🌹 Budapest – A City for the Heart

Ah, Budapest – a city with a soul, unfolding like an old love story written in lights, bridges, and thermal steam. ❤️

Gentle, mysterious, and grand, it’s one of the most romantic capitals in Europe – perfect for slow walks, warm evenings by the Danube, and unforgettable tastes.

🌉 What to See – like a walk with someone you love:

1. Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya)

A fairytale spot that looks like something from a dream. The view of the Danube and the Parliament is simply unreal. Go early in the morning or at sunset – pure magic.

2. Buda Castle

Wander the cobbled streets of old Buda. Take the funicular to the top, like in an old French film. Quiet, romantic, timeless.

3. Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd)

Cross between Buda and Pest hand in hand, as city lights reflect in the river below. A bridge between two sides, two souls.

4. Parliament Building

View it from the Buda side, especially at night when it glows gold. One of the most beautiful parliaments in the world.

5. Széchenyi Thermal Baths

Warm outdoor pools in the crisp air – it's like time stops. Don’t forget your swimsuit. A steamy slice of Hungarian tradition.

6. Evening Danube Cruise

Soft breeze, music, city lights – perfect for a glass of wine and quiet smiles. A memory to carry forever.

🕯️ Shoes on the Danube Bank

The monument is located on the eastern bank of the Danube River, near the Hungarian Parliament and the Academy of Sciences, between Roosevelt Square and Kossuth Square—about 300 m south of the Parliament.

🎨 Concept and Symbolism

• The installation features 60 pairs of iron shoes, cast in 1940s style, arranged as if their owners had just taken them off and vanished.
• Behind them is a 40 m long stone bench, about 70 cm tall.
• There are three plaques with inscriptions in Hungarian, English, and Hebrew:"To the memory of the victims shot into the Danube by Arrow Cross militiamen in 1944–45. Erected 16 April 2005."

🕊️ Historical Context

• The memorial honors the victims of the Hungarian fascist militia (Arrow Cross Party) who, in 1944–45, forced Jews to strip to their shoes and shot them on the riverbank. Their bodies were carried away by the Danube.
• Estimates suggest between 2,600 and 3,600 people were executed this way, about 800 of whom were Jewish.

🧑‍🎨 Creators and Inauguration

• The idea came from film director Can Togay and was brought to life by sculptor Gyula Pauer, recipient of the Kossuth Prize.
• The memorial was unveiled on April 16, 2005, marking Holocaust Memorial Day in Hungary.

🧠 Why Is It So Powerful?

• The shoes speak through their simplicity and directness: each pair carries the presence of a life—a man’s boot, a woman’s heel, a child’s small shoe—each a silent witness to a life cut short.
• The monument does more than recall tragedy; it teaches tolerance, remembrance, and respect for life—a lasting cultural and moral lesson.

📅 Visiting and Atmosphere

• Open 24/7 and free of charge – located at Id. Antall József rakpart, easily accessible from the city center or Parliament area.
• Visitors often leave candles, flowers, or small stones in the shoes—a quiet ritual of remembrance.
• The most evocative time to visit is at sunset, when the light casts long shadows from the shoes—creating a solemn, timeless atmosphere.

✅ Quick Facts

🍷 What to Taste – for the soul and the senses:

🥘 Gulyás (Goulash)

A rich, spiced soup full of comfort. Classic Hungarian warmth in a bowl.

🥟 Lángos

Fried dough with garlic, sour cream, and cheese – street food made for sharing.

Layers of chocolate and caramel – a sweet kiss at the end of the night.

🍰 Dobos Torte

🍷 Hungarian Wine – Tokaji or Egri Bikavér

Tokaji is golden and sweet like a romantic evening, Egri Bikavér is bold and deep like a late-night conversation. Try a tasting at a cozy wine bar in Pest.

🍷 Traditional Hungarian Cuisine – Where to Eat in Budapest

Budapest is a city of lights, bridges, and flavors that stay in your heart forever. If you are wondering where to try traditional Hungarian food in Budapest, here are the most famous restaurants that combine romance, history, and culinary passion.

🍲 Hungarikum Bisztró

An iconic restaurant where you can taste authentic goulash prepared with a classic recipe. Tradition is honored here, and every dish feels like a journey into the soul of Hungary. If you are searching for the best Hungarian restaurant in Budapest, this is a must.

🥘 Paprika Vendéglő

With its cozy, homely atmosphere, the aroma of paprikash and stuffed peppers will transport you straight to a Hungarian grandmother’s kitchen. This is the place to experience true tradition, far from tourist traps.

