Bridges, Baths, and Budapest!

Ok - back to some more Europe posts -- this stop, Budapest, Hungary.  We debated long and hard about making the trek to this city, and we were SO glad that we ended up going.  It was absolutely breathtaking and we really loved our time there.  

We arrived to Budapest in the late afternoon, and found our way to the most AMAZING restaurant called "Menza".  It had beautiful outdoor seating and the meal was fantastic.  We had drinks, appetizers, salads, and 2 entrees -- all for $25 USD.  Incredible!

After dinner, we strolled down the main street in Budapest, "Andrassy Ave" - almost like a Hungarian "Champ Elysees" and made our way down to the Danube River to catch the sunset.

This was our view of the Chain Bridge - taken with my iPhone.... 

It was the most beautiful night!  We sat there on the bank of the river taking it all in and it was such a perfect and romantic evening.  This was one of my favorite places in all of Europe.

On the way back to the hotel, we of course stopped for gelato and then it was off to bed!

The next day we took another Free Walking Tour all around Buda and Pest - it was really worthwhile and we enjoyed it so much.  Highlights of the tour included:

Vorosmarty Square

Deak Square

St Stephen Basilica

Synagogue

Parliament

Royal Palace

Chain Bridge 

and much more!

the synagogue

view from the royal palace

We had a delicious authentic Hungarian lunch that day that consisted of goulash and duck pasta - yum!!  

That afternoon, we got to explore the House of Terror Museum - which is a memorial to the Hungarian victims of the fascist and communism dictatorial regimes in the 20th century.  The actual building is where the victims were tortured, interrogated, and even killed.  It was quite a powerful and terrifying place - but I would highly recommend it for the history and impressive exhibit.

Dinner that night was at a delicious Italian restaurant - with amazing pizzas! - right on the Danube river.  

The next day, we enjoyed the morning wandering around the Centrall Market Hall - an indoor market with anything and everything you could imagine.  From fruits and veggies, Hungarian chocolates and candies, and scarves, clothes and toys.  

From the Market, we made our way across the Szabadsag Bridge over to the Cave Church, Liberty Statue, and then trekked all the way up the mountain for amazing views of the city.

That afternoon we ventured out to the famous Szechenyi Thermal Baths - which were absolutely incredible!  We weren't allowed to take our cameras into the baths, but I did sneak my iPhone in for a quick peek...

We spent half of the day here, and it was SO much fun -- I will never forget this experience!  If you ever find yourself in Budapest - you must visit these amazing baths.

The next day, we headed out for Vienna, Austria!!

Stay tuned!! 

XOXO