIC to watch! Airplanes would fly around and between the huge pylons in the river and UNDER bridges. I tried to get photos, but it’s impossible to capture it all. There are lots of videos, so look it up!DSC02714

FullSizeRender (5)IMG_0870DSC02786DSC02794DSC02922The Royal Palace complex, built in the mid 13th century, was incredible, made more so by viewing planes racing the course on the river below! Here are some photos…DSC02733DSC02723DSC02722DSC02725DSC02721DSC02711DSC02707

DSC02726As we walked back towards town, these are some of our sights and views…DSC02769DSC02752DSC02750DSC02731

 

One night we went to Margaret Island for an opera in an outdoor venue…all in German, with NO interpretation. It was a beautiful setting, but we left early because we just couldn’t understand it.DSC02856DSC02861DSC02857DSC02863

DSC02866I loved the food in Budapest and we read about this great restaurant, it makes me hungry just to see these pictures! It was some of the most delicious food…DSC02897DSC02898DSC02899DSC02900

One afternoon we walked to Heroe’s Square, laid out in 1896 to mark the thousandth anniversary of Hungary; it’s the largest and most impressive in the city. We happened upon a market…check out the canned goods! And here’s some more city pics…DSC02934DSC02931DSC02911DSC02910DSC02901DSC02914DSC02919DSC02907DSC02882DSC02884

 

DSC02916We stopped at the Great Market Hall, a three story extravaganza of shopping delights, ie, crafts, food, everything imaginable!DSC02834DSC02836DSC02838DSC02839

 
Budapest is known for its’ baths, so we went to one our hotel recommended, and sorry, I don’t have photos. We did the baths and then had a massage, which was so very relaxing (and inexpensive)! Budapest is a large cosmopolitan city, with superb food and I really enjoyed it!

Next up, Vienna and my favorite hotel!

Comments

Budapest or Pestbuda?! — 4 Comments

  1. Thanks for sharing your Budapest trip. I love that city. It has the most beautiful architecture, as your photos show.

  2. So interesting, Ellen, and you are a great photographer! We plan to go to Budapest in May — will have to visit before then and get the name of that great restaurant. Give us a call when you get a chance- send your number by email.