Menza Restaurant – DianoMaya.Com

Hello World!

As you already know, we are in Budapest! Previous blog was about Where to stay in Budapest (LINK), but this one will give you more insight to Budapest TOP attractions. Without further a do, let’s start with our Budapest 2018 picks!

Heroes’ Square
Take the M1 metro line and it will get you right in front of this glorious Budapest square. This is definitely my favorite square in Budapest, maybe even Europe. Hungarians have commemorated their important National leaders, by building the statues of them, as well as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Somehow, we always end up visiting it by night and we love it with all the lights turned on.

Near Heroes’ Square are you can also find Vajdahunyad Castle, outdoor “City Park Ice Rink” and Szechenyi Baths and Pool.
Entrance fee to visit the Courtyard of the Vajdahunyad Castle is free. However, should you wish to visit Museum of Agriculture residing in Vajdahunyad Castle, entrance fee is approx. 5 EUR.
City Park Ice Rink season 2017/2018 is, unfortunately, closed.

You know that this trip was all about finding best ways to “explore while relaxing”. That is the main reason why we have chosen to chill a little in Szechenyi Baths and Pool. These baths have 18 pools, from which 2 outdoor pools, 10 saunas and massages. Of course, we tried the outdoor ones even though it was -5 Celsius outside. Thermal outdoor pool was heated on 28 Celsius, so we ran out to the pool with nothing but a swimsuit on.

TIPS:

bring a towel, swimsuit and slippers (otherwise, you can rent there)
you can buy your bath ticket in advance and get discount – HERE
if you are buying the tickets at the Baths, after 7 pm, tickets are more affordable
book a locker or a cabin to put your belongings (you will be given a silicon waterproof wristband, which looks like a watch)

Chain Bridge
Go across the Danube river to the Buda side, over the Chain Bridge. The most popular bridge in town and also the most crowded. Lion’s guarding the bridge entrance are impressive every time we see them. Don’t you agree?

So, once you are on Buda side you can walk up to Buda Castle or take historical cable car up. Buda Castle Funicular runs every 10 minutes and it is a fairly cheap way (approx. 5 EUR) to save your legs 🙂

Buda Castle
This historical castle and palace complex of the Hungarian kings in Budapest, currently hosts Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest History Museum, Hungarian Presidential Palace, Matthias Church, Holy Trinity Statue and Fisherman’s Bastion.

Parliament of Budapest
For me, this is the most impressive building in entire Budapest. It lies on Danube river, on Kossuth Lajos Square and it is apparently the largest building in Hungary. You can reach the Parliament with Tram line 2 (which is also the scenic route tram).

Wanna see it by night? Check out our Budepest 2016 blog -> HERE.
Also, try to get picture of the Parliament from the Buda side of Danube river, that way you can really capture it’s all glory!

Close to the Parliament, when you walking back to Chain bridge, you can find “Shoes on the Danube Promenade Memorial”. On the other side of the Parliament, you can walk towards Margaret Island & Bridge, the only “3 exit bridge” we know!

Find out more about Margaret Island in our Budapest 2016 blog -> HERE

Citadella
To get the best Budapest city views go to Citadella! This fort is located on the top of Gellért Hill, with Liberty Statue monument on it’s front.

Liberty Bridge
When you walk down from Gellért Hill you will pass by several monuments, Cave church and Hotel Gellért (which also has Baths, apparently second best in Budapest) and you will end up in front of Liberty Bridge. Central Market Hall is right across the bridge, on the other side of Danube, and Hungarian National Museum is 10 minute walk from there.

Sometimes, it is just worth of getting lost in the city. You can easily walk all around most popular attractions, if you prepare well. So, take that Budapest map, circle all top attractions you’ve liked so far and make a plan how to cover it all!
Public transport is also very easy to use. Take Tram 2 for scenic route, which passes by most Budapest attractions on Pest side. We also recommend using Metro lines. After a day, you will feel like you know all the stops, lines and how to use them. Don’t we all just want to feel like local? Wandering around the city, without chasing any attraction, just soaking up the city vibe and admiring it, is the best feeling in the world!

St. Stephen’s Basilica
This time we only passed by St. Stephen’s Basilica, on our way to look for some food. You can enter the church, but there is a fee. You can climb up to the tower and find a nice view, but there is a fee. You get my point? Other attractions, with views, in Budapest are free, plus the view is not as stunning as from Buda Castle or Citadella.

Now, let’s jump to some juicy stuff! We are always hungry, but we never find time to eat. So, when we eat, we eat goooood. We loved Menza & Szimpla Kert last time when we were in Budapest, so decision was easy – eat, drink & repeat!

Menza Restaurant