Views from the train
Scenic Train Ride to Budapest
Our adventure to Budapest, Hungary began with a breathtaking train ride from Zagreb, arriving at Kelenföld Station after six hours. The journey itself was an unforgettable experience—we passed through Slovenia, marveling at its stunning turquoise lakes and charming villages, each centered around a magnificent church. It felt like traveling through a fairy tale, making us wish we could pause time and explore more.
First Impressions of Budapest
Before arriving, we knew only a little about Budapest. While planning our trip, we realized it was a perfect stopover to break up our long travel days. A quick dive into research assured us that Budapest is safe, rich in history, and home to stunning architecture and delicious food—which was more than enough reason to stay for a few days
Exploring the city
Exploring Buda and Pest
Upon arrival, we crossed the iconic Széchenyi Chain Bridge, which spans the Danube River and connects Buda and Pest—yes, we were surprised to learn that Budapest was originally two separate cities! We stayed on the Pest side, known for its vibrant atmosphere and iconic landmarks, including the Hungarian Parliament Building. Our local taxi driver turned out to be an excellent tour guide, giving us a quick Budapest history lesson along the way.
Living Like a Local: Staying in a Budapest Loft
Our Airbnb in Budapest was a modern loft on the top floor of a historic building. While the narrow walkway leading to our apartment tested my fear of heights, the breathtaking view from the large window made it all worth it. Below, the streets buzzed with life—street performers, bustling restaurants, boutique shops, and the stunning Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library at the end of the road.
Taking full advantage of our apartment stay, we finally tackled some much-needed laundry—a task that turned into an unexpected two-day mission. If you’ve never used a European washer-dryer combo, be prepared for its miniature size! While waiting, a sudden thunderstorm rolled in, transforming the sunny day into a dramatic downpour, complete with booming thunder. Watching the storm from our window turned into an unexpected highlight of our stay.
Walking along the Danube
A Walk Along the Danube River
The next day, we explored Pest, starting with a stroll along the Danube River. We stopped by the Great Market Hall, Budapest’s largest and oldest indoor market, admired Heroes’ Square, and wandered through charming streets filled with souvenir shops and local boutiques.
While looking for a place to eat, we spotted an intriguing structure built into the hillside across the river. A local told us it was Gellért Hill, home to a historic monastery and a network of caves. Though we didn’t have time to explore it on this trip, it’s at the top of our Budapest bucket list for next time!
A very Hungarian breakfast
A Taste of Hungary: Traditional Breakfast
We found a cozy Budapest café with an incredible view and decided to try a traditional Hungarian breakfast. Their bagels were a must-try! I had a sesame bagel with Camembert cheese, homemade blueberry jam, and fresh spinach—an unexpected but heavenly combination. My travel partner opted for the Hungarian bagel, featuring Lesco (a flavorful vegetable stew), sausage, and cheese—a hearty and authentic Hungarian dish.
Final Thoughts on Budapest
Though our time in Budapest, Hungary was short, it was filled with incredible sightseeing, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences. Now that we’ve overcome our initial hesitation about traveling through Eastern Europe, we can’t wait to return and explore even more!
Follow as we explore a new country while waiting for a train change!…
