Budapest Things to Do Tips by DrewV

Parliament Parliament - Orszaghaz Review

Here you see the Westminster-like Hungarian parliament. It's so huge, only 25% or so of the building is used by the Parliament. And do you see the scaffolding? That infamous Drew curse strikes again. Still, it's nice to see that Hungary won't be out of its league when compared to its soon-to-be-brethren in the EU.

Address: Kossut Lajos tér (square)

The Not-So-Blue Danube

The fact of the matter is that the Danube is not blue. If it were, it would look like this:

Pub V (Or all the stuff I didn't see)

One of my nicknames growing up was V (as in DrewV). So I was all psyched to find this establishment in Pest. I also apologize for missing some of the cool parts of Pest, like St. Stephen's Basilica, Vorosmarty Ter, and the bustling streets of the Belvaros. Sadly, I ran out of film, and I spent most of my time in Budapest worrying about changing my flight so that I could get my darn tuberculosis shot. Don't worry -- one day I'll be back to Budapest and I'l get all the pictures I missed...

Nagycsamarok Market Hall - Grand Market Hall - Nagyvasarcsarnok Review

The great market hall of Pest is a fantastic place to get paprika, sausage, and all sorts of Hungarian delights. The wondrous smells will knock you over when you walk in the door, and as you explore, the joy becomes even greater. It's just super-cool and super-cheap. I highly recommend it, just for the experience.

Address: Pest side of the Liberty Bridge

The Great Synagogue Synagogue - Dohány Street Central Synagogue Review

The Great Synagogue of Pest is the largest fully functioning synagogue in Europe. Budapest was a center of Jewish culture prior to the Second World War. Unfortunately, most of its Jews were forcibly moved to Auschwitz/Birkenau at the end of the war. The ones that remain have rebuilt the community and restored the synagogue to its original glory.

Address: Dohány Street

Anonymous Vajdahunyad Castle - Vajdahunyad-vár Review

This shadowy figure is Anonymous, the scribe who recorded much of Hungary's early history. Now he stands watch in a courtyard of Vajdahunyad Castle, a castle designed after a Transylvanian castle, but with Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and other architectural elements to reflect Hungary's rich history.

Address: 1146 Budapest, XIV. kerület, Városliget

Directions: Central park, near Hõsõk teré

Phone: (+36) 1/343-3198

Hõsök Tere Heroes' Square - Hosok tere Review

Let's head over to Pest now.

In 1896, Hungary celebrated its Millienium. A Thousand Years of Hungary. They went all out. The continent's first subway was built (very lovely, highly recommended) and Heroes' Square (Hõsök Tere) was constructed as a centrepiece for the celebration. All around the square runs a collanade with statues of each Hungarian Hero -- important kings and other warriors. I'm just sorry that I don't have an adequate picture.

Address: Hõsök tere

Directions: Pest side, near Central Park

The Little Things Buda Castle - Budavar Review

It's the little details which seem so charming. In this case, it's this archway through which the path leads down the hill to the river. I just like little tunnels and archways. I'm sure there's some severe Freudian trauma associated with that, but I don't care.

Directions: Buda side

Some Random Monument

In front of the Matyas Church in Buda is this monument. I'm afraid I can't remember the significance of it, because I was a slacker in my note-taking in Budapest. I tried looking online for it, but I haven't found anything. My apologies. Still, it's quite nice, isn't it?

The Matyas Church Mathias Church - Mátyás-templom Review

Matyas Church is the chief church on the Varhegy. They tell me it's neo-Gothic. I'm not convinced that it is, but I'm hardly an expert on such things. What I do know is that it's quite groovy. I also really enjoy the intricate tilework on the roof, which reminds me of the patterns you might see on the roof of the churches in Vienna.

Address: I. Szentháromság tér 2, Varbusz.