Wednesday 10th July 2019
We chose our current campsite as it had the major advantage of a bus stop just a short walk away at Zugligeti Libego and a 20 minute ride on the 291 into Budapest through the leafy suburbs of the city on the Buda side of the Danube.
Marta, the campsite matriarch, was able to sell us tickets for one of the Hop on Hop off City Buses and we purchased a 48 hour ticket, with a discount for Ray đ She also informed us that Ray qualified for free travel on all public transport, bargain!
I purchased my single journey ticket of 450 Forint on the bus and made sure to validate it there and then.
We alighted the 291 at the Margit HĂd Bridge, which was also the Number 11 stop on the panoramic Yellow Line route.
Rather than take the bus immediately we walked over the bridge towards the Pest side of the Danube towards the Hungarian Parliament Building.
Halfway across the bridge between Bud and Pest, it is possible to access Margaret Island, Margit-Sziget. We didnât have time to explore but it is said to be a perfect spot to escape the city and enjoy some R&R
As we exited the bridge we noticed a small memorial along the banks of the river in relation to the recent fatal tourist ferry boat disaster.
The stroll along the banks of the Danube was delightful and you get some great views of the city on the Buda side.
After passing the Olimpia Park we arrived at Kossuth Square, where the impressive Hungarian Parliament building can be found.
This pedestrianised area set in a park is also home to the Museum of Ethnography, Ministry of Agriculture building, several statues and memorials, including one to the victims of the 1956 massacre of the Hungarian Revolution.
Close to a long rectangular infinity pool we also observed 2 guards who continuously walked in a small circle around the Hungarian flag pole in the centre. Rather them than me!
We continued our walk along the Danube observing some of the huge river cruise ships moored up along the bank.
On reaching Stop Number 2 on our Yellow bus route, we realised we had missed the bus by a minute but were directed towards Stop Number 5 on the Red Route on AndrĂĄssy Ășt or Avenue.
The avenue is 2.5 kms long and connects City Park, VĂĄrosliget, with the city centre. It is home to many restaurants, shops, the Hungarian Opera House, (which unfortunately was being renovated and under cover), as well as many other notable cultural buildings and elegant villas and mansions.
Our bus travelled through Oktogon, the large octagonal square, midpoint and on towards Heroesâ Square. This huge and imposing plaza is dominated by the Millennial Monument. At nearly 40 m high, the column in the centre is hard to miss.
The bus continues to weave its way through the largest park in the city, VĂĄrosliget. The park has lots to offer and it would be easy to spend at least a day just here!
Vajdahunyad Castle, Budapest Zoo, the Botanical Gardens, Széchenyi Thermal Baths, one of the largest spas in Europe, several lakes and many other attractions can be found here!
Our two days in Budapest were never going to be long enough to enjoy everything the city has to offer and we would definitely have to come back to make up for that.
Stop Number 15 on the Red Route brought us to the Citadella. Although it is possible to walk up to this magnificent viewing point we chose the easier option.
A short walk from the bus stop brings you to one of the best spots to take in the views over the Danube and the city, Gellért Hill and the remains of the fortress.
After a couple of photo opportunities we stopped to sample one of the local Hungarian street food, delicacies, LĂĄngos. We had wanted to try one of these the day we visited JĂĄnos Hill on the chairlift but the vendors had run out.
If you are weight watching or only ever eat healthy food this definitely isnât for you. The deep fried circular dough, in sour cream, grated cheese, and in our case grated garlic, was a first. (Other toppings are available). We were only glad that we had one between us!
Our one regret after eating this calories laden treat was that we forgot to continue our walk up to Liberation Monument at the top of the fortress! Here there is the iconic statue, which we had seen several times during our visit but only from afar and so it would remain. Doh! As Ray would say đ
Back on the bus we carried on our Red Route to Stop Number 17, which was also Stop Number 4 on the Yellow Route, which would eventually take us back to our start this morning.
The Central Market Hall or FĆvĂĄm TĂ©r built in 1897 is located here. It is not the only market hall in Budapest but certainly the largest and most beautiful. Inside the hall is huge, with 3 floors, offering anything from fresh fruit and vegetables, famous Hungarian paprika, Tokaj wine, an array of salamis to most household items, souvenirs as well as many eating places on the upper floor.
Like any city, traffic at rush hour times was heavy and we had to wait more 30 minutes for our bus, which was the last of the day to take us back to Margaret Bridge. As it turned out watching the traffic made quite a good spectator sport whilst we waited.
Finally we discovered a nice spot quite close to the bridge, HĂd Bistro, where we eventually enjoyed an evening meal before we headed back to camp on the 291 bus.