After a two-week "holiday" in Croatia, it was time to move on. Jack and I hadn’t planned on staying so long in just one country, so we were ready for a new country and a fresh culture. We packed our things and set off for Budapest.
In the stifling 30-degree heat, my boyfriend and I made our way to the train station, sweat trickling down my back and soaking through my clothes. I longed for a cool, air-conditioned escape. With a three-and-a-half-hour bus journey from Sibenik to Zagreb ahead of us, I settled into my seat, hoping for some relief—but the air conditioning was non-existent.
We had forgotten to exchange our Euros for Hungarian Forints before we left Croatia, as we were in a rush to catch our train. By the time we arrived in Budapest, every exchange place would likely be closed—just our luck.
Our hostel was on a 24-hour running tram route, and thankfully, the "Bank of Jack" had enough on his debit card to cover two metro tickets and a tram ride (all of our currency was in cash). As we got closer to Avenue Hostel, every type of junk food spot I'd been craving since leaving England lined the street like paparazzi, beckoning me to indulge. It felt like I was walking down a red carpet, each neon sign calling my name.
That first night, we only left the hostel for an hour, just long enough to locate the nearest currency exchange for the morning… And, of course, to grab a much-needed McDonald’s. I was already loving the convenience of Budapest and couldn’t wait to start exploring the next day.
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| Turning the perfect corner, what a view |
Sunday 10th May, 2015
I’d heard so many good things about Budapest and was eager to finally see it. After a hearty continental breakfast at the hostel, Jack and I set out for the day. Fortunately, the currency exchange we’d scouted the night before was just a quick minute’s walk away.
We eventually found ourselves in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica. Naturally, it became our first stop, and, my goodness, it was majestic both inside and out. Every corner of the church was adorned with exquisite and ornate royal elegance; it was impressive. The ceiling glistened with intricate gold details, and the entire space was filled with highly detailed decorations. I loved taking it all in quietly, observing the Sunday mass and absorbing the sacred space around me.
Three hundred and two steps later, we were standing at the top of the basilica and essentially Budapest. The city stretched out magnificently in every direction, and it was even larger than I’d imagined. I was surprised to learn that Budapest is a twin city, with 'Buda' on one side of the river and 'Pest' on the other, and we were currently in Pest.
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| Front of St Stephen's Basilica, Budapest |
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| The majestic dome, which dominated the church of St Stephen, Budapest |
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| Panoramic views of Budapest |
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| A statue of a policeman who loved food and women and brings lots of luck apparently, Budapest |
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| Beautiful building in Budapest |
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| Street musicians in Budapest |
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| Is there really such a thing as too much carbs? Market in Budapest. |
Throughout the day, we wandered along the Hungarian streets, each filled with statues and towering monuments, talented musicians and artists, and grand bridges. We indulged in local wine and beer, hearty meats, and flaky pastries, fully embracing Hungarian traditions. By the end of the day, Budapest had quickly become my new favourite city.
After a full day of sightseeing, Jack and I decided to check out Szimpla, Budapest’s oldest and most famous ruin bar, and I was curious to see if it lived up to the hype. I’d half-expected a dingy dive reeking of stale smoke and leftover regrets when I entered, but instead, Szimpla had this quirky, captivating charm. The decor was an eclectic mix of what most people would toss out, yet it all came together perfectly. I could see why it was so popular and well-loved.
After a few too many Hungarian beers, Jack and I headed back to the hostel. With a five-bed dorm all to ourselves, I knew I was in for a solid night’s sleep.
Continue on to part two...
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