Ετοιμάζεσαι για ταξίδι στην Ουγγαρία και πιο συγκεκριμένα στη μαγευτική Βουδαπέστη; Εμείς σου ετοιμάσαμε έναν περιεκτικό και απόλυτα κατατοπιστικό ταξιδιωτικό οδηγό, ώστε να μη χάσεις χρόνο και να βρεις τις καλύτερες εμπειρίες και τα αξιοθέατα που δεν πρέπει να χάσεις. Before starting your trip you should prepare yourself because the experience you will live will be unique! Shall we begin?
Budapest: The Queen of the Danube
The capital of Hungary, can be described as one of the most beautiful cities and the 9th largest in Europe and with a unique feature: is the union 3 settlements!
At first it was like a couple who didn't want to commit: there was the Buddha on one bank of the Danube, the “serious” and “ancient” with its castle on the other side Pesti, the “lively” αδερφή με τα παζάρια και τη φασαρία της. Και λίγο αργότερα ήρθε και η Obuda, the “γιαγιά” της παρέας, που όλοι λίγο πολύ την ξεχνάνε.
Πώς ξεκίνησαν όμως όλα; Όλα ξεκίνησαν όταν ένας ancient Celtic settlement turned into a Roman city, Aquino, from the Romans, because they obviously valued the thermal waters (and who wouldn't want a spa after a fight?). Then came the Hungarians, a nomadic gender that said “here we are!” and installed.. Several centuries later, in the 9th AD, and with the creation of Hungary as a state, Budapest became the target of sacking by the Mongols, while the Ottomans did not leave it undisturbed. They stayed for approx 150 years, but leaving behind baths and the habit of... coffee!
But beyond the chaos of war and conquests, Budapest also went through brilliant periods. In the 15th century, became one of the greatest centers of the Renaissance in Europe. Τον 19ο αιώνα λοιπόν, αποφασίζουν οι 3 διαφορετικοί οικισμοί (Βούδα-Πέστη-Όμπουντα) να ενωθούν και να δημιουργήσουν την Βουδαπέστη που ξέρουμε σήμερα και αγαπάμε.
The thermal baths of Budapest
And somewhere here we should talk more about the baths of Budapest. They are not just swimming pools, it is a whole philosophy! Imagine that under the city flow infinite underground rivers of hot water, mineral water. It's like the Earth said “Here I will build a huge spa, and in fact it's a joke (almost).”
Η ιστορία τους είναι μεγάλη και ξεκινά από τους Ρωμαίους, οι οποίοι πρώτοι μυρίστηκαν την ύπαρξη των ιαματικών πηγών της περιοχής και έστησαν τα πρώτα λουτρά και χαμάμ. But then of course the Ottomans came, who perfected it! Domes, mysterious atmosphere, elaborate designs… all made bathing in the baths feel like a ritual. Then, in the Habsburg era, the baths acquired a more luxurious and opulent form, with buildings that felt more like entering palaces than swimming pools...
So, today, when you visit them Széchenyi or the For Gellert, you don't just take a bath. You dive into history, among locals playing chess in the water, tourists trying to figure out what they are doing and architecture that takes your breath away. It is the ultimate Hungarian relaxation experience and, perhaps, ο καλύτερος τρόπος να καταλάβεις γιατί αυτή η πόλη είναι τόσο ξεχωριστή.
The 10 πιο σημαντικά αξιοθέατα που δεν πρέπει να χάσεις
Εντάξει, we've talked about history and baths but Budapest has more tricks up its sleeve, sights that will make you take out your camera every five minutes. Let's say, the Buddha Castle. It's not just a castle, but a whole palace complex on top of the hill, as if the city wanted to declare: “Here I am, and I'm impressive!” .
And after you climb the hill, right next to the Castle, you will find a duo that steals the show: him Temple of Matthew and him Bastion of the Fishermen. The temple stands there full of stories from the 15th century. The Bastion, on the other hand, with them 7 its towers, looks like something out of a fairy tale. It's the perfect spot to take photos that will make your friends jealous.
Now, something more… imposing: the Hungarian Parliament. It's the building you're talking about “This, it can't be real”. At night, when illuminated and reflected in the Danube, it's pure magic. You can even go inside and admire the golden staircase, royal jewels and an opulence that makes you feel like a king for a few minutes. And because we are talking about greatness, the Basilica of Saint Stephen, the most popular church, she is also impressive. Just so you know, here they want a small fee to enter.
