Budapest, Hungary
We departed from Dublin on a direct flight that took approx 2.5 hours. When we arrived we took a transfer to the Hotel Mercure Metropol, a great 3 star hotel very centrally located which took about 30 minutes and the taxi transfer was excellent value for money. This Hotel is situated in the business and shopping district in a great location and has easy access to the cultural and tourist attractions of Budapest. The main shopping area is about 10 minutes walk away.
The city is split in two by the river Danube, the Buda side and the Pest side.
A cruise on the Danube is a must do while in Budapest, we took an evening cruise and the food and the entertainment was fabulous while the orchestra on board played the blue Danube.
This old historic city has wide boulevards, big public buildings, and monuments and parks - all remnants of previous empires that once occupied this city. We took a hop on hop off tourist bus which was excellent value for money and we saw all the sights close up while the guide explained the history surrounding this fantastic city. The tour took a couple of hours but it really gave us a great feel of the history of Budapest.
There is also a great range of international cuisine to suit all tastes. Music lovers can enjoy plenty of open air concerts during the summer months. There are thousands of small stands around the downtown area selling souvenirs, maps and postcards to tourists.
Margaret Island The island is a huge park in the middle of the city. It is nice to come here to relax and walk around and watch the world go by; you could spend the entire day here, as some Hungarians do, picnicking in the green grass and playing with their children.
Chain Bridge The Chain bridge is the oldest bridge in the city, built in the second half of the 19th century. It is the best bridge to walk across the river because of the relatively small amount of cars. Plus, it connects the Pest and Buda. Like all other bridges, it was blown up during World War II but rebuilt again later.
The Royal Castle Located on the Buda side on the Castle Hill, the foundations go back to the 13th century but the Royal Palace itself is only a couple of hundred years old. Today the buildings house the National Gallery and the National Library.
The Parliament is one of the major buildings in the capital, visible from virtually anywhere on the other side of the Danube. If you have a chance to go inside, it is well worth the trip. I was told that in the winter, there is a skate ground right in front of it.
All in all I have to say I really enjoyed Budapest, it was a great city for a short break and I look forward to booking lots of clients there. I find it is always easier to talk about destinations when I have been and experienced it myself.