Well, we returned from Portugal, only to turn around and head straight to Budapest! Ryan, the kids, and I spent a few weeks in Budapest in 2015, living as the locals in a rental home. This time around, the experience was much different, as I experienced it from a tourist’s perspective – but by land and “sea” (or should I say “river”?)

Over the next few weeks, I’m going to share a little more of my time in Budapest – but mostly with photos. First, let’s start with Central Market Hall, one of my favorite starting points in any city! Here is where you get the most intimate unfiltered sense of what people and life are like in a city. And the colors are always so vibrant!

Next, our city tour. Budapest is an interesting, architecturally beautiful city, much livelier than I remember it being. It is made up of two cities, split by the Danube River, with Buda on one side, Pest on the other. The Hungarian Parliament Building sits on the Pest side and is one of the most gorgeous parliament buildings in the world.

There are so many beautiful details everywhere you look, from buildings and churches (like St. Stephen’s Basilica below)…

to the sidewalks and ground. So ornate!

Touring around Buda Castle and Castle Hill is also a treat. You can access this area via a funicular, elevator, or a moderate walk.

Here you can explore medieval monuments, museums, and a castle.

Another beautiful building is the Hungarian State Opera House. Incredible detailing covers gilded vaulted ceilings, white marble columns, and decorative walls and floors.

Here are a few more photos. Budapest is lovely at all times of the day.

And a few from around town. The last one was taken by my dear friend, Heather. She and I met at a travel agent event in Jamaica many years ago and have remained friends through the years.

This photo was taken after a day of shopping in Budapest for clothing for Heather. After a series of delayed and canceled flights between the US and Budapest, Heather arrived after midnight without any of her luggage. We spent the day exploring the malls and shops of Budapest, stopping for coffee along the way. It’s always great feeling like a local! Ok…more later.