🍖 Kéhli Vendéglő

One of the oldest restaurants in Budapest, where the romance of the past comes alive. The menu is rich with classics like pörkölt (a Hungarian-style stew) and sweet rétes (strudel). A perfect spot to feel the spirit of old Budapest.

🍷 Menza Étterem

Located in the heart of Liszt Ferenc Square, this restaurant blends modern style with the flavors of tradition. Try halászlé (Hungarian fish soup) or a classic stew. The atmosphere is lively, yet a romantic dinner here always feels special.

🍰 Gerbeaud Café

A true Budapest legend, founded in the 19th century. Here you can indulge in the famous Dobos torte or fine Hungarian pastries. It’s the ideal place to savor the aristocratic charm of the city.

✨ Budapest is a city where every meal is a celebration – from a steaming bowl of goulash to a sweet slice of Dobos cake. If you are searching for the best restaurants in Budapest with traditional Hungarian cuisine, these spots will take you straight to the heart of Hungarian flavors. 🇭🇺❤️

🌙 Romantic Moments to Remember:

• Sunrise from Gellért Hill – a little effort, many sighs.
• Coffee at New York Café – often called the most beautiful café in the world. Truly.
• Vintage candy shops – soft lights, pastel wrappers, and a hint of nostalgia.

SOMETHING CURIOUS:

🗿 The Bud Spencer Statue in BudapestAt Corvin sétány 1—a vibrant pedestrian alley in District VIII of Budapest—stands a life-sized bronze statue of the legendary Italian actor and former swimmer Carlo Pedersoli, better known as Bud Spencer.

🎨 Artistic Vision and Symbolism

• The statue is 2.4 meters tall, weighs over 500 kg, and depicts Bud Spencer in his iconic western outfit with a saddle slung over his shoulder—a direct nod to his role as Bambino in the cult classic "They Call Me Trinity".
• Created by Hungarian sculptor Szandra Tasnádi.
• Officially unveiled on November 11, 2017, one year after the actor's death, in the presence of his daughters Cristiana and Diamante, along with many devoted fans.

💬 Inscription and Emotional Message

The base of the statue reads:

"Mi sohasem veszekedtünk"
("We never argued")

– a quote from Terence Hill, Spencer’s longtime on-screen partner and real-life friend, symbolizing their deep harmony and lifelong bond.

🇭🇺 Bud Spencer and Hungary’s Affection

• In Hungary, Bud Spencer enjoys cult status. Even during communism, when Western films were rare, his movies were allowed—and loved—for their humor, warmth, and relatable heroes.
• During the statue’s unveiling, the district mayor said:
  "Bud Spencer was a unifier—a great athlete, a great actor, a good husband and father."

📍 Visiting the Statue

• Address: Corvin sétány 1, 1082 Budapest (near Corvin-negyed metro station)
• Surroundings: Cozy cafés and bars—perfect for a quick break or a photo moment.

🎬 The Legacy Lives On

In the area, you can also find:

• A commemorative plaque
• An unofficial "Bud Spencer Park"
• Street art featuring his face
• A symbolic little hill affectionately nicknamed "Terence Hill Hill" by fans

📝 Fun Facts

Here are the most convenient ways to get from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) to the city center of Budapest:

🚍 1. Bus 100E – Direct Link to the City Center

• Route: Airport → Kálvin tér → Astoria → Deák Ferenc tér (right in the city center)
• Travel time: ~35 minutes
• Price: ~€2.20 (900 HUF) – special ticket required (standard public transport tickets are not valid)
• Frequency: Every 10–20 minutes (from 4:10 AM to 1:05 AM)
• Tickets: From airport ticket machines, the BKK FUTÁR app, or in cash from the driver

📌 Tip: The most convenient option for direct access to the city center.

🚌+🚇 2. Bus 200E + Metro Line M3 (Cheap and Efficient)

• Step 1: Take bus 200E from the airport to Kőbánya-Kispest (final stop)
• Step 2: Transfer to Metro Line M3 and ride to Deák Ferenc tér or another central stop
• Total travel time: ~45–50 minutes
• Price: ~€1.30 (2 tickets at 450 HUF each)
  Or a transfer ticket (530 HUF)

📌 Tip: Cheapest option. Great if you're traveling light.

🚖 3. Taxi (Főtaxi – Official Airport Partner)

• Travel time: ~25–30 minutes (depending on traffic)
• Price: ~€25–30 (fixed by fare zone system)
• How: Use the official Főtaxi booth just outside the terminal exit

📌 Tip: Best choice for late arrivals or if you have a lot of luggage.

🚘 4. Bolt (or other ride apps)

• Travel time: ~25–30 minutes
• Price: Usually slightly cheaper than taxis (~€18–25)
• App: Bolt works well in Budapest

📌 Tip: Often faster than taxis during peak hours.