Traveling to Hungary

Hungary became my 42nd country - a quick trip with my younger brother just before the holidays. Budapest had been on my list for years, and even a short visit confirmed its reputation as one of Europe's most beautiful capitals.

Hungary is a landlocked nation of 10 million people in the heart of Central Europe. Once half of the powerful Austro-Hungarian Empire, it retains much of the grandeur from that era. Budapest, split by the Danube into Buda (hills, castle) and Pest (flat, commercial), is genuinely stunning.

What I Experienced

The architecture along the Danube is world-class. The Hungarian Parliament Building, the third-largest in the world, is impossibly ornate - Gothic Revival taken to its logical extreme. Across the river, Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion offer panoramic views that feel like postcards come to life.

We explored the thermal baths, a distinctly Hungarian tradition dating back to the Ottoman era. The Széchenyi Baths, with their Neo-Baroque buildings and steaming outdoor pools, were surreal in the winter cold - snow falling while soaking in naturally heated water.

The ruin bars of the Jewish Quarter were another highlight. These repurposed buildings, filled with eclectic furniture and street art, have become famous for good reason. The nightlife scene is genuinely unique.

Practical Notes

• Hungarian Forint is the currency (not Euro, despite EU membership)
• Hungarian is a challenging language - English is widely spoken in tourist areas
• Thermal baths are a must - bring swimwear and flip-flops
• Public transport is cheap and efficient
• Langos (fried dough with toppings) is the quintessential street food

Budapest deserves more than two days. The city has depth - Jewish history, Cold War remnants, contemporary art - that we barely scratched. I'll be back.

Aerial photography from Hungary is available for purchase with commercial license - ideal for Central European travel marketing, historic city content, or Danube destination wall art.