Budapest Beginnings: A Mother-Son Adventure in the Heart of Europe
It was a bright and sunny October afternoon when our journey began. After an overseas flight with a layover in Frankfurt, I arrived in a brand-new country: Hungary. My mom and I hopped into a free taxi—booked via Booking.com—and headed toward our boutique hotel in the heart of Budapest.
First Impressions of Budapest
Settling into our cozy accommodation, I was immediately struck by the grandeur of Budapest. The elegant architecture, the layers of history, and the feeling of being back in Europe after nearly two decades filled me with awe. This was the start of a meaningful mother-son adventure, as I had mentioned in my Balkans Introduction blog.
Budapest was our first stop, and over the coming days we would walk for miles, try new foods, meet locals and travelers, and build unforgettable memories together.
A Warm Welcome with Hungarian Cuisine
Jet-lagged and travel-weary, we took the advice of our friendly concierge Oshi, who recommended a local spot called Véndiák for dinner. It seemed only fitting to kick things off with a traditional Hungarian feast.
Wandering through the dimly lit streets of Budapest, we found the restaurant and ordered a glass of wine and a hearty bowl of Hungarian goulash soup. It hit the spot and set the tone for the delicious meals we would enjoy throughout our journey.
That evening, I took a solo walk across the Erzsébet Bridge, soaking in the views of the Danube River shimmering under the city lights—a peaceful prelude to the exciting days ahead.
Exploring Both Sides of the Danube
Budapest is split by the Danube River into two distinct halves: Buda on the west and Pest on the east. About two-thirds of the city lies on the Pest side. With a pre-booked bus tour, we got a great introduction to the city’s main sights.
We stopped by Independence Square and then visited the opulent New York Café. With its intricate chandeliers and gilded décor, the café felt like a step back in time. We arrived around 11 a.m., right before their brief midday break, and although we debated leaving, I convinced my mom to stay. We passed the time sipping a gold cappuccino and were soon rewarded with a blissful brunch. My eggs Benedict was perfection.
The Darker Side of History
After lunch, I took the suggestion of some Russian friends I had met in Armenia and visited the Hospital in the Rock—a wartime emergency hospital built into the caves beneath Buda Castle. It later served as a nuclear bunker during the Cold War.
The experience was chilling. Wandering through the dim tunnels and seeing preserved patient beds and wartime relics, I reflected on the horrors the Hungarian people endured under both Nazi and Soviet occupation.
Cruising the Danube by Night
That evening, we joined a Danube River night cruise—a highlight of our trip. The illuminated city skyline was absolutely mesmerizing. I met a lovely woman named Tanya from Scotland, and we exchanged travel stories while enjoying the glowing views.
Dinner that night was at a cozy Georgian restaurant, followed by a visit to Szimpla Kert, one of the most iconic “ruin bars” in the Jewish Quarter. With its eclectic decor and welcoming vibe, the bar drew people of all ages. A glass of Hungarian red wine for $3? Yes, please!
A Powerful Farewell
Our final day in Budapest was a deeply moving one. We began at the Shoes on the Danube Bank Memorial, a haunting tribute to Hungarian Jews executed during World War II. It’s a place that demands stillness and reflection.
We followed this with a visit to Parliament, a traditional Hungarian breakfast, and a scenic walk to the Gloria Statue. Along the way, I chatted with travelers from Croatia, Serbia, and Sudan—small moments that reminded me how connected we all are.
Later, we made our way to Margaret Island, a lush green retreat in the heart of the city. We explored a botanical garden and an old monastery before heading back for a well-earned dinner of lamb stew goulash.
A Record-Breaking Walk
That final day, I logged a personal record: 36,000 steps and 28.5 kilometers walked in a single day! We crossed three bridges—another first for me—and though I worried my mom might tire, she pushed through like a champion. We took breaks when needed, but we kept going, side by side.
Final Thoughts on Budapest
Budapest surprised and delighted me. With its mix of grand architecture, soulful history, and warm hospitality, it’s truly a hidden gem in Eastern Europe. It was the perfect place to kick off our Balkans adventure and set the tone for the journey ahead—next stop: Serbia!
