12 MOTHERS DAY IN BUDAPEST


March 2022 Travel News


VISIT THE QUEEN OF THE DANUBE RIVER THIS MOTHER’S DAY!


Discover what Budapest has to offer this mother’s day with the help of NI Travel News! We’ve put together the ulti- mate list of must do’s in the Hungarian Capital, suitable for mum’s, gran’s, aunts and any other special women in your life!


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TRUGGLING to think of a gift idea of the woman who gives you everything daily? Forget the rushed flowers or chocolate, how


about a trip to one of Europes most up and coming desti- nations! Hungary is one of the many hidden gems across Europe for travellers and it often goes unnoticed when travellers look for new places to explore. This large land- locked country in Central Europe is a sight that should not be by-passed. That is why Northern Ireland Travel News have chosen it as their ideal European spot to treat the special women in your life this Mother’s Day. Budapest is a city bursting with colour, culture and ex-


perience for all ages, genders and travel types; The Hun- garian captial has it all to showcase this Mother’s Day. But what is Budapest and why should it be the loca- tion to see this March? The Hungarian capital of Budapest sits northernly


within Hungary and is home to Budapest airport, one of the main international airports within Europe. Multi- ple airports fly to Budapest on a daily basis, including a multitude of UK and Irish airports and therefore leaves it the perfect hub for reaching Europe and in this case, Budapest! Budapest is divided into two separate parts of the city,


Buda and Pest, by the river Danube. The Buda side was historically the Kingdom of Hungarys capital until 1873. The stunning buildings, people and culture of this vi-


brant city is what makes its a perfect destination for all ages- hence why it is the ultimate getaway for a Mother’s Day treat. NI travel news have put together the perfect Mother’s


Day trip which can be spread over a full week or a short weekend- whichever suit! First on the agenda has to be sightseeing across


this beautiful city- it is simply something that can not be missed. We are beginning with an area which is prominent in the history of Budapest and stands out as a must see when away. Chain Bridge Before it was built, the river could only be crossed


The Parliament Buildings in Budapest, Hungary


via a temporary pontoon bridge, by boat or over the ice. However, a big city needed a real, stones and mortar bridge to match, which is why Count István Széchenyi, the “greatest Hungarian”, made every possible effort to ensure it got built. One of the highlights of evenings along the Danube is when the lights on the bridge are turned on, accenting the bridge’s arching shapes. With its characteristic shape, two enormous stone gates and beautiful suspending chains, the Chain Bridge has become an essential part of Budapest’s cityscape for over a century and a half.


Top tip: Take an evening stroll towards to bridge


to dazzle at the lights of both itself and the city before heading for a bite to eat- you won’t regret it! St. Stephen Bascillica Sixty-five metres up, there is a terrace with stone balustrades around the main cupola of the Basilica. The highest lookout point in Pest, providing a 360 degree view of the whole city. You can access it either by going up on the stairs or by using the elevator. The Hall of Knights – located between the two elevator levels – hosts temporary exhibitions, conferences and performances. Andrassy Avenue The area was long occupied by small cottages and


gardens, but in the second half of the 19th century, Prime Minister Count Gyula Andrássy decided to have a new boulevard built here Over a few years, out of virtually nothing, an opulent boulevard was built, becoming the symbol of the country’s strength and also of the era known as the “happy peacetime”. Originally, the surface of the street was paved with wooden cubes and was shared by carriages, pedestrians and riders on horseback. It was bordered with elegant shops, glamorous palaces


and ornamental gardens, which is still the case today. The most important building on the avenue is the State Opera House, designed by Miklós Ybl, but we can also find the secessionist-style Párizsi Nagy Áruház, the House of Terror museum, the Hungarian University of Fine Arts, the Ferenc Liszt Memorial Museum, and the Ferenc Hopp Museum of Asiatic Arts. Andrássy Avenue is a UNESCO World Heritage site.


