Budapest, I'll Be Back

Recently, I spent six days in Budapest for my work's International conference. While most of it was spent from inside the concrete walls of a convention center or the hotel next to it, I did get to venture out occasionally and see a little of the city.

Here are three things that I loved about my time there and the reasons that I will be dragging Aaron back for another trip : )

1) Castle District. 
Budapest is divided into two sides by the river Danube that runs through it. The "Pest" side is home to the parliament building (the third largest in the world) and much of the city center. The "Buda" side houses a huge hill called the castle district, which is a World Heritage site. The district has some stunning architecture from the castle, royal palace and Matthais church. And the panoramic view of the city is amazing.

2) City Lights at Night. 
The buildings were magnificent during the day but after the sun went down, they really stood out. I'll let the pictures below speak for themselves:

3) Ruin Bars.
Yes, I managed to sneak in one night visiting these cool, quirky bars in abandon buildings. The ruin bars, as they're known, are pubs in abandon buildings and houses that are filled with random "rejected" furniture and mismatched decor: graffiti, Christmas lights, you name it. But this is part of their unique charm and the reason that both locals and tourists go back for a visit each night.

 

Budapest, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.