June Dreaming in Budapest!

Europe is now in its warm season with everything in full bloom and long daylight hours for sightseeing. Filled with elegance, history, beauty, and cultural stimulation, Europe is a continent that ages like fine wine. A summer in Europe is a dream come true and Budapest, Hungary in the summer is a must stop destination.With its Old World Charm, Budapest is an architectural treasure. Bicycling or walking around this city provides one with an abundance of satisfaction. From healing thermal bath waters to a boat ride on the Danube to an evening of opera to eating legendary Hungarian strudel that satisfy your palate, Budapest is a world class destination that's divided in two by the Danube River. Buda is on the west and Pest on the east. Buda has a classier feel to it. It's a calmer side of the city for those seeking a more peaceful environment but it has important attractions; Parliament Building, Opera House, and Hero's Square which has Budapest Zoo, Szechenyi Baths, and the Vajdahunyad Castle. Pest is the lively side of the city where you'll find the most bars, restaurants, and shops.

Top Things to Do in Budapest in June and Beyond:

1) Thermal Baths: Budapest is known as the "City of Baths." It sits on a fault line and its thermal baths are naturally fed by 120 hot springs. Hungarians and tourists love soaking in the healing thermal baths that date back to the 16th century. When visiting a Budapest bath, try not to exceed more than 20 minutes in the bath. The refreshing waters are healing and a pleasure to soak or swim in. Thermal Baths abound in Budapest. Two popular places are Szechenyi Thermal Baths and Gellert Baths. Szechenyi Thermal Baths  has 15 indoor pools, 3 outdoor pools, plus saunas, steam rooms, and whirlpools. The thermal waters here are high in calcium, magnesium, and hydrogen carbonate which helps to ease joint pain, and improve blood circulation. Open year round, locals and tourists are drawn to this special place and chess fans can play chess on the floating boards at the edge of the pool 

Gellert Thermal Baths has been opened since 1918 and is known for its lovely architecture and baths. The indoor and outdoor baths are situated on the river Danube where panoramic boats carry passengers by day and night. Spending a day at Gellert will rejuvenate your from head to toe. Pamper yourself with luxury treatments and enjoy one of the most spectacular thermal baths in Europe. The baths here are top notch. 

Due to restoration works Gellert Therman Baths will temporarily close its doors as of JUNE 25th, 2022. Check their website for re-opening date when restoration is finished.

2) Danube River: The Danube River is the second longest river in Europe. It flows through much of Central and Southeastern Europe covering ten countries from the Black Forest to the Black Sea. Budapest sits majestically on the River Danube. A boat cruise on the Danube is popular as well as enjoying the walkway. The Danube Promenade offers views of bridges, the Buda Castle, Citadel, and other attractions. Along the walkway of the Danube are cafes, restaurants, bars, casino, and hotels.

3)  Yellow Tram Ride: Get around Budapest on a yellow tram. Budapest has over 40 tram lines that run through the city.

4)   Buda Castle: Europe has its shares of castles and Budapest is included on that list. Inside the castle are the Hungarian National Gallery, The National Library, and the Budapest History Museum. The gardens and courtyards of the castle are open 24 hours, everyday.

5)  Buda Hills: If you enjoy hiking than you'll appreciate the Buda Hills. A hilly forest with a low mountain range. Hiking trails abound and locals have their favorite trails to walk. Gellert Hill is a popular place to hike and offers views of the city.

6) Great Market Hall: Built in 1897, there are three floors to explore for food and shopping. If you like eating, you'll find excellent food choices in the Great Market Hall. A busy place enjoyed by locals and tourists.

7) Margaret Island: There's nothing better than a green oasis to escape the busy city life. Margaret Island is a public park in the middle of the Danube River. You can cycle the island or rent carts, scooters, or egg shaped cars. The water tower was built in 1911. It provides water for the islands bars, hotels, and restaurants. The water tower can be climbed for those wanting views of the city and hills. Palatinus Strand offers the famous thermal baths along with a wave pool to beat the summer heat. Enjoy the beautiful outdoor pool and feel refreshed. The Japanese Gardens offer a fish pond, rock garden, and waterfall. The Musical Fountain illuminates in the evening hours. Music is played five times a day. Margaret Island is an enchanting city escape and a good option for an overnight stay at one of the hotels.

8) Take advantage of the bakeries, bars, cafes, classical musical events, dance clubs, museums, and restaurants. You never know what hidden treasures you'll encounter while exploring the streets and sidewalks of Budapest.

LAKE BALATON

About an hour and a half from bustling Budapest is Lake Balaton. It is the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe. It is surrounded by the foothills of the Bakony Mountains. Hungarians flock to Lake Balaton to enjoy their summer playground. From wineries to lavender fields to hiking trails, and refreshing swims in the lake, stresses melt away quickly in Lake Balaton. Stay a night, a week, a month, or the whole summer like some Hungarians do. Weekends get especially busy for locals wanting to  escape the heat of Budapest. Dining and Lodging options are plentiful in this region. Bask in the beauty of Lake Balaton.

Hungarian Dishes to Try: 

Gulyas (Goulash): A beef stew with a rich paprika seasoned broth. A comfort food year round.

Chimney Cakes (Kurtoskalacs): Delicious long strips of sugary dough wrapped around cone-shaped spits that are brushed with butter and roasted over charcoal. Dusted with cinnamon and ground walnuts.

Dobas Torta (Drummer Cake) A sponge cake spread with chocolate butter cream, and coated with nuts. Served in bakeries and cafes all around Hungary.

Langos: A fluffy and light bread made from yeasted dough and often with mashed potatoes. Sold all over Budapest by street carts and vendors.

Kolbasz (Sausage) Cooked, boiled, cured, or smoked, Hungarians enjoy kolbasz in their breakfast, lunch, or dinner dishes. 

Stuffed Cabbage (Toltott Kaposzta) Cooked cabbage leaves stuffed with ground pork and beef, rice, tomatoes, and sauerkraut, flavored with paprika.

Paprika: The famous paprika is used in many Hungarian dishes. Made from ground dried red peppers the ever popular paprika spice is used to flavor countless dishes.