Church of Our Lady (Matthias Church) at Buda Castle The Church of Our Lady (Matthias Church) at


Buda Castle commemorates Hungarian history in all its details. The richly decorated walls and Gothic windows depict the lives of Hungarian national heroes and saints. The church witnessed the coronation of the last two Hungarian kings and it is still the venue for high-level church and state ceremonies today. The church regularly welcomes visitors with concerts and exhibitions. Margret Island Dubbed “Budapest’s Central Park”, it was once a


royal hunting ground, and was known for a time as Rabbit Island for this reason. The island is dotted with huge sycamore trees, walkways, statues, the ruins of a medieval monastery and tennis courts. Boat houses along its shores, a casino designed by Miklós Ybl in its centre, a water tower designated a UNESCO protected site and the Japanese garden are also worth mentioning. The popular Palatinus Lido is also found here, and many people come to swim at the Alfréd Hajós Sport Swimming Pool, while the running track that circles the island is also very popular with joggers. The easiest way to reach the island is via Margaret bridge or by boat. Number of permanent inhabitants: 1. Gellért Hill and the Citadel The Hungarians call it a “mountain”, although at 235


metres, it is nowhere near the geographical definition of one. Nonetheless, with its steep craggy sides, trees changing colours with the seasons and architectural heritage, it forms an integral part of the Budapest landscape. On the Erzsébet bridge side and above the artificial waterfall stands the statue of its namesake Saint Gellért (Gerard). The Philosophers’ Garden is situated on the side of the hill nearest Castle Hill - a unique group of statues which commemorates the religions of the worldThis is perhaps the most popular spot from which to view the city, as thousands of tourists stream by every day. However, many locals also stroll up the hill for a bit of fresh air and quiet, or to rest on the lawns. Hungarian Parliament The Hungarian Parliament, richly decorated both


inside and out, was inspired by the Houses of Parliament in London, thus it was designed in Neo-Gothic style, although it also bears Renaissance and Baroque stylistic flourishes. The third largest parliament in the world, it was built on the 1000th anniversary of the foundation of the state of Hungary. During the 45—50 minute tour of Parliament, visitors are shown the session chamber of the Upper House, the lounge of the Upper House, Dome Hall – including the Hungarian royal crown and coronation regalia – as well as the ornamented staircase covered with red carpet.


Széchenyi Thermal Bath and Swimming Pool With 21 pools, Széchenyi Bath is one of the largest


Szechenyi thermal baths in Budapest, Hungary


bathing complexes in Europe. Its adventure pool features a water chute, underwater jacuzzi, neck shower and


bubble deck.


Buda Castle Funicular If you’d like to enjoy a spectacular view of the Danube,


try the funicular cars operated by BKV Zrt., named “Margit” and “Gellért”, which take visitors from Clark Ádám tér to the Castle or the other way around in a couple of minutes. The Buda Castle Funicular was included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1987.


OperaTour with OperaSTAiRs concert Now it’s really worth visiting Erkel Theatre in the


heart of the capital! During renovations at the Opera House, performances are held at the former folk opera building. The theatre awaits audiences with a world- class programme of opera, ballet and concert numbers. The Great Market Hall, Fővám Square, Budapest One of the sights most often mentioned in the Budapest guidebooks is the tourists’ favourite place – an extraordinary building designed by Samu Pecz in Budapest: the biggest market hall in the City! The building is listed among Hungarian national monuments. Situated at the foot of Liberty Bridge, its a compelling sight itself, made really unique by its eosin- glass Zsolnay ceramic roof tiles. On entering the building through the main gate, visitors are overwhelmed not only by grandiose architecture but also by the huge selection of vegetables, meats and dairy products. Those who feel a touch peckish can have a taste at the first-floor diners of the best varieties of foods in Hungary. Boat Tour Discover the sights of Budapest as part of a cruise! Europe’s largest river not only divides Pest and Buda into two, it has also been the witness to Hungary’s history for over two thousand years. Let the boat rock you over the waves into the heart of the city, and take a look at Budapest’s main bridges from underneath! A river cruise is really special after nightfall: the city’s magical lights invite visitors on a romantic and unforgettable journey. Round off the evening with a tasty dinner. Budapest enjoys a real mix for weather- from scorching summers to ice cold winters, it really is an all rounder in this department. In March, the month for British Mothers Day, the average temperature is above 15 degrees Celsius during the first month of spring, but winter still crops its head up for a few days. March is an even less rainy period: heavy downpours arrive in Hungary later, but it is worthwhile to prepare for one or two sudden showers. Lovers of nature should come to Budapest in early spring, since the weather will probably be excellent for hiking. Those suffering from pollen allergies should, however, look at the forecasts because plants that bloom early could cause a few difficult days. Nto only is Budapest and extremely walkable city,


there are many modes of transport across the city to reach anywhere you would like. Visit the thermal baths by taking one of the oldest rail routes in Europes underground form the city centre. As mentioned, boats are an alaberate mood of transportation along the Danube, and an excellent way of taking in every sight and sound of the city and avoiding any crowds as this tourist destination is a sure hit for vistors.


For more information on visiting Budapest this mother’s day, please visit www.budapestinfo.hu


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