Ice hockey, cozy and funky ruin bars, underground clubs, Christmas markets, spas, these are only a few of the things that made Budapest one of my favorite winter European destinations. Budapest in my opinion is one of the most underrated European cities I traveled to last year. I don't know if it was because I didn't know a lot of people who had traveled there, therefore I had not received many recommendations, however it was a pleasant surprise and I was blown away at all of the different attractions the city has to offer. For Christmas/ winter break, I received over 2 weeks of vacation time and decided to travel to 3 different countries in Europe. Budapest was the first stop. It actually wasn't on my radar until one of my best friends (Christin) and her fiancé (CJ) told me they were moving there. CJ is a professional hockey player and got signed with the team MAC Budapest. We planned for me to visit for Christmas while they had family visiting as well- it was a perfect way to spend my first Christmas away from my family. It is a "bigger"city so I was fortunate to have some locals helping me navigate the public transpo, and showing me all the best spots. Christin was an amazing tour guide while CJ was at practice and took Tracy, Charlie and I all over the city. I was so impressed with all the history she had learned while living there. This is definitely something I want to work on - not only reading about the history but learning it and remembering it to share with others! I tend to hold onto bits and pieces I learn, but having a full comprehension of a cities history makes it so much more meaningful while seeing the different landmarks and historical sites - even just to help understand the current culture. If you don't have a local tour guide, you can find free tours in most cities - I personally love all Sandemans tours - the guides are incredibly well educated and passionate, and they are donation based so you pay in tips at the end of the tour based on the experience you had - which in my experience has always been superb. One of the things I thought was super interesting about the city is that there are two "sides" Buda and Pest that were originally two separate cities but eventually merged to form one city - Budapest. Also, I had no idea that it was pronounced "Budapesht."
On our first big tour day around the city we went to the Central Market Hall. As I've mentioned before I am a big fan of markets. Its a great place to see and eat local food, and see items that are made locally. It is a stunning, high ceiling, neogothic hall with lots of aromas to greet you right when you walk in the doors.
Christin and me outside of the Central Market Hall, with our matching beanies!
The above two photos are from inside the market. I picked up a couple of souvenirs here.
The outside of the market, you can get a feel for the hustle and bustle of the city.
Me standing in front of the Liberty Bridge or Szabadság híd
Christin, Tracy, and Charlie on the Liberty Bridge. It was a beautiful, but cold walk across the water.
On the other side of the bridge, Danubius Hotel Gellért in the background.
Danubius Hotel Gellért
Christmas markets! You can find these all over the city. The two we visited were at Saint Stephen basilica and Vörösmarty square. So many cute vendors and delicious food and drinks. We loved the Gluhwein which is a hot spiced wine, its definitely a necessity if you are at the markets at night, it warms you right up.
This delicious doughy bread is called Langos and it is soo good but so bad, its covered in butter and I think ours had sour cream.
Christin and CJ!
These are some random shots from walking throughout the city.
The Stretch Family! There was a family skate night at the rink and we all got to skate (or attempt to skate in my case) with the players and their family members that were visiting for the holidays. Super fun night :)
Tracy and Charlie helping us get laced up & also warming up with a beer :)
Luckily there were no injuries. Christin is a great skater and scored some goals.. making CJ proud :)
This was my comfort zone.
Our favorite player!
Cuties!
Christmas Eve was a fun celebration with some of the other expat team members. We did a big dinner and lots of drinks.
Merry Chrysler!
Tracy and me laughing about something hilarious
Charcuterie & champagne of course. We went through a lot of wine this night and had some bottles of Hungarian wine and I was very impressed with the quality.
On Christmas day we were all moving a bit slow, so going to the Spa was the perfect solution.
Széchenyi Thermal Spa, I highly recommend for the full Budapest spa experience!
There are hot spas ranging from all different temperatures, cold soaks, big tubs, small tubs, and the mega big tub outside. Just don't think about the germs too much, and you will be fine :)
Paparazzi got us leaving the spa feeling extra relaxed ;)
Vajdahunyad Castle
Beautiful outdoor skating rink
Paparazzi got us again
Fisherman's Bastion in Buda Castle was breathtaking, with panoramic views of the entire city. The buildings themselves would be worth the trek up the hill, and the views are incomparable - definitely worth a visit. Tracy, Christin, and I had a girls day and took a (very crowded) bus ride up here from the city center and spent the afternoon walking around, marveling, taking in the views, taking photos, and sipping more gluhwein. There is a rooftop bar - that was surprisingly not crowded at all. We ordered drinks and I couldn't get over the view.
Simply exquisite.
I think this was my favorite photo spot :)
Another note: other places worth visiting that aren't pictured are Szimpla Kert ruin bar - I was so sad this was closed the whole time I was there because of the Christmas holiday, but I will definitely be back and will make it a priority! We had an amazing meal at Bisztró Most - great vibes. We also had a super fun night out at Necc party at Akvarium Klub - we danced the whole night!
Until next time, Buda!
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