And because Budapest also has an artistic vein, there is the State Opera. A building of 1884 which is as impressive on the outside as it is on the inside. Naturally, we don't forget her Heroes Square, with it Millennium Monument that looks like it came out of a history book, and next to her, art museums for culture lovers.
For the end, two necessary stops: the Central Market (Great Market Hall). Here you will find her “heart” of local culture, to try sausages, paprika and to buy souvenirs of course, the Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Bridge). She was the first to unite Buda and Pest, the 1849. Είναι ένα από τα πιο φωτογραφημένα σημεία της πόλης και το ιδανικό μέρος για μια αναμνηστική φωτογραφία. Α, και μην ξεχνάμε τη Great Synagogue (Tobacco), the largest in Europe, a real treasure of history and architecture.
Where taste meets fun and nightlife
Αφού λοιπόν χορτάσαμε αξιοθέατα και χαλαρώσαμε στα λουτρά, it's time for the two most enjoyable aspects of Budapest: its gastronomy and its nightlife. THE Hungarian cuisine it's a… revelation! Get ready for riches, full of flavor experiences, like the classic goulash, the delicious fiery (street food fried bun), and incredible pastes like her drum cake.
And when night falls, the Pesti transforms into one live entertainment center. The famous ones ruin bars, such as the legendary Szimpla Kert, they are old buildings transformed into eccentric bars with a unique atmosphere. THE Jewish Settlement it's bursting with life, with countless bars, clubs and restaurants for all tastes. Don't forget one evening walk on the Danube, with the illuminated buildings creating a breathtaking backdrop.
Μονοήμερες εκδρομές έξω από την Βουδαπέστη
Οκ, Budapest is beautiful but maybe you want to enjoy the Hungarian beauty a little more and discover something different beyond the city center. Μπορείς να κάνεις μικρές μονοήμερες εκδρομές για να “ξεφύγεις” λίγο από την βουή της πόλης.
THE lake Μπάλατος είναι μια καλή επιλογή. Μπορείς να πας με τρένο και η διαδρομή διαρκεί περίπου 2 ώρες. This lake, which is also called "Hungarian Sea" (the,what is the closest to the sea in Hungary), it is a huge lake that in the summer is alive with life, with beaches, sailing and endless parties. It is the ideal place to cool off, to relax and see the most… “summer” side of Hungary.
If you are a wine lover, there is the Eger, which you can get there in approx 2 hours by bus and train. This unique city is known for its history castle (which withstood the Ottoman siege), but mainly for its famous red wine, the “Bull’s Blood” (Εgri Bikavér).
End, don't skip it Szentendre, a beautiful one, picturesque village just a few 40 minutes by commuter train from Budapest. It's like stepping into a painting, with narrow paved streets, colorful houses, art gallery and coffee shops.
What you should pay attention to before and during your trip
It is very important, before starting your journey you have made all the necessary preparations, για να μην βρεθείς προ εκπλήξεων… Επειδή πάντα ένα ταξίδι σε ένα νέο προορισμό μπορεί να κρύβει παγίδες, πάμε να δούμε πώς μπορείς να τις αποφύγεις.
First of all, the best time to do it you visit: the spring (April – May) and then autumn (September-October). Then the weather conditions are also ideal. Of course, in the rest of the seasons, Budapest is welcoming, but in these cases you avoid either the hordes of tourists (summer) or the excessively bitter cold (winter).
As for commuting, Budapest is made for walking and especially in the center. But for the longest distances, the means of public transport he is your best friend: measure, tram, buses… they are all excellent and go everywhere.
The currency it is a point on which we must dwell. Initially, Hungary has its own currency called the Fiorini (HUF). Therefore, don't look to pay with euros! Make sure you have done it early on exchange (euro to forint) you in one of its stores Capital Exchange which you will find near you quickly and without any trouble. You will surely say "I can pay with my card" but here I will catch up with you and advise you not to be so naive. In many cases (micro markets, restaurants, coffee, means of transport etc) cash is essential and will make it easier for you, so do yourself this favor!
Conclusion: Prepare properly and enjoy an experience of a lifetime
So what is left to say about Budapest and Hungary? That it is a destination that combines everything: from the imposing beauty of historic buildings and relaxing thermal baths, to the vibrant nightlife and incredible flavors that will have you talking. It is a city that invites you to walk it, to discover it and dive into its special atmosphere. Whether you're looking for culture, or for relaxation, or for adventure in the nearby areas, Budapest will reward you. All you have to do is prepare properly, get in your best mood and let yourself be enchanted by it “Heart of Europe”. Because a trip here is truly an experience of a lifetime that you will remember forever!
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