Buda and Pest

Budapest, one of the most exquisite European cities, played host for my 2024 Labor Day Adventure.

Why did I choose to explore Budapest? 

Well, it’s unique in that it is two cities in one: older Buda on the west and Pest on the east, with only the Danube River separating them. Its stunning architecture, rich history, and breathtaking views along the Danube River, earned its titles as the Queen and Pearl of the Danube. As the Capital of Spas and Thermal Baths, it offers a wide array of rejuvenating experiences. 

It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Why wouldn’t I want to explore this intriguing city?

GETTING THERE

I was fortunate to secure a roundtrip ticket for a 90-minute flight at an excellent price of €100, including checked luggage. In contrast, the roundtrip train fare was €65. Cheaper, yes, but took much longer.

Learning from my experience during my Tigerstaden Adventure, I arrived at the airport two hours ahead of my 7 a.m. flight. Once again, I booked the day’s first flight and had no issues. In fact, I had an empty seat next to me, which is good. 

The flight was enjoyable and comfortable, offering scenic views and a smooth ride. However, the landing was a bit turbulent, causing a few bumps. 

After landing, I gathered my luggage and proceeded to meet my friendly Welcome Pickups driver. We embarked on a pleasant 40-minute drive to my hotel, during which I was able to take in the beautiful surroundings and anticipate the adventures that awaited me at my destination.

My driver was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. He shared recommendations for unique attractions to visit. We bonded over our shared love of music. He also gave me valuable tips on using public transport and recognizing fake taxis.

This was truly above the call of duty. His sole responsibility was to transport me to my hotel, yet he took it upon himself to provide some valuable recommendations and safety tips. That is the type of genuine kindness rarely seen in many of the cities I’ve had the pleasure of exploring. 

W BUDAPEST

The W Budapest provided accommodations for my three-day adventure. Thanks to my past travels, I had accumulated enough Marriott Rewards points for three complimentary nights at any participating Marriott-branded hotel. I decided that the W Budapest would be the perfect choice due to its prime location, expansive and comfortable rooms, and exceptional customer service.

I used Marriott’s mobile online check-in feature to notify the hotel about my estimated arrival time, which was earlier than the usual 3 p.m. check-in time. To my surprise, when I arrived at 10:45 a.m., my room was already prepared and available.

Funny tidbit: Pablo, the customer service representative checking me in, offered to upgrade me to a suite for €79 a night. I politely declined, of course. I didn’t have to pay for the room I have now, so why pay for an upgrade?

My Wonderful Room was a spacious 31-square-meter retreat featuring a luxurious king-sized bed, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, a well-stocked mini-bar, and a cutting-edge 40-inch television. However, as is often the case, the TV only offered two English channels, both of which were news channels.

More importantly, the room was equipped with a central air conditioning system. The city’s average temperature during my adventure was 92° Fahrenheit. 🥵

Upon entering, the room felt clean and invigorating, although I still did my usual wipe-down with Lysol. The lighting system was a bit tricky to figure out at first, but once I got the hang of it, it was all good.

The tastefully designed bathroom was well-appointed with a sleek walk-in shower, complete with modern fixtures. It also included all the amenities I had requested, such as a dental kit and neatly presented shower caps, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.

My stay at the W Budapest was not just fantastic but also incredibly comforting. The staff’s exceptional customer service, from the moment I checked in to the time I checked out, made me feel truly valued and important. It was a testament to the hotel’s commitment to providing a memorable experience for its guests.

While the breakfast was indeed tasty, it did come with a hefty price tag of €31 per day. Nevertheless, the turndown service was exceptional and was the perfect way to unwind after spending a long, hot day exploring the beautiful city.

The W Budapest’s location is a traveler’s dream. It’s just a stone’s throw away from a Metro station, and there are several bus stops within a two-minute walk. Plus, it’s opposite the the State Opera House and nestled on Andrássy Avenue, which is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. This prime location got me even more excited to start my Budapest exploration.

BUDAPEST CARD

The Budapest Card is the city’s official tourist pass. It offers free entry to more than 30 museums and attractions, unlimited free public transport, a free Danube cruise, and discounts to other attractions and restaurants.

