Budapest On Foot
Today, I set out to explore the city of Budapest, Hungary entirely on foot. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders
Friday, July 15, 2016
After beginning our Viking River Cruises’ Passage to Eastern Europe voyage in Bucharest, Romania last week, it’s now time to say goodbye: today, Viking guests enjoyed a day at their leisure in Budapest, Hungary to cap off this 10-day journey through some of Europe’s most fascinating countries.
With another group of guests occupying Viking Embla, this final day in Budapest began from our post-cruise base at the Hilton Budapest hotel. Located on the “Buda” side of Budapest, it has the advantage of offering picturesque views of Fisherman’s Bastion and the Matthias Church from its perch up on Castle Hill. Unfortunately, it’s also removed from the majority of attractions in the city, most of which lie on the “Pest” (pronounced “pesht”) side of the Danube.
My somewhat circuitous route through Budapest, as approximately as I can map it out in Google Maps.
Last evening, I walked down from the hotel and across the Chain Bridge over to the Pest side in about 15 minutes. Today, the bridge was closed for the Red Bull Air Race, which begins tomorrow and runs through Sunday. Today, turbo-charged prop planes were doing practice maneuvers along the Danube. It made for some great views and photo opportunities – but it meant a longer walk to cross the Elizabeth Bridge into Pest. Total time: nearly 45 minutes.
If you don’t want to walk, you have two options: a taxi, or the Number 16 – Deak ter bus. Budapest city council recently chased Uber out of the city, so that option is no longer available.
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