Unforgettable Day in Budapest

A Photo Journey

We woke up slowly. It was Easter Monday and we had the day perfectly mapped out: the Central Market Hall, House of Terror, a walk along Andrássy Avenue, dinner, and finally Szimpla Kert. By lunchtime, our morning plans had fallen apart. 

Easter Sunday was spent at the thermal baths. Relaxing, but far too crowded. I’d been told there was no need to book ahead, yet by lunchtime the pools and saunas were overflowing with tourists. The highlight ended up being a quiet drink on the upstairs terrace, tucked away from the crowds. 

When we arrived at Central Market Hall, we were greeted with closed doors. “Zàrva” – closed – became the Hungarian word I learned best that weekend. I’d found it at every pharmacy since we’d arrived Saturday, as I’d been looking for the contact lens solution I’d foolishly forgotten to pack, hence the first photos of me ever wearing glasses on a trip.

It then dawned on us that House of Terror might also be closed, not only because it was Easter Monday but because it was, well…Monday. Any good traveller knows that a lot of museums are closed on Mondays. How about an art museum? That too was closed, of course. The Parliament? Requires reservations. It felt like the days of simply turning up were gone. 

We decided to roam through the city, which will always be my favorite thing to do while travelling. We saw so many things we wouldn’t have seen otherwise. We strolled down Andrássy Avenue, a picturesque, charming boulevard with stunning buildings. I understood why Budapest is called the Paris of the East, with its elegant facades, tree-lined sidewalks, and grand avenues. Though there’s one square that resembles Berlin’s Bradenburg Gate.

As we were trying to find the Synagogue, we ran into a little café that instantly caught our eye, so we went in to have a delicious, fresh lunch. Travelling with an Italian means rating espressos harshly abroad. This one got a 6 but the food was a solid 10. 

Feeling re-energized after a slow lunch, we continued to the Synagogue. Impressive from the outside, though we ended up not going in because it seemed too expensive. I suppose we should have, but coming from Rome where you can walk into all the great Basilicas for free, €35 seemed a bit much. 

We kept wandering, which took us to St. Stephen’s Basilica. The deep red marble interior blew me away. As we sat down for a rest, they announced that there was a free concert about to start – an awesome surprise. We got to hear Adagio played on the organ – so emotional and memorable. 

The early evening took us to a wine bar offering a vast selection of Hungarian wines, recommended by an AI travel guide I’d been using. With its dim lighting, exposed brick walls, quirky décor, and even a wine bottle crafted entirely from corks, it was the kind of place where we happily lingered over a glass of local wine. On our way to dinner, we passed a cool photography shop – wish I had one of these back home. Finally, after dinner, we ended up at the must-stop Szimple Kert for another drink. 

The following morning, we squeezed in the House of Terror and Central Market Hall before heading to the airport. Somehow, despite concerns about road closures, we made it with plenty of time to spare.

Looking back, a lot of what we’d planned for Easter Monday fell through. Yet it became my favorite day in Budapest. We found a café we never would have searched for, stumbled into a free organ concert, discovered wonderful Hungarian wine, and simply wandered. Sometimes the best travel days are the ones that refuse to follow an itinerary.