Statue at Buda Castle
Day 0 started off like crap. Like seriously. We took a night train from Warsaw to Krakow (31.85 pln) and was supposed to take a bus from Krakow to Budapest (SGD$42). We arrived half an hour earlier and scurried around to find the correct stop to take the bus.
Our bus was supposed to come at 10.30pm and at 10.50pm we were still running around like lost mice. Then, just as we were about to emo and cry in a corner and contemplate about returning to Warsaw, we saw a group of people that looked as stranded as us. Turns out, the bus was late and we finally boarded the bus at 1am. The bus is called Orangeways so, don't say that I didn't warn you. Below is the spot that you take the bus from. Strangely, even though the bus was 2.5 hours late, we only reached Budapest 45 minutes past the stipulated time.
Coincidentally, the day that we reached was the National Day of Hungary, so there was a festive mood in the air as we walked around. Then we went for a free walking tour that was highly recommended. And I second the recommendation. The tour lasted about 2.5 hours.
The tour covered several sights, like the Chain Bridge, Buda Castle and Saint Stephen Basilica.
We ended the day with a visit to one of the best pubs in the world. Yes, in the world. The pub is called Szimpla Pub and used to be an abandoned house until some artist came along and changed it to a pub. The atmosphere is really great and the variety of wine/beer/cocktail/shots is the most diverse that I have ever seen in a pub.
Day 2
Day 2 started a bit slow for us as one of our friends needed to buy a pair of shoes cause the weather was too cold for her (she brought flats lol). Then we headed to Szendentre. Takes about 45 minutes via the HEV from the metro station called Batthyany Station (red station). Remember to buy the 24 hour group ticket for tram/metro/bus before heading to Szendentre. It is worth it unless you do not need to take a metro to Batthyany Station. Also, we used the ticket even when the 24 hours have passed. Thankfully, the people that check your ticket at the gantry give you the benefit of the doubt.
Szendentre is a nice and quiet town but it may appeal to some and not to others. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the town and have a taste of the best Langos that I have eaten so far.
Food that you must try in Budapest
Decided to add a food section for Budapest because there were 3 restaurants that I really enjoyed. Search them on tripadvisor to get the reviews and the address.
- Kisharang Etkezde - cheap food that has above average taste
- Hungarikum Bistro - costs like $20 SGD, but the food is DEFINITELY WORTH A TRY. Remember to reserve at least a day in advance or else!
- Ruben - has a 890 forint ($5 sgd) 3 course meal that was definitely worth $5.
DO NOT TRY THOSE $10 SGD (under 1800 forint) BUFFETS. We tried one cause we were hungry and were drawn in by the price. Simply the worst buffet that I have eaten. Be warned!
