My house is in Budapest,

my hidden treasure chest.

For you I’d leave it all.

– George Ezra

 

I have something to confess. In all honesty I was just so not ready and did NOT want to leave Vienna so soon as there were still so many places left to visit like Schönbrunn and Belvedere Palace, Imperial treasury, more coffee houses, Beethoven’s house, Naschmarkt (the largest food market in town), Prater park, Donau Island among many! How do you even start to truly appreciate a historic city, the old seat of the Austro-Hungarian empire?

I personally think it’s not exactly fun to rush around from one place to the next but on the other hand, that will make you want to come back with more time and resource$ and truly take your sweet time to sit, down, relax and enjoy life as it should!

However l did mention that my marathon walks were actually necessary for what was coming up next? The best part of the trip (well ok 2^nd best part after Nuremberg, Germany).

We made it back to where our Longship, Viking Atla, was docked right on time (please keep in mind if you ever go on a cruise not to be late because if you do, they will leave without you!). We left in the early evening as the sun was setting and it was smooth sailing from then on. We were heading to our final destination (and third and final country on the itinerary): Budapest, Hungary.

Day 7

After a much-needed rest, we woke up on that sunny Saturday morning and as I opened the curtains in our stateroom to see a much different panorama. At first I thought we had gone back in time and my photographic eye clearly loved the architecture blend for which Budapest is known for the world over!

We simply could not wait to go out and explore but first things first. A great breakfast or fuel for the day was absolutely necessary and as you know and have seen in previous posts, there is no shortage of food options on board a river cruise!

We got ready, ate and then we stopped by to see Olivia at the front desk to pick up a map. Since I am old school and LOVE to have a real one in my hands, I had to problem in getting one 🙂 So off we went.

It is very important to mention that Viking River Cruises own their docking stations and they sure have secured an incredible location which is right next to Chain Bridge. Have you ever heard or seen it? It’s that gorgeous bridge with two guarding lions at the foot which look at both sides of the city divided by the Danube.

So this is a compulsory stop to take a photo of this iconic landmark and I was more than happy to do so.

I invite you to join me on this photographic tour of Budapest! Enjoy 🙂

First stop: Espresso Embassy

Getting caffeinated and refuel for the day ahead is a must right?

Second stop: St-Stephen’s Basilica / Szent István-bazilika

Then we found Andrássy Ut which is one of the  main arteries of Pest and it is a tree-lined avenue which reminds you of the Champs Élysées in Paris.

We came across the stunning Hungarian State Opera House / Magyar Állami Operaház

Right across the street is Állami Balettintézet/ Ballet School 

Did I even mention that Budapest has some of the best architecture AND has a buzzing coffee scene? Pure eye candy. Seriously. Don’t believe me? Check this out.

Ancient ruin pubs as well

Street art too

I was falling in love in Budapest…slowly and deeply…:)

I hope you enjoyed part 1. There is still so much more to come!

Stay tuned for the second installment with tons of pics and more adventures 🙂

Now I am turning it over to you.

Tell us,

 

Have you been to Budapest? If so what did you like best?

If you haven’t (and now that you’ve seen a part of it) would you like to go?

 

 

Tell us all about it.

Until next time

K 🙂