European Adventure Part VI: Day 2
The Beer Garden
We took sometime and slept in this morning - what a gamechanger! The weather so beautiful it Budapest, and we spent in walking around and soaking in the city.
A WALKING TOUR For the second time, I went on a free walking tour in Budapest, and for the second time it was amazing. The tour leaves from Vörösmarty square which is lovely. Last time I was here it was decorated with an Easter market, and this time around it was a spring market. There was food that smelled amazing, and so many cute little treats and trinkets. I was a little sad that we couldn't spend more time before the tour got started.I learned even more about the city and Hungary as a whole on the tour the second time. Last time we went it was so windy and cold! I didn't take as many pictures because of it, but believe me, I made up for this time. The tour starts in Pest and ends up in Buda. I should say, on Buda Hill. This means that we had to climb some pretty steep steps to make it up the hill, but the view was so worth it!
EXPLORING & LUNCH After the tour we went and explored the first of two old churches that we'd see today. The first one was Matthias Church, a late-Gothic Catholic Church. The roof top was these amazing yellow, green, and red tiles. The inside was a little dark and heavy but it was a beautiful nonetheless. Next we had lunch inside Fishermans Bastion. Fishermans Bastion is this amazing terrace that was opened in 1902 that has this stunning views across the Danube river into Pest. It looks like a castle. They have especially amazing views of the Hungarian Parliament building. The sun was shining and it was the perfect time to soak in the weather and the view. For lunch I had a caesar salad and a delicious elderflower lemonade. Oh, so good!
BACK ACROSS THE DANUBE We took the bus back across the Chain Bridge to go explore St. Stephens Basilica . This was simply stunning. Just the dome alone! There was this beautiful choir singing that made it feel like you were sitting right in the presence of God. They sounded like angels. We went to the top of the basilica and were treated to even more amazing views of Budapest. I'm so struck once again by what a beautiful city it is. It's such an interesting mix of beautiful romantic style architecture from the Hapsburgs, and the Soviet Union to occupied the city after World War II.I love how much charm and character the city has. There are so many squares and green spaces where the Budapesti were enjoying the weather. We came across this lovely beer garden that was so colorful and full of life.After that we went to the grocery store where I picked up some delicious Hungarian wine. The super sweet, but delicious Tokaji white wine, and the strong and spicy red called Bull's Blood. I stopped by this market to get the most tasty chicken burger I've ever had in my life.
DINNER & A RUINPUB For dinner we went back to one of my favorites in the Jewish Quarter - Koleves. This time we sat in the outdoor garden which has so much personality. I tried the goulash! So flavorful. Then we went to the most popular of the ruinpubs, Szimpla Kert. It's such a funky looking place, but the vibe there is so cool.
UP NEXT: The morning will be spent at the baths! Then we'll say goodbye to Hungary and be on our way to our next stop - Denmark!