Picture perfect spots in Budapest
Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. If cities were individuals, Budapest would one with a strong mind and character. It’s full of tourist attractions and beautiful places to visit.
Whenever I start planning a trip, the first thing I do is see when the best time to visit that city or country is. What do I want to get from it, as every season highlights different beauties of the city.
I researched quite a lot before buying my tickets to Budapest and everything I learned about it made me think that the best time to visit Budapest is in the winter from Christmas till New Year’s.
During this time the Christmas markets are on and the chances for snow are better. Also you won’t enjoy thermal baths in summer as much as in winter and in general to me Budapest seems like a winter city. Another aspect to consider why the holiday season is because Hungarian people love to celebrate and during the New Year ’s Eve people were all over the streets celebrating at the famous squares or bridges. You could hear the roars of joy all over the place.
One of the most beautiful places in Budapest is the New York Palace and New York Café. A magnificent building in and out. The New York café is always full and you might have to wait in line, but believe me when I say it’s worth the wait. The best place to sit at the New York Café is on the second floor, at the side of the balcony. From there you can see the whole café and easily admire the details of the ceiling and settings. Also next to it there’s usually an Orchestra that plays beautiful Classical or traditional Hungarian pieces. I was so lucky to be serenated by the violinist (if you’re curious check out my vlog : YouTube link or IGTV link). One small tip, since the place is classical and pompous, for a great pic you should wear something elegant, but not very colorful, since the place has a lot brilliance.
One very special thing to do and take some very good pictures is going to any of the many thermal baths of Budapest. We chose Széchenyi Thermal Baths and I think we chose well. Széchenyi is not only famous for its natural curative waters but also for the beautiful building that surrounds the outdoor hot bath. Especially in the winter the low temperatures outside make the hot water create a lot of steam, which not only adds to the pleasure and relaxation but creates the picture perfect surrounding. Small tip, we ended up going there in the early afternoon and stayed till after sunset and I think it was ideal, because not only we enjoyed it during day time, but also once the sun went down the lights made the place look magical.
Visiting at least one Christmas market is a must when in Budapest. There are many of theme and one more beautiful than the other. We visited some of them, but there was one that was still keeping the Christmas spirit on even on the 2nd of January. The place was full of beautiful cabins covered by shimmering lights and all sorts of decoration. You could buy there all sorts of things, from different to ornaments, clothing and accessories and plenty of different kind of snacks and cold or hot beverage. Try the mulled wine. One special detail that I loved about this market is that it was just in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica, which during the evening it became even more beautiful with the moving lights projected all over the building. The memory of eating chimney cake while walking around that market and admiring that beautiful cultural treasure is cherishable.
