Category: European City Breaks

Budapest.

Following our visit to Prague and my youngest daughter’s inter-railing adventure, Budapest was the next city, I had my sights on.

Favourable flight times from Luton with Wizz Air tipped the balance.

We found a hotel with excellent reviews. The Ikonik Parlament was a short walk from the city centre. Getting there was an easy Uber ride. Ubers are quick, cheap and readily available in Budapest. We arrive to be upgraded to a room with a balcony and Nespresso coffee machine. Breakfast was served until 10.30 and was an array of products both local and traditional.

We stayed on the Pest side of the river, which is more commercial with larger shops, bars and restaurants. An evening cruise was a great recommendation from my daughter!

You must cross the spectacular Chain Bridge to go to Buda. The views up by the Fisherman’s Bastion are incredible.

Without doubt though, the most moving part of the visit was my walk along the Danube. The Shoes on the Danube memorial a poignant reminder of the murders of the Jