Tag Archive for: food

3 Reasons to Visit Budapest and Fall in Love with It

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Probably nobody needs extra motivation to travel, but sometimes it can be quite challenging to figure out where to go. That is where we the local tourism professionals come in to make decisions easier and give you a better picture of what you can expect if you visit our favorite town. In this article, we delve into the three compelling reasons to visit Budapest and fall in love with it. From the majestic Buda Castle perched on the hills to the lively atmosphere of the ruin pubs in Pest, each facet of the city unveils a unique charm. Embark on a journey through the reasons to visit Budapest and let this European gem cast its spell on you.

Matthias Church - reasons to visit Budapest

1. Timeless Architecture: Historical Reasons to Visit Budapest

Budapest is a city where every corner tells a story. From the grandeur of the Buda Castle to the intricate details of the Parliament Building, the architecture is a testament to the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Strolling through the streets feels like stepping back in time, with each building whispering tales of the past. Whether you’re exploring the medieval streets of Buda or admiring the elegant boulevards of Pest, Budapest’s architecture is sure to captivate your heart.

Here are the landscapes you should not miss:

Buda Castle: Dominating the city’s skyline, Buda Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Budapest’s history. The castle complex, with its mix of medieval, baroque, and neoclassical architecture, offers stunning views of the city and the Danube River.

Chain Bridge: One of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks, the Chain Bridge spans the Danube River and connects the Buda and Pest sides of the city. Designed by English engineer William Tierney Clark and opened in 1849, it was the first permanent bridge to link the two sides of Budapest.

Parliament Building: Inspired by the British Parliament in London, Budapest’s Parliament Building is a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic architecture. Situated on the Pest side of the Danube, it’s one of the largest legislative buildings in the world.

St. Stephen’s Basilica: Named after Hungary’s first king, St. Stephen’s Basilica is a magnificent example of Neoclassical architecture. Its grand dome and elaborate interior make it one of Budapest’s most beloved landmarks. 1000-year-old mummified right fist of St.Stephen is well preserved.

Dohány Street Synagogue: stands as a monumental symbol of Budapest’s rich Jewish heritage, distinguished by its impressive scale and distinctive architectural style. Characterized by onion-shaped domes adorned with gilded ornamentation, the synagogue exudes an exotic, Moorish-inspired aesthetic. Its pioneering design paved the way for similar synagogues worldwide, making it a pioneering example of this captivating architectural tradition.

Fisherman’s Bastion: Offering panoramic views of the city, Fisherman’s Bastion is a fairy-tale-like structure located on the Buda Castle Hill. Built in the late 19th century, it features seven towers representing the seven Magyar tribes that settled in the Carpathian Basin in the 9th century.

Andrassy Avenue: This elegant boulevard, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is lined with grand buildings, luxury boutiques, and cafes. It leads to Heroes’ Square, a monumental complex honoring Hungary’s history and its leaders.

 

2. Thermal Baths and Relaxation: Wellness Reasons to Visit Budapest

 

One of Budapest’s most beloved traditions is its thermal baths, offering a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation. With a plethora of thermal springs scattered throughout the city, Budapest has earned its reputation as the “City of Spas.” Whether you’re soaking in the soothing waters of the Széchenyi Baths or unwinding in the opulent surroundings of the Gellért Baths, there’s no better way to unwind after a day of sightseeing. The therapeutic properties of the thermal waters have been cherished for centuries, making Budapest a haven for wellness enthusiasts and weary travelers alike. 

Here are some reasons why you should consider visiting thermal baths:

Relaxation and Stress Relief: Thermal baths provide a serene environment where you can unwind and escape the stresses of daily life. The warm mineral-rich waters help relax muscles and alleviate tension, promoting a sense of calm and tranquility.

Improvement of Circulation: The heat from thermal baths dilates blood vessels, which can improve circulation throughout the body. Enhanced blood flow can benefit cardiovascular health and contribute to overall well-being.

Muscle and Joint Pain Relief: Water’s buoyancy and its therapeutic properties can help soothe muscle and joint pain associated with conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and sports injuries. Immersing yourself in warm water can alleviate stiffness and promote healing.

Detoxification: Thermal baths are believed to facilitate the elimination of toxins from the body through sweating and increased circulation. This detoxifying effect can leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Respiratory Benefits: The steam and warm air in thermal baths can have a therapeutic effect on the respiratory system, helping to alleviate symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and sinusitis.

Social and Cultural Experience: Széchenyi and Rudas Baths host various events and activities, including music performances, water aerobics classes, and special themed parties. These events add an extra layer of entertainment and cultural immersion to the bathing experience. Bathing in any of the Budapest Thermal Baths is a popular pastime for locals, providing an opportunity to interact with Hungarian residents and learn more about their customs and way of life. Engaging in conversation while soaking in the thermal waters is a common occurrence.

Overall, thermal baths offer a holistic experience that promotes physical relaxation, mental rejuvenation, and cultural immersion. Whether you’re seeking relief from aches and pains or simply looking to unwind and pamper yourself, a visit to thermal baths can provide a multitude of benefits for your health and well-being. 

Join our daily Free Budapest Tours to learn about the thermal baths in Budapest.

 

goulash-soup - reasons to visit Budapest

3. Hungarian Cuisine: Tastyiest Reason to Visit Budapest

Falling in love with Hungarian food is a delightful journey into a rich culinary tradition. Food and wine in Hungary offer a unique and vibrant culinary experience that captivates both locals and visitors alike.

Here’s what makes them so cool:

Rich Culinary Heritage: Hungarian cuisine is a melting pot of influences from various cultures, including Turkish, Austrian, and Slavic. Its rich culinary heritage is reflected in a diverse array of dishes that combine bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and unique cooking techniques.

Iconic Dishes: Hungary is home to iconic dishes like goulash (gulyás), a hearty stew made with tender meat, vegetables, and paprika; and paprikash (paprikás), a creamy chicken or veal dish flavored with sweet paprika. These dishes are beloved staples of Hungarian cuisine.

Paprika and Spices: Paprika is a quintessential ingredient in Hungarian cooking, adding vibrant color and robust flavor to many dishes. Hungarian cuisine also makes use of other spices like caraway, garlic, and onion, creating a symphony of flavors that tantalize the taste buds.

Desserts and Pastries: Hungarian desserts are a sweet indulgence that showcases the country’s passion for confectionery. From decadent cakes like Dobos torte and Eszterházy torte to classic pastries like kürtőskalács (chimney cake) and rétes (strudel), Hungary offers a tempting array of treats for those with a sweet tooth.

Take our daily free tours to learn how to explore local markets try seasonal specialties, and learn about food and wine festivals in Budapest.

12 Ideas for Souvenirs from Budapest

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If you’re on a mission to bring back the coolest mementos from Budapest, you’ve hit the jackpot! Budapest is a treasure trove of quirky gifts that will have your friends saying, ‘Where on earth did you find that?’ All we love full-heartedly is eating and drinking, so most of the souvenirs from Budapest going to be consumable, but we have some great little inventions you wouldn’t even think that it comes from Hungary! So let’s get to it: 

 

1) Palinka: Liquid Courage, Hungarian Style: Need a boost of confidence? Take a sip of Palinka and conquer the world (or at least your next karaoke performance).

2) Paprika with an Attitude: Budapest’s paprika isn’t your average spice; it’s a spice with personality. Your bland dishes will thank you. The best source for the local paprika powder is the Great Market Hall.

3)Embroidered Towels: Now with Bonus Cabbage Design: Because nothing says ‘I had a blast in Budapest’ like drying off with a towel adorned with cabbage embroidery. It’s the vegetable chic everyone’s talking about.

4) Unicum: The Elixir of Instant Wisdom: Forget wisdom teeth; get instant wisdom with a shot of Unicum. It’s like a PhD in a bottle, minus the student loans.

5) Hungarian Playing Cards: Because Regular Cards are Boring: Add a touch of Hungarian flair to your card games. Warning: opponents may be distracted by the sheer awesomeness of your deck.

6) Spicy Sausage: Make Your Taste Buds Dance: This sausage is so spicy; it makes salsa look like mild ketchup. Challenge accepted!

7) Tokaji Wine:  The Grape Escape: Forget your standard grape juice; Tokaji Wine is the grape escape your taste buds have been dreaming of.

8) Hungarian Pottery and Porcelain: Breakable Art You Didn’t Know You Needed: Sure, it’s delicate, but so are dreams. Embrace the fragility with some beautiful Hungarian pottery.

9) Rubik’s Cube:  The OG Brain Teaser Because nothing says ‘I can solve complex problems’ like carrying around a Rubik’s Cube. Impress your friends and leave them in a colorful twist.

