Back from Bodacious, Boisterous Budapest — The Travelogue

By Edward M. Bury, APR, MA (aka The PRDude)

Let me continue with a few more thoughts on our visit to the capital of Hungary before getting into more images. My first impression of Budapest was sort of mixed.  Our shared shuttle bus from the Liszt Ferenc International Airport Sunday evening traversed narrow streets lacking character.  I was surprised by the amount of vehicular traffic, as well as the number of pedestrians and cyclists out and about.

Then, when we pulled in on the thoroughfare in front of the Hotel Vision, my perspective changed.  A nighttime view of the Danube River and its boats and grand bridges helped temper my perspective.

Yes, Susan and I had, indeed, arrived in a great city; and we had taken the initial step toward another wonderful and memorable vacation.  In case you missed it, here’s a link to my narrative post. So, without further delay, here begins the travelogue. 

Yes, that’s me on the Buda side of the city, with the Liberty Bridge in the distance and some guy with his horse keeping watch.

Certainly not your average “side street.” This narrow lane is representative of many of the streets near our hotel: Pedestrian friendly, outdoor dining, and buildings with brilliant facades.

A “one-and-done” attraction for us was the Great Market Hall. Impressive to view from the outside, but somewhat chaotic and crowded inside. Believe it or not: There’s an Aldi store on the lower level!

A view of the Rudas Thermal Baths, located directly across the Danube from our hotel. The baths, which was founded in 1571/1572 during the time of Ottoman rule, is one of many across the city. Yes, we enjoyed our visit; but once was enough for me.

Recognize this guy? Yes, it’s TV character Detective Columbo and his dog, one of the many bronze sculptures we encountered across Budapest.

Well, I got kind of close to the status at the Szent Gellért-szobor, a steep, steep park just north of the Rudas Baths. It was a lot easier going down that going up.

In magnificent interior of the Donehy Street Synagogue is breathtaking. It’s the largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world.

Okay, another image of a cool old building. Now that’s a real archway!

Of course, we often took advantage of the many fine cafes for coffee and more while touring the city. I had cafe Americano, which Susan had something more creative.

Let me conclude the roll of images with another dramatic, spired building located somewhere in Budapest.

Some final recollections:  On two occasions we encountered locals who were aware of the fractured democracy unfolding in the United States.  A woman server, learning that we were Americans, noted, “Yes, and we have Orbon.”  And, a man at a cultural institution said he had plans to visit the USA in 2026, but was putting the trip on hold. 

So, there. Budapest through thoughts and images. Have you visited the Hungarian capital? If so, please share perspectives.