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. 

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Central Europe [Part 9]: Day Trip To Lake Bled From Ljubljana

 << Previous Post: Ljubljana, Slovenia's Charming Capital City <<

The primary reason why I want to visit Slovenia so much is due to this magical and remarkable Lake Bled. It's becoming more popular and well-known lately that you will spot the beauty of this emerald-green lake with picture-postcard church sits on the tiny island appeared on almost all social media, travel brochures, magazines and more. Therefore, it's such a shame if your trip to Slovenia is incomplete without a visit to Lake Bled. 


DAY TRIP TO LAKE BLED FROM LJUBLJANA 

Initially, I was planning for one-night stay in Lake Bled but I found out there's nothing much to do around the lake during night time. Moreover, it's doable to do a day trip from Ljubljana to Lake Bled. And that's explain why we stayed in Ljubljana for two nights. 

Getting to Lake Bled from Ljubljana is pretty simple and easy. You can either opt for bus or train and we chosen to travel via bus instead. Both Ljubljana railway and bus station are located next to each other at the north side of the city center. Buses depart at least hourly from Ljubljana and the bus ride will take a mere 1.5 hours. The reason why we don't opt for the train is because Bled Railway Station located 5km away from the lake and you need to get another bus or taxi to reach the lake. 

#1: Taking bus from Ljubljana to Lake Bled 

#2: Make sure to buy the bus tickets at the station first, before boarding the bus. 

And they accept cash only.  

ARRIVAL AT BLED

If you are planning to hike up to the viewpoint in order to get best view of Lake Bled, I wouldn't recommend to alight at Bled main bus station. Instead, alight at Bled-Mlino bus stop, which is just one stop ahead after the main bus station stop. Unless you don't mind to walk extra miles from the main bus station to the trailhead. Only after the hike, both my husband and I walked back to the main bus station to get on to the bus back to Ljubljana. 

#3: Bled main bus station. But I don't highly recommend to alight here if you are planning to hike up for the viewpoint 

#4: Alight at this Bled-Mlino bus stop as it is more nearer to the trailhead.

#5: We hiked the Mala Osojnica trail. 

It stated it takes 30 minutes of hike but I think this is more relevant for the "angmo" cause their legs are long fast. 

#6: Hilltop viewpoint where it offers iconic panoramas of Lake Bled 

#7: For us, it's quite a challenging hike where there were few paths are pretty steep, uneven and rocky. It even involves sloping metal staircase. 

#8: They said "The best views come after the hardest climb" and it's so true. 

It does require some effort but the payoff is great when you get a breathtaking view of the lake and beyond like this.

Lake Bled Hiking Tips:

1. It's best to get there early in order to beat the crowd. 
2. Wear sturdy and comfy walking shoe. Try to avoid wearing slippers, sandals or even high heels as the hiking trail is pretty steep, uneven and rocky. 
3. Bring water and some snacks along to avoid dehydration and fill your hungry tummy after the hike. 

#9: The beauty of Lake Bled from afar 

#10: Thing you shouldn't miss when in Bled is eating Bled Cream Cake (Blejska Kremna Rezina) 

Almost every shop in Bled serve this but the best one is at confectionary Zima (not far away from Bled main bus station) 

#11: Apart from hiking to the viewpoint, there are plenty of fun things to do in Bled 

#12: Drinking water is everywhere in Bled

#13: Bled is pet-friendly town. This restaurant even serves meal for your furkid 

#14: Dropby souvenir shop to get postcard and fridge magnet before leaving the town 

#15: Bled is such a lovely and charming town to visit 

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Central Europe [Part 8]: Ljubljana, Slovenia's Charming Capital City

 << Previous Post: A Day Trip to Innsbruck, Austria <<

LEAVING SALZBURG FOR LJUBLJANA 

After staying in Salzburg for two nights, it's time to bid goodbye to this city in central Austria and continued with our journey to the next country. A country which I've never been before and this round, I got to add another new country in my list which is Slovenia (my 59th country). From Salzburg, we took train to the capital city of Slovenia, Ljubljana. The train ride took around 4 hours with a short interchange at Villach Hbf. As usual, we used the Eurail Global Pass bought from Klook.  

#1: Goodbye Austria! See you again next time. 

#2: Hello Slovenia! Hello Ljubljana too for the very first time.

OUR STAY IN LJUBLJANA 

Ljubljana railway station is situated just north of the city center and short walk to most of the popular attractions. The accommodation we booked sits right in the middle of the railway station and the main square - within 10 minutes walk from the railway station and less than 5 minutes to the Ljubljana's main square. 

#3: Fully equipped kitchenette with microwave and fridge

#4: One bedroom apartment

Viva Rooms 

Date Stayed: 30 October - 1 November 2022 (2 nights) 

Total Room Rate: RM588 for One-Bedroom Apartment (Booked from Booking.com) 

Things I Like About This Accommodation:

• Centrally located in the middle of Ljubljana railway station, bus station and main tourist attractions.    
• Fully equipped kitchenette with microwave and fridge. 

Things I Dislike About This Accommodation:

• No lift and required to climb 3 flight of stairs before reaching the entrance

THINGS WE DID & SAW IN LJUBLJANA 

Ljubljana is pretty compact and a small town where you can reach most of the main attractions on foot, except for the Zoo and the Architecture Museum. Like most of the time, the Old Town of certain city is always be the top on my list to explore and visit, including for Ljubljana. Here, you will spot countless bridges, fountains, churches, statues, monuments and more.    

#5: Franciscan Church of the Annunciation 

#6: Prešeren Square, the central square in Ljubljana. 

It's part of the old town's pedestrian zone and a major meeting point. 

#7: Dragon Bridge (Zmajski Most) 

#8: Ljubljana's Town Hall

#9

#10: Charming canal view from the square 

#11

#12: Unique building

#13: Honestly to say, I always love to try McDonald's in different country because they have different variety. Like the one in Slovenia, their McD served Chicken Bacon burger and Fries Cheddar & Bacon. 

#14: Magnet and postcard are must buy for my personal collection

My verdict on Ljubljana - although this city is less popular compare to the rest of the cities in Western Europe, for me, Ljubljana is surprisingly charming and mesmerising. It's less crowded with not many tourists and making the atmosphere so much relaxed and calm. How I wish I could stay longer here? Spending two days are totally insufficient.

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