These benefits not only save you time and money, but also provide a sense of ease and convenience, especially if you plan to visit multiple attractions and use public transport frequently. The Budapest Card takes the stress out of planning and navigating your sightseeing journey. 

Do I recommend getting the card?

Honestly, it is a decision you must make on your own. Your decision should be based on your individual tastes, exploration time, and budget. The Budapest Card does offer you the power to tailor your sightseeing experience to your preferences, giving you a sense of control over your travel plans. 

When it comes to the Budapest Card, there’s no one-size-fits-all.

You have three liberating options: the Tourist Pass, the Budapest Card, and the e-XPLORER Pass. Each card comes with its own set of benefits, giving you the freedom to choose the one that best suits your needs and sparking your curiosity about the different experiences each card offers.

I purchased the 72-hour Budapest Card because it came with unlimited free public transport and free entry to at least five attractions on my must-explore list, making my adventure more convenient and enjoyable.

Overall, I saved a few dollars on entry fees to some of the museums. However, I feel I could’ve visited the museums I wanted and kept within my budget without purchasing the card. 

Nevertheless, not having to worry about buying tickets in advance to some of the top sites was nice. I also enjoyed the convenience of unlimited free public transport, which allowed me to easily navigate the city and visit various attractions. 

HEROES’ SQUARE

After taking a moment to rejuvenate and gather my thoughts, I set out on my journey to immerse myself in the wonders of the city. The iconic Hősök tere, or Heroes’ Square, stood at the top of my itinerary, promising a glimpse into the rich historical tapestry of the location.

Heroes’ Square stands as a grand and symbolic centerpiece in Budapest, showcasing the iconic Millenary Monument. This impressive structure pays homage to Hungary’s rich history, commemorating its first thousand years of existence. The monument also features a striking representation of the seven Magyar tribes that played a pivotal role in the country’s founding.

As I set out, I intended to take a leisurely stroll around the Square. However, upon reaching the Square, I discovered that preparations were underway for an event. Despite the unexpected turn of events, I decided to make the most of the situation by taking a few captivating photos before continuing my exploration.

SZÉPMŰVÉSZETI MÚZEUM

The Szépművészeti Múzeum, Museum of Fine Arts, was not on my list of must-see attractions. However, I was delighted to find out that entry was complimentary with the Budapest Card, and the museum was conveniently located across from Heroes’ Square.

With the Budapest Card, I gained access to the museum’s permanent exhibitions, which showcased an impressive collection of Hungarian art spanning from ancient times to the late 18th century. However, it’s worth noting that temporary exhibitions were not included in the free entry offered by the card.

I spent maybe an hour inside the museum. The architecture of the Halls, with their high ceilings and ornate decorations, are exquisite and definitely worth spending a few minutes admiring.

While the museum’s exhibits didn’t captivate me as much as I had hoped, I found them to be on par with those of other prestigious art museums I’ve visited in different cities.

KUNSTHALLE 

Kunsthalle, or Budapest Hall of Art, lies opposite the Szépművészeti Múzeum. This institution is dedicated to showcasing contemporary art and stands out for its lack of a permanent collection. Instead, Kunsthalle focuses on staying current with the latest developments in national and international art by regularly hosting diverse exhibitions and events.

The current exhibitions didn’t pique my interest, so I decided to check out Vajdahunyad Castle, which is located in the City Park. 

MUSEUM OF HUNGARIAN AGRICULTURE

Vajdahunyad Castle is a stunning architectural wonder situated on a small island in Budapest’s City Park. This picturesque castle complex is home to the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture, the largest agricultural museum in Europe.

The museum showcases an extensive collection of exhibits and artifacts, offering visitors a captivating and insightful journey through Hungary’s rich agricultural history.

A mistake in translation led me to this museum. Nevertheless, my adventures are designed to help me learn more about the world around me, so I went inside. Entry into the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture isn’t included with the Budapest Card, nor is the 3000 Hungarian Forint —about $8.50 — entry fee discounted.  

At first, I debated whether to pay and visit since there were plenty of museums to explore that included free entry with the Budapest Card. I ultimately decided to pay the fee and explore the museum. 

Unfortunately, the museum didn’t capture my interest. I generally enjoy learning about the evolution of a city’s agriculture and way of life, but this particular museum just didn’t resonate with me.

The exhibits were informative, but the museum’s atmosphere was not as engaging. Honestly, the entire museum is quite boring.

I spent a majority of my visit nodding my head in polite confusion as a museum representative rambled on, in rapid Hungarian, about the need for me to contact the directors of various national parks and make monetary donations.  

At least, I think that’s what she was saying. Google Translate doesn’t do too well translating regional dialects and slang. 

I departed twenty minutes later, even more determined to immerse myself in the rich cultural offerings accessible with the Budapest Card.

MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS

Frustrated at not finding the Underground Railway Museum, a museum on my must-explore list, I went to the Museum of Illusions instead. 

The museum is a wonderland of perspective-changing rooms, such as the Reversed Room and the Infinity Room, which play with perception and create mind-bending illusions. Enthralling installations, like the Vortex Tunnel and the Cloning Table, will leave you spellbound. The collection of unique images will challenge your understanding of reality, sparking a sense of wonder and amazement. 

I’m a solo traveler 99% of the time, and I have no regrets about it. Nevertheless, I acknowledge that some activities are more enjoyable when experienced with others. The Museum of Illusions is one such activity, where optical illusions and interactive exhibits come to life.

This museum is absolutely amazing for capturing some truly unique and exceptional photos. Although there weren’t many options for taking selfies, I enjoyed experimenting with various photo opportunities. 

I especially appreciated the staff members, who were incredibly helpful and offered to assist me in taking photos with my camera. Their support allowed me to fully engage in the captivating visual, sensory, and educational experience that this place has to offer.

The museum is a treasure trove of interesting educational tidbits that pique visitors’ curiosity. However, the main attraction for most people is the plethora of unique and Instagram-worthy photo opportunities scattered throughout the museum, providing an intellectually stimulating and visually captivating experience. 

Whether captivated by history or just looking for a lovely backdrop for your next social media post, you can easily spend 60 to 90 minutes immersed in the museum’s offerings. 

Additionally, its strategic location adjacent to the metro station provides the added convenience of quick and easy access to other destinations, making it an ideal starting point for a day of exploration. This convenience will make you feel reassured and at ease during your visit.

HARD ROCK CAFE BUDAPEST

The Museum of Illusion was the last attraction I visited before I made my way to the Hard Rock Cafe Budapest for a delectable dinner. The cafe offered the classic Hard Rock ambiance and menu, so there weren’t any surprises.

What truly impressed me was the exceptional level of customer service. The staff were incredibly attentive and eager to ensure that every diner had a fantastic time and a satisfying meal. 

As for my meal choice, I decided to go for the steak salad and fries, which was scrumptious. The ambiance was further enhanced by the well-chosen music and the interesting display of music memorabilia, which added to the overall experience. 

All in all, it was a thoroughly enjoyable dining experience that left a lasting positive impression.

DAY 1 CONCLUSION

The HRC Budapest was the day’s final stop. After nearly a full day of exploring Budapest, I headed back to the hotel for a much-needed shower and rest before diving into Day 2’s activities.

My first day in Budapest was nothing short of amazing. I faced some challenges, especially with navigating the public transportation system. At first, I found the metro lines and tram routes a bit confusing, but once I got the hang of it, the city became this explorer’s dream.  

This beautiful city opened up to me, and I found a new level of enjoyment in exploring its streets and attractions. From the grandeur of Buda Castle to the bustling energy of the Great Market Hall, every corner I turned offered a new and exciting experience. I can’t wait to see what the rest of my time in Budapest has in store for me.

I eagerly looked forward to Day 2’s activities, where I immersed myself more in Budapest’s vibrant and diverse city. From exploring historical landmarks to sampling delicious local cuisine and engaging in exhilarating activities, Day 2 promises unforgettable adventures and enriching experiences.