You don’t perhaps think of Budapest as an interesting destination but you should. Budapest Hungary, with the plentiful architectural offerings, the amazing foods, the incredible little cafe’s and coffeehouses and the amazing scenery is somewhere that has a lot of draw and something you should see once in your lifetime.

Budapest has a full rich history of wars and mysteries and royalty. The castles, churches and bridges alone are worth a trip to Hungary to view, let alone the cuisine and the local people who are colorful and friendly to say the least.

You’re going to start your morning, and your journeys at Gerbeaud
It is the town’s No. 1, coffeehouse, located in the center of town in whats called the Vörösmarty square.

At one time it was owned by the Swiss Gerbeaud family who were known far and wide as incredible confectionary makers and people from the world over would come to taste the amazing coffee or the Dobos cake. Gerbeaud is not only a coffee house and a confectionary now, its also renowned as an architectural masterpiece that sites much the same as it did at the turn of the century.

Gerbeaud has changed very little and still houses the lovely interior that features two French marble fireplaces and long marble counters on which you will find a wide array of pastries, cakes, sandwiches and coffee or teas.
Addresss: Budapest V. Vörösmarty tér 7.
Website: www.gerbeaud.hu

Once you’ve finished the morning repast pay a visit to the Chain Bridge, a site that is a wonder in and of itself but also gives you a nearly 360 degree view of the city, resplendent in the amazing past meets present stylings.

The planning was begun by the count István Széchenyi,who is known as “the greatest Hungarian.”He began organization of the bridge while traveling abroad in England where he became aquainted with William Thierney Clark. He commissioned him to draw up plans for the bridge and Adam Clark was hired to oversee the construction that was finished in 1849. In 1945 German troops blew it up as they were retreating, however on the hundredth anniversary of the bridge it was restored to its former glory.

The retreating German troops blew up the Chain Bridge in January 1945. This vital element of Budapest’s cityscape was restored on the 100 th anniversary of its inauguration.

The Matthias Church is another stop that you can’t fail to make. The site of the coronation of eqach of the Hungarian kings,beginning with King Matthias the first historical mention of the church seen in records happens in 1247. It has been rebuilt, enlarged, added to and transformed but remains in part what it has been since that time.

St. Stephen’s Basilica

The largest cathedral is not actually a basilica but was given the title by the Pope. It was dedicated in 1905 and carries a statue of Saint Stephen in the sanctuary done entirely in marble.

The surrounding hillsides and lands are lovely and worth a hike just to see. Green and lush Hungary has outdoor pleasures as well as indoor ones, with wonderful autumn weather.

Dinner time brings you back to town for some amazing cuisine. It holds a great deal from other days and times as well as other cultures, since Hungary tends to be a multicultural area.

Some dishes you will find come from the Turks as well as the Slavic people while others such as highly spiced foods and pastries come from Austria. Many beef, pork and rich meat dishes are cooked using very old style methods, and may include a great deal of butter or lard so you’re not going to be dieting today.

The famed Goulash, or what the Hungarians call “gulyás“ is the most famous of dishes but in Hungary it is a soup. INcredibly delicious it was first made by shepherds and cowboys, a combination of beef cooked with chopped onion, potatoes, paprika and other things. What we in the US know as goulash is known as stew there and very much a treat that you will want to try.While you’re in Hungary don’t forget to try the flaky desserts known as strudel.

Hungary is also a wine producing area and a visit to the wineries should be part of what you spend your time doing while you’re there.