Budapest, At Daylight

Every tourist in Budapest has to do at least three things: to have breakfast in a café the with luxurious interior, to see The Parliament and to visit some Mineral Bath.

So, lets start in the proposed order.

For the breakfast I have stayed in the café right opposite the Opera House. Big mirrors, old furniture, high ceiling and glass chandeliers - all this make a grand atmosphere from the past.

Now I am full, in good mood and ready to start observing the city.

My next stop is near The Parliament, located on the Pest side of the city.

The Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest was built in Neo-Gothic style and completed in 1904. Its symmetrical facade, soaring spires and central dome make it one of Europe’s most recognizable legislative buildings. Yesterday I saw it illuminated at night, from another bank. Both looks are very impressive.

Now I am on the way to another landmark, the Rudas Bath, located on the Buda side of Budapest, near the Elisabeth Bridge.

The Rudas Bath is one of Budapest’s most iconic Turkish baths, originally built during the Ottoman occupation in the 16th century. Its centerpiece is the traditional octagonal pool set beneath a large dome punctured with star-shaped multicolored skylights that cast atmospheric light onto the water.

The bath combines authentic Turkish architectural elements, thick stone walls, arches and dimly lit chambers, with modern wellness facilities such as saunas, steam rooms and therapeutic pools.

The Rudas is also known for its rooftop thermal pool, which offers panoramic views of the Danube and the city. I have tried it as well. To my taste, nothing special.

I have spent four hours in the bath. And honestly, it was more than enough. Still, the whole day ticket cost me around 37 euros. One piece of advice for visitors of this place - take a towel with you (and maybe the slippers). Otherwise, you would need to buy a towel there for 17 euro.

And now I am coming back to the city centre through the bridge, taking some amusing pictures on the way.

How could I forget about the fourth important thing while staying in Budapest. Of course, it is about trying Langos!

Langos is a Hungarian deep-fried flatbread, crispy outside, soft inside, usually topped with garlic, sour cream and cheese. It is made from a simple yeast dough, very similar to basic white bread dough, but a bit wetter and softer and fluffy. I have added extra toppings, which were beacon and onion.

It was quite a generous piece of food, and honestly that was enough for the entire dinner. To burn some calories I went for walking around the night Budapest.

Indeed, it was a very interesting and diverse trip to Budapest. My conclusion is that I should come back. And next time I would like to check some ruin bar, which I have not visited during this visit. A ruin bar (romkocsma in Hungarian) is a uniquely Budapest-style pub built inside some abandoned, run-down building, often old apartment blocks or factories. People say, it is completely exceptional and uncommon experience. So, next time!