Old Moaner Travel
I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list
Hungary
Until 1989 Hungary was under the shackles of Soviet control, despite an uprising in 1956, which was ruthlessly supressed.
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The country returned to democracy in 1989 however the 2010 elections resulted in the ultra Conservative Viktor Orban to power and he has increasingly made a power grab almost creating a dictatorship in 2020 when he suspended Parliament and introduced law by decree.
Whether this is good for tourism remains to be seen.
Budapest
The twin towns of Buda and Pest combine to form the capital Budapest with the River Danube dividing the two towns.
It has to be said if you are expecting to see the ubiquitous "Blue Danube" you will be disappointed as it is more of a dirty muddy grey colour.
The towns of Buda and Pest have distinctive characters. If you imagine the River Danube heading North / South then Buda will be on the left bank and Pest on the right.
Buda Castle overlooks the city and offers stunning views. First completed in 1265 and finally completed in the 18th century it served as the Royal Palace, It is now home to the National Gallery and the Budapest History Collection.
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The main façade of the building is known as the Fisherman's Bastion and is one of the most visited locations in Budapest because of the views it offers of the city.
There is a funicular service to the Castle if you don't fancy the climb however you get there it is worth it just to appreciate the view.
If you are looking to find the most impressive building in Budapest then the Parliament Building must be a prime candidate.
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Situated on the Pest side of the river and completed in 1902. it remains the largest building in Hungary.
In the same way the Palace of Westminster dominates the Thames in London, the Budapest Parliament building serves the same role alongside the Danube here in Budapest.
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Tours of the building are available and recommended, especially if you are interested in Hungarian history - the Austro-Hungarian Empire was one of the great Empires in history.
St Stephen's Basilica, named after the first King of Hungary, is the principle church in the city. Also known as Budapest Cathedral it is built in a neo-classical style and can house a congregation of 8,500.
HÅ‘sök tere is the main square in Budapest noted for its iconic statue complex featuring the Seven chieftains of the Magyars and other important Hungarian national leaders, as well as the Memorial Stone of Heroes
It hosts the Museum of Fine Arts and the Műcsarnok.
The square has played an important part in contemporary Hungarian history and has been a host to many political events.
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Budapest is also famed for its public baths and spas which can be found throughout the city and they are popular with locals and tourists alike who claim they therapeutic powers - even if they don't they are incredibly relaxing. The Széchenyi Medicinal Bath is the largest and most well known of the baths with two springs at an invigorating 77 and 74 degrees C respectively.
On a much more sombre note, the House of Terror is an evocative, emotional museum containing exhibits related to the fascist and communist regimes in 20th-century.It serves as a memorial to the victims of these regimes, including those detained, interrogated, tortured or killed in the building.
Budapest's Jewish community, like many in mainland Europe, suffered terribly during the Second World War - the city still has a thriving Jewish community despite suffering huge losses.
The size of the current community is partly due to the Germans using the Pest Ghetto to hold 70,000 Jews relocated from elsewhere in Europe.
60,000 were still alive then the Russians liberated the Ghetto in 1945 and many of the survivors remained in the city.
The Dohány Street Synagogue is the second largest in the world and is a lovely ornate building.
Regular readers will know I am a great fan of river dinner cruises as they are often a great way to see a city and Budapest is no exception. There are plenty of such cruises available and you will also get the chance to try an authentic Hungarian goulash.
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