Central Europe [Part 10]: 2D2N In Budapest, Hungary

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BIDDING GOODBYE TO LJUBLJANA AND HELLO AGAIN TO BUDAPEST

Two days two nights in Ljubljana is indeed short and brief but at least, we managed to cover few places in our list, including a day trip to Lake Bled. The next city and country we're heading to is Budapest, the capital city of Hungary. I've been to Budapest before back in 2017 but this will be my husband's first trip there. The train ride from Ljubljana to Budapest is significantly long, nearly 9 hours and because of that, we decided to take the earliest train which is around 5am.  

#1: As the train ride from Ljubljana to Budapest is pretty long, hence I prepared breakfast and lunch to munch inside the train.

#2: Slovenian Train

#3: The train is pretty new and comfortable too. It even features power socket, free WiFi, clean toilet and a cafeteria. 

#4: Hello Budapest again after 5 years. 

#5: Budapest-Keleti Railway Station, the main international and inter-city railway terminal of Budapest

OUR STAY IN BUDAPEST 
Actually my original plan was either to skip Budapest or perhaps, a day trip only as I've been to Budapest before but something came out. So at the end, we booked a stay for two nights in Budapest itself. 

#6: A double-bed room ensuite with private bathroom 

#7: Fully furnished communal kitchen 

East Station DeLuxe 

Date Stayed: 1 November - 3 November 2022 (2 nights) 

Total Room Rate: RM320 for a Double Room with Private Bathroom (Booked from Booking.com) 

Things I Like About This Accommodation:

• Located right opposite of Budapest-Keleti Railway Station   
• There are plenty of shops, restaurants and cafes underneath of our stay such as Starbucks, KFC, McDonald's, Burger King, Spar supermarket, and more. 
• Fully-furnished communal modern kitchen with fridge, kettle and microwave. 

Things I Dislike About This Accommodation:

• No lift and required to climb few flight of stairs before reaching the entrance
  
• The window of our room was facing the balcony where the guests will walk through in order to access into the building. This makes our room with less privacy as the people might see through our room from the outside. Would be nice if they can tinted the window.    

CURRENCY 

National currency for Hungary is Hungarian Forint, or HUF. Although Euro (€) is accepted in places such as restaurants, markets and touristy places but I found out that the conversion rate given at these places were relatively lower. Hence, try to change as little as possible at any money changer as the rate is €1 to HUF403 (as at November 2022). Fortunately, debit and credit cards are widely accepted even at a fast food restaurant. 

THINGS WE DID & VISITED IN BUDAPEST 

Since this is not my first time to Budapest, hence there are few places I revisited for the second time along with my husband. However, there are even some places I went for the very first time too. 

#9: Get ready to explore Budapest once again

1) Danube River Cruise

I didn't get to experience this before during my maiden trip to Budapest and since we didn't have any river cruises throughout our 22-days Central Europe trip, hence we decided to go and try the one in Budapest. Right after we check-in into our stay and left our luggages, from there we walked to Danube River. The river cruise departs every half an hour with the price of €13.50 during the daytime and €19 for the evening session. It's an hour long sightseeing cruise with one complimentary drink (choice of champagne, wine, beer, soft drinks and mineral water).

#10: We just walk-in and bought the tickets on spot.

#11: One of the most fascinating sights of the historical city of Budapest 

#12

#13: One complimentary drink given during the cruise 

2) Savouring Hungarian Classic Dishes At Drum Cafe 

After done with the Danube River Cruise, it's time to fill up our hungry tummy. My husband found this little touristy place that serve traditional Hungarian food in affordable and reasonably price. 

#14: Drum Cafe - Opens daily from 8am to 12am 

#15: Traditional Hungarian food we ordered: 

• Bean & beef goulash soup 
• Chicken breast paprikash with fresh made Hungarian dumplings garnish 
• Poppy seed langosh cake 

#16: Our total bill is HUF6,950 (approx. to RM80). Pretty affordable for three dishes with a drink. 

Drum Cafe 

Address: Budapest, Dob u. 2, 1072 Hungary  

Opening Hours: 8am - 12am daily 

3) Exploring Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church and surrounding area 

Been here before but still, it's one of my favourite places to visit in Budapest. On our second day in Budapest, we're blessed with excellent weather with clear blue sky and it's exactly the perfect time for phototaking. Like they said, "Take Nothing But Pictures. Leave Nothing But Footprints".

#17: Fisherman's Bastion, one of Budapest's best known monuments 

#18: Terrance that offer panoramic view of Budapest

#19: 2017 vs 2022 

#20: Statue of Stephen 1 of Hungary 

#21: Matthias Church 

4) Visiting Great Market Hall

Another of my favourite place in Budapest and I did a post about this before -  here. Also known as Central Market Hall, it's the largest and indoor market in Budapest. You can find all sort of things here; ranging from daily products such as fruits, poultry, vegetables and pastries at the ground floor and variety of souvenirs on the first floor. Want to try Hungarian authentic local food? This is one of the places to be. 

#22: Great Market Hall - the largest and oldest indoor market in Budapest

#23: Langos - a feast of deep fried dough with various toppings

Great Market Hall

Address: Budapest, Vámház krt. 1-3, 1093 Hungary  

Opening Hours: 6am - 5pm (Monday)

                            6am - 6pm (Tuesday to Friday)

                            6am - 3pm (Saturday)

                            Closed on every Sunday 

5) Dining at the most beautiful cafe in the world - New York Cafe 

New York Cafe in Budapest is an Italian Renaissance-style masterpiece with exquisite chandeliers and frescoes reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel. Although some people commented that this cafe is overrated, but it always gets incredibly busy. It took us more than than 30 minutes to get a table. And I have to say it's the most overpriced cafe I ever dined in before.  

#24: New York Cafe in Budapest claimed to be the most beautiful cafe in the world

#25: Two sets of pastry and drink cost us HUF18,837 (approx. to RM220)

New York Cafe
Address: Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 9-11, 1073 Hungary  

Opening Hours: 8am - 12am (Opens daily)

6) Watching Backstreet Boys Perform Live in Budapest Arena

This explains why we intended to overnight in Budapest for two nights instead of just doing a day trip. Out of surprised, my husband got us Backstreet Boys tickets while we're travelling in Greece. Watching our teenage year beloved boy band performing live with the songs both of us grew up with - that feelings are totally indescribable. One of the unforgettable memories in my travelling life. 

#26: Backstreet Boys DNA World Tour in Budapest 

#27: Anyone here is big fan of Backstreet Boys?

I personally think Budapest is not just a perfect vacation for couple, but it's also best to travel along with friends and families too. I did a solo travelling to Budapest back in 2017 and I don't have any safety issues at all. As long as you take the usual precautions, such as avoiding walking through the dark alley and always be aware of your surroundings.