C2S Travels: Budapest, Hungary

Venturing eastwards into Europe, I found myself in Budapest! I was looking forward to a visit to the Bathhouses but it was not meant to be as the best laid plans can at times go awry. In our case, it wasn't exactly the best of decisions to attempt to head there at 6am in the morning, Ms. Savory and I ended up sleeping through it. 

Budapest is split by the river Danube with the nightlife and busy part of the city located in the East known as Pest with the more affluent residential west area called Buda. They joined to be called Budapest. 

The remnant of a city previously ruled by communism still hung in the air and is evident around you, with it being more apparent when you speak to the older generations. 

One of the ways to gain a quick insight into the local scene is the free walking tours. I've always enjoyed those run by Frommers and the one here was no exception. 

We got a really cool and quirky tour guide and I learnt more in this tour than one that I had bought through a hotel in my previous visit. 

Be guided through Hungary's involvement though the world wars and more during the walking tour. I will say no more and leave the discovery of its history to you. 

One thing that the younger locals love to do here is party and dine out. To bask in the nightlife, head towards the Jewish quarter for both food and entertainment, as apparently lots of pop up party places are situated in half built and derelict buildings around the area. If you see an open door in a half constructed building, just head in. If there is nothing, come out and head to the next one. I didn't get a chance to test this out but let me know if anyone has. 

Do not miss a tour of the central market where rows and rows of paprika greets you. I also found pastas of different shapes much cheaper here than those I've seen on my Italy trips. If table cloths and runners are your thing, start the negotiations. 

By sunset, take a walk along the river and just soak in the sights. 


No trip is complete without trying the local cuisine and I found a fantastic place, click here for the gluttonous side.