Hungary Here’s a vivid account of the first two days of our 3-night, 4-day trip to Budapest. From the moment we landed at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport after a 12-hour flight from Incheon, we followed our planned itinerary with excitement. Although not everything went exactly as planned, our first two days were filled with unexpected joys and touching moments. Let’s begin the record of days 1 and 2.
Arrival and Accommodation in Budapest
After arriving at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, we took an airport bus to our accommodation. You can purchase tickets in front of the airport terminal. If using a vending machine, it’s advisable to check in advance whether card payment is possible and if a PIN is required. The air in Budapest after a 12-hour flight felt different. We got off at a bus stop near our accommodation, took a moment to catch our breath, and savored the European atmosphere. Our accommodation was cozier and prettier than expected, and the wooden sliding elevator was a unique experience. The view of Budapest from the window was also impressive.
A Night in St. Stephen’s Basilica
After unpacking at our accommodation, we visited St. Stephen’s Basilica located near our lodging late in the evening. Despite the late hour, the beautiful lighting created a mystical atmosphere. The sight of the Basilica peeking through the alleys was an unforgettable感動. There were clubs and massage parlors nearby, but we were content with enjoying a night walk and soaking in the nighttime scenery of Budapest.
Budapest, Szent István tér 1, 1051 Hungary
Bayerischer Hof and Heroes’ Square
On the morning of the second day, after a hearty breakfast of nurungji (scorched rice) and stir-fried kimchi, we set out for sightseeing. Our first destination was Bayerischer Hof, reached by taking the M1 metro. We used a time-based travel card, which made getting around convenient. Bayerischer Hof is famous for being modeled after Dracula’s castle, but it was disappointing that the lake was dry. Although we didn’t tour the inside of the castle, we enjoyed a walk while admiring the surrounding scenery.
On our way back to the station, we passed by Heroes’ Square. Coincidentally, it was Hungary National Day (Revolutionary Memorial Day), so admission to museums and art galleries was free. However, seeing the long queue in front of the Budapest Art Museum, we decided to save it for another time. Unique shops were also noticeable around the square.
New York Café and the Hungarian National Museum
For lunch, we enjoyed crispy schnitzel at Porto di Pest. Afterward, we visited the New York Café, renowned as the most beautiful café in Budapest. The opulent interior, excellent live performance, and delicious coffee were outstanding. It’s also famous as a photo spot, making it ideal for capturing memorable shots.
Although we missed visiting the art museum, we made up for it by visiting the Hungary National Museum. The queue was long, but we were fortunate to get in without a long wait. The museum had a wealth of exhibits, with the clothing and interior decoration displays being particularly impressive. We spent about three hours leisurely exploring. After our museum visit, we walked back to our accommodation, once again enjoying the street scenery of Budapest.
A Night in Budapest: Ferris Wheel and Night Views
For dinner, we enjoyed steak at BESTIA, a restaurant near St. Stephen’s Basilica. After dinner, we rode the Ferris wheel, a symbol of Budapest. Although it was a bit scary at first, the night view of Budapest from high up was truly breathtaking. We had a thrilling experience inside the Ferris wheel, swaying in the wind.
Finally, we concluded the day by admiring the night views of Fisherman’s Bastion and the National Assembly Building. We took a bus because we had walked a lot during the day, but the sight of Budapest at night was truly spectacular. Amazed by the beauty that photos couldn’t capture, I vowed to buy an iPhone next time. On our way back, we briefly admired the beautiful sight of Mátyás Church.
