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Budapest Travel "Pearl of the Danube"
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Budapest is inevitably becoming more like the other cities of the European Union that Hungary is eager to emulate, with its old world decadent buildings, the luxurious items in Budapest's shop windows give the city a prosperous air still unmatched in other East capitals, although far from all Hungarians can afford them. It has been a difficult few years for Hungary as it has strived to cut budget deficits however this city is wonderfully beautiful and truly it deserves its title as "Pearl of the Danube".
The Bathhouses are at the heart of this city, come wallow in the adult equivalent of waterworld where the citizens of Budapest have developed a passion for their thermal springs a love breed deeply over two millenia when the turk invaders established historic turkish baths that have retained their character to this day. To the Hungarians the baths are like the pubs to the Irish, people come here to strip off their glad rags, to come and chat to friends, read newspapers and play chess. Many of you might have seen the typical scenes in the Szcheny baths were chess players brood over their next move. Pleasure or health choice either ways these baths are engrossing and delighful to visit. The decadent old world Gellert still retains its unique character with its steam chambers, hot pools and rather vigorous masseurs who look scary at the best of times.
New modish hotels and restaurants, with a better appreciation of European tastes for lighter food and even fresh fish, are adding a sophistication to Budapest more in line with its high levels of foreign investment and booming economy.
Still, there are the wonderful coffeehouses, even if not quite so good or expensive as those in Vienna, to remind you where you are, you can eat as much pork and foie gras as you want, and the street and shop signs in seemingly incomprehensible Hungarian will reassure tourists that they are not in some mono-European conurbation. Inevitably, at a key moment, you will run up against someone who speaks no tongue known to anyone but a local or perhaps a Finn, whose language is closest to Hungarian.
But in the capital especially, people are eager to help a foreigner, and services have improved greatly. One that is truly helpful is a radio taxi system that ensures fares much lower than those demanded from the taxis that loiter at hotels, train stations and tourist sites. Call City Taxi, which has English-speaking operators, locally at 211-1111, or on their mobiles by first dialing (06-209) or (06-309).
Walking along Andrassy Avenue, where Franz Liszt once lived, one can still get hints of how fashionable this area of the city once was. Toward Heroes Square there are mansions of the now-long-gone haute bourgeoisie, and, along the way, some of the coffeehouses that once drew the elite - Lucacs Confectioners, and, near the Opera House, Musvesz Confectioners, which has kept an air of shabby elegance. Across the street from Musvecz is the old opera pharmacy, with a spiral staircase and wall to wall wood cabinets. By the door a tray with a water jar and glasses is set out for people who need to take their medicine in a hurry.
Not all of Budapest's charms have survived, and it remains to be seen what changes will come with the city's gradual return to its old free market ways. On a walk down Andrassy Avenue some of the most intriguing sights are the unexpected ones, seen through old doorways into the courtyards beyond. There are cracks in the elaborately decorated ceilings above many of the entranceways and alcoves built to hold statues are now empty. Here, the reminders of the city's once rich and elegant life are still visible, but badly faded, in need of repair and a good coat of paint.
When travelling tothis beautiful city there is a good variety of places to stay, from 5 star hotels to cheap budget hotels and a range of quality self catering Budapest apartments in the middle this city has something for everyone on the accommodation front. We suggest that you consider renting an apartment when you travel to Budapest as you can achieve savings of up to 25% for accommodation of a comporable standard. In addition to this there are savings on general costs associated with travelling to any major European city such as eating out continually, whereas in an apartment you can shop locally and cook for yourself thus saving yourself some Euros in the process.
For renting an apartment in Budapest we recommend you google "Budapest apartments for rent". We used a company called Budarentals.com and we were delighted with this Budapest Apartment experience, classical old world apartments with modern cons made our stay truly enjoyable.
For Sightseeing in Budapest a witty business called Absolute Walking Tours offers the Hammer and Sickle Walk. For three to four hours, English-speaking guides try to educate and entertain with anecdotes and examples of their demoralized and degraded lives under the old Communist regime. The tour includes a visit to Statue Park, an open-air museum that features more than 40 socialist-realist statues (everyone should see at least one Lenin in his or her lifetime) pulled down or defaced in 1956 and 1989. The tour costs about $15 or about €12.
All in all enjoy this beautiful city as it is truly a wonderful place to visit!
Where I stayed:
http://www.budarentals.com
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