Exploring Budapest's Charms Through the Haze of Illness
If you read my last blog post, you know that I've been battling an illness lately. It hit me in Bratislava, Slovakia and has persisted, casting a shadow over my stay in Budapest, Hungary. However, fear not, for I managed to summon enough strength to explore some sights and engage in a few low-key activities. I attribute this resilience to a pivotal life decision: opting for a private room (rather than a bed in a dorm) for the three nights I spent in Budapest. It provided the peace and space I needed to rest and recuperate.
Not in the best condition to take on the world, I threw on my trusty, thrice-worn jeans and shirt, left the hostel with unbrushed hair and weary eyes, in search of something soothing to ease my ailing body. I stumbled upon a charming hole-in-the-wall soup restaurant—yes, a place entirely devoted to soups (including dessert soups and some delectable baguettes). I ordered a comforting cup of pumpkin soup, the first nourishment I had managed to ingest in a while, and oh boy, it injected some much-needed vigour into me, if only for a brief moment. With a newfound pep in my step, I visited the Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, St. Stephen's Basilica, and Parliament House (from a distance). All were magical sights to behold, but quite the hike if you're walking to each one.
Despite waking up the next day still not feeling 100%, I decided to carry on with my personal walking tour. In the morning, I was determined to secure a seat at what is known as the most beautiful cafe in the world—The New York Cafe. A couple of hours later (blame my sluggish pace due to illness), I found myself in a room that exuded regal opulence, with soaring ceilings, red velvet, and gold accents everywhere. The cafe lived up to its reputation with the best damn hot chocolate I've ever tasted (possibly even better than the one in Amsterdam)!
After savouring royal cocoa, I made my way to the Gellért Thermal Baths. Though I missed out on the pub crawl and caving adventure I had hoped for in Budapest, I'm immensely grateful for the opportunity to experience a thermal bath. The baths had some fascinating aspects, with intricately designed interiors in each room. In total, there were six bath areas—three thermal baths at varying temperatures, two swimming pool areas (one indoors and one outdoors), and a bracing cold plunge pool. Additionally, they featured four steam rooms (two at lower temperatures and two at higher temperatures). I spent some time in each area, truly immersing myself in the Hungarian bathhouse experience!
On my last night, I joined a social activity at the hostel and ended up at a ruin bar—an exceptional experience in itself. Disco balls hung everywhere, numerous rooms offered diverse atmospheres, and there was even a dedicated space showcasing local artists. Budapest is undeniably a city that knows how to party, so I'm grateful that I could find some rest amidst the festivities. Now, it's off to Ljubljana, where partying is not as common, and I look forward to more restorative moments!