10) Bejgli: The Hungarian Roll of Delight: It’s not just a pastry; it’s a delicious cultural experience. Warning: may cause addiction.

11) Hungarian Dolls: Not Just for Kids: These dolls are so charming; that even adults will want to play pretend. Go ahead, have a doll tea party; we won’t judge.

12) Goulash Paste: because nothing says ‘I had a blast in Budapest’ like souvenirs that spice up both your trip memories and your kitchen adventures!

Seize the day in Budapest with our daily free guided tours! Discover the top spots for souvenir shopping, master the art of bargaining, and unlock a wealth of insider tips – all on us! Grab your wallet and get ready for a shopping spree that’ll have your suitcase begging for mercy. Budapest, you’ve outdone yourself in the souvenir department!” 

All You Need to Know for the Best Goulash in Budapest

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In this article, we give you all the information you need to find or make the best goulash in Budapest. First things first, to eat like a local, you need to know a little bit about the background of the food, so let’s discover together the journey of goulash in Hungary!

The genesis of “Gulyás” or “Goulash” can be traced back to groups of nomadic herdsmen known as  “gulyás” or “csikós”. These men, accompanied by their dogs and horses, spent extended periods on the plains tending to their cattle. Cooking over open fires with simple ingredients like millet, lard, bacon, onions, salt, and pepper created a rare dish from fresh meat when available. Gulyás or Goulash dish is one the few authentic contributions of the Hungarian gastronomy, to international cuisine and even so, it usually resembles a stew, whereas it is supposed to be more like a soup.

 

Evolution of Goulash

As Hungary transitioned into a settled society, so did the recipe for Goulash. Adding paprika, a spice derived from ground peppers, became a defining feature, enhancing both the flavor and the rich, reddish color characteristic of traditional Hungarian Goulash. 

Paprika’s Role

Paprika’s vibrant color and intense flavor became integral to Goulash, transforming it into the iconic dish we know today. The spice reached us during the time of the Ottoman Turkish occupation (16-17th century), and became a symbol of Hungary’s culinary identity. You are real Hungarian when paprika is just as important as salt and pepper on the table…The quantity of paprika we Hungarians put in our national dishes is unbelievable:-)

Goulash as a National Dish

By the 19th century, Goulash had transcended its humble origins, becoming a staple in Hungarian households and a symbol of national identity during political and cultural revival. It gained recognition as a dish encapsulating the spirit of Hungary and its people.

 

Our Recipe for Gulyás

  • Fry 3 oz of onions in 1.5 oz of lard.
  • Add half a tablespoon of red paprika powder, ½ lb of beef shin (cut into squares), 1 clove of finely chopped garlic, caraway seed, and fresh or tinned lecsó.
  • Season with salt, pour in water, and steam until almost tender.
  • Add 2 lb of potatoes (cubed), covering potatoes and meat with water. Cook on a slow fire for about 2-3 hours.
  • Near the end of cooking time, add small-sized noodles (csipetke).

 

Where to find the best goulash in Budapest?

If you are visiting Budapest trying a soup of Goulash is a must, but where to find the best one? Of course, every local has their own favorite spot, but there are some undeniable traditional restaurants where you definitely won’t be disappointed. Now we picked our 3 favorite places, but if you want to get further local recommendations for the best goulash in Budapest, join our Free Budapest Tours, or Buda Castle Tour while you are here!

  1. Gettó Gulyás – It is a trendy “stewery” in the Jewish District. It’s very popular, but not without reason! It’s recommended to book the table in advance!
  2. Menza – A bigger traditional restaurant in the heart of the city.
  3. Rosenstein – A family restaurant specializing in Jewish-Hungarian cuisine. One of the best Hungarian restaurants in the whole country. It could be a hidden gem, because it is little bit outside of the classical city center, but booking a table is a must!

 

 

And now, Dear Reader, armed with the knowledge of Goulash’s nomadic beginnings, its fiery affair with paprika, and its rise to fame as a national dish, you’re not just savoring a bowl of stew – you’re indulging in a steaming pot of Hungary’s history and traditions.

So, the next time you find yourself enjoying the hearty Goulash, remember that you’re not just eating; you’re time-traveling through the plains of Hungary, embracing the laughter of cowherds and the aroma of centuries past.  We offer the most authentic way to explore Budapest with our licensed tour guides, tested, and trusted on Tripadvisor.

 

Bon appétit and happy time-traveling with every spoonful!