It's All About Budapest

So for my 21st birthday, I unwrapped George Ezra's album 'Wanted on Voyage' with airplane stickers all over the case from Brad. As a fan of the album, I thought the stickers were maybe a limited edition addition and many of the songs are our favourites it was an extremely thoughtful gift. I continued to open gifts and it wasn't until 20 minutes later Brad informed me I hadn't clicked on to my actual gift, it took a while but I finally figured out the clues which associated with being hungry or a pest. To break the suspense we might be here all day if you take half the time I did, the gift was a trip to Budapest (My favourite Ezra single), Hungary (poor hungry puns took a lot longer to get). So off we went this April arriving there quite late our first stop was the Hardrock for some good grub and the wonderful staff quizzing us a lot about Liverpool. The next day we spent around the Buda district visiting the museum within the castle and exploring the turreted fortress adjacent known as the Fishermans Bastion which involved a ride in their infamous Funicular. Opened in 1870 the funicular connected the palace to the River Danube it costs the equivalent of around £3 but in the cold weather, it is a great way to avoid climbing the stairs as well as some great views as you rise above the trees.

One of the most famous tourist attractions in Budapest is its thermal baths of the two most famous we choose the Gellert Spa mainly due to its impressive decor and the majority of the pools were inside. I would definitely say if you're in Budapest even for a short weekend its worth a visit to either the initial wonder walking into a set from a Wes Anderson film. There are multiple pools to choose from at varying temperatures so I would suggest building up to the warmer pools to avoid shock and overheating. Stepping out of the grand spa straight onto the River Danube on a crisp April morning feeling refreshed was a great start to any day packed with tourist attractions. Our last morning we managed to pop in a visit to the Central Market to buy all of our souvenirs, walking into the open neo-gothic hall the sheer size could overwhelm any experienced shopper. Budapest's most expansive market held indoors you can purchase everything from local specialties, meat, fresh food, liquor, and all the novelty tea towels imaginable. The main tip give yourself some hours to stroll through and take in the atmosphere it's extremely busy with locals and tourists so there is no quick way to explore the whole place! Also, save room in your suitcase for all the things you're going to buy and bring back not just for gifts for yourself.

Hannah