EuroTrip - Day 42

Almost India

The first thought that will strike you as soon as reach Budapest is that the Hungarian flag is very similar to our Indian Tiranga. The similarity between the two countries don't end there. You get down at the Budapest Keleti station and you will realize that it has India-ness all around. The white faces have turned a couple shade browner. There is a ticket checker waiting for you at the end of the platform. There is too much crowd everywhere and everything is chaotic. And the most important of them all - the station is not tourist friendly (A small cubicle as the tourist information desk and multiple money exchangers offering you insanely exorbitant rates -- the spread was 209-290, if you want a proof of what I mean -- agents soliciting for taxi and hotel rooms and the street-side money exchangers - Beware Beware Beware).

Here is a piece of advice for any one traveling to Budapest. Stay at the station for the minimum possible time. Don't even think of using the money changers (counters as well as street vendors) there. The exchange counters in the central district give really good rates (we got 264-268, that too without any commission). So hold on to that chai ki talab for sometime, walk towards the central district and then you can get the money exchanged in a safer and better place.

For vegetarians, here is another piece of advice - the city is filled with outlets of Burger King and Subway. You don't have to worry about your food. There are a couple of KFC too in this town, so my nonveg eating friends can splurge on those 'chicken wings' and 'ginger burgers' if they are feeling nostalgic. [End Of PritS's Food Guide to Budapest]

City of Budapest constitutes of two parts Buda (hilly house-filled town in the west) and Pest (commercial town in the east), situated on opposite banks of Denube (Duna).

Most of the famous monuments are situated close to the banks of the river. So we started the 'tourist day's with a walk along the Elizabeth Bridge. The Citadella situated on the top of Gallert hill gives a panoramic view of the city. The weather had been amazing on a sunny morning and walking up the hill was a good experience. Spend as much time as possible at the hill. You can also visit a museum based on World War.

There are multiple bridges across Denube and they are part of regular tourists itinerary. We crossed the Elizabeth bridge once more to walk towards the fashion street and then to the area around the Hungarian parliament. The walk along Danube gives you a glimpse of the best of architectural beauties in the town. The Fisherman's Bastion, the Royal Palace, the Hungarian National Gallery etc are just a couple of buildings that I could identify seeing the tourist guide. Our aim was to see the world famous Hungarian Parliament. This highest senate in Hungary is situated on the bank of the river. The view from the river side (which is the rear of the building) is as beautiful as the one from the front. It's a majestic building surrounded by a dozens of other historical buildings. I wonder how come there is so much of history stuffed in one place. A walk around this area is worth the effort. St. Stephen's Cathedral is recently renovated and is a good watch too.

The day was coming to an end and in reality we had not done any worthwhile 'sightseeing' in this town. The famous baths are a must go on any tourists planst. We were unlucky that we could not go there. We could not visit any of the war monuments too. I really think we are rushing through a lot of cities. These cities are so rich in history and culture that it will take more than one day to do justice as a traveler. For now I will add it to my wish-list for future. And move to the next destination - Praha. A new city awaits us with new stories.

PS: It was really sad to compare India with Hungary in this way. It's just that all of us got the exact same thought today. In the end let me reiterate again, Budapest is an amazingly beautiful place. Just like India. Don't miss it.