Bunnies in Budapest
- Carys Reid-Davies
- Sep 20, 2019
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 20, 2020
Budapest
12 - 13 September
DAY 14
It had been an ... interesting sleep on the night train (not quite the Orient Express but a real laugh)! We pulled into Keleti Station, which was gorgeous, and made our way towards the city centre. As we had arrived so early we couldn’t check in, so we left our bags at a drop off and scurried round the corner for breakfast at Apropo; a nice spot with good food and very open spaces which meant we could people watch as we recuperated.
Having actually been to Budapest last Summer, I knew the part we were in, so I directed us down U Király which has a side road towards the end which I call ‘the strip’. With bars and restaurants painted down the side, this pedestrianised area is a great place to go in the evenings. I even took Ellis for a sneak peak at Szimpla Kert; the best bar in all of Europe, but we were going to try that out properly later. We also stopped in at Retrock, a vintage shop which teases you because all the stock is so quirky and cool. However, my suitcase was already bulging and had two handles off so I couldn’t really afford to stuff it full of more clothes.
Now it was down to business. With less that 48 hours to explore the city, we thought it best to kickstart the day with all the tourist attractions (they just have to be done). We strolled across Charles Bridge to Pest as we were staying on the Buda side of the river (the more lively side is Buda whilst the cultural side is separated by a river which leads you to Pest, hence why it’s BudaPest)! A hop on hop off shuttle wizzed us up to Buda Castle and we walked around, taking in its beauty and the great view of the city. Next it was the Fisherman’s Bastion (my personal favourite of the four main tourist attractions over this side), with has such breathtaking architecture. We had a quick wander through the Old Town and viewed the Castle Garden’s Bazar, but there was something that was yet to be ticked off the list.
When I visited last year, I had been told that there was a statue of a horse with golden balls. As tradition has it, if you touch the balls you are blessed with good luck, and so I jumped up and gave the goolies a good feel. I had been sceptical as to whether my mates had just been having me on, but it transpired that this really is a local tradition, so I stormed Ellis up to the statue of Andras Hadik and sheepishly, he made his way over. With a big crowd being informed all about its history, it took Ellis a few goes before he finally ran up, jumped, and bingo, hit gold (literally)!
We were quite worn out after all that excitement, so it was back to collect our bags and check in. With a TV screen, spacious room, and luxurious bed, we were thrilled with our home for the next couple nights. After showers we went back out to eat at Vikki Barcelona; a Tapas bar we’d been recommended on ‘the strip’. Some great food and a bottle of wine was sunk far too quickly as a Mexican band fired up. After we'd polished our plates, we decided to leave for Szimpla Kert as this really was the funkiest place in town.
Vikki Barcelona
With wires and disco balls hanging from the ceiling, it’s like walking into another dimension. We bought cocktails then made our way through the immense building to a room upstairs. Everywhere was splattered with graffiti and cool places to sit (bath tubs appeared to be especially popular). It was a fab night and having thought nothing could top the Wodka Bar in Krakow, being back here had reminded me that nothing could ever top Szimpla Kert!
Szimpla Kert
DAY 15
Thankfully our hangovers held up (there seems to be something about drinking abroad and not feeling as bad the next day - perhaps it’s persistence)! We had a lovely breakfast at GoaMama which was just round the corner from markets on the strip. I couldn’t resist a pair of retro record earrings with the Joy Division album on (besides, earrings don’t take up any room, right?) then Ellis pulled me into the arcade for a game of ice hockey, pin ball and hoops (I was hopeless).
GoaMama; Great Coffee and even better Croissants!
We carried on to Magritte Island, having picked up picnic supplies on the way, and sat down for our feast on a sunny patch of grass; absolute bliss. Having played some cards and thrown a rugby ball about, we ventured over to the Zoo. There were many signs throughout the island so our hopes were high. You can imagine our reaction, then, when the Zoo showcased chickens, ducks and rabbits. Having said that, we spent ages playing with the rabbits, many of which were huge and were very open to being stroked. Next up was the Japanese Garden’s which had some impressive fish (far more exotic than anything we saw at the Zoo)!
We wanted to make it up Gellert Hill for sunset so we wizzed back on Lime Scooters (they really are the best way to travel) and passed the stunning Parliament building on our way. It was quite a hike to the top, but more than worth it. With a wine in hand, we watched as the sun dipped down and left Budapest in darkness; lights sparkling below and showing the city off.
It was by far the most memorable thing we’d seen so far (apart from Auschwitz of course, but that was memorable for all the wrong reasons). We navigated our way back down and took in the waterfall which was now illuminated by a blue light, making it look all the more mystical.
It didn’t take us long to get to the market, Karavan, next to Szimpla Kert which produced enticing aromas and a bustling atmosphere. With some great grub, we sat down and reflected on all we’d done in such a short space of time. Both of us agreed that Budapest had uncanny similarities to Prague; Charles Bridge & Chain Bridge, Buda Castle & Prague Castle, Gellert Hill & Petrin Hill. However, Budapest still stood firmly as my favourite. If you haven’t been I’d highly recommend it. I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Karavan
Top Tips
- Walk across Charles Bridge Go to Buda Castle, The Castle Garden’s Bazar, The Fisherman’s Bastion & The Old Town (they’re all very close but do get a hop on hop off shuttle)!
- Touch the lucky balls on the Statue of Mounted Andras Hadik
- Go thrift shopping at Retrock
- Take a Picnic to Magritte Island
- Feed the bunnies at Budapest Zoo
- Chill out & unwind at the Japanese Garden
- Have drinks at Gellert Hill whilst the sun sets
Best Place to Eat: Karavan (Market)
Best Place to Drink: Szimpla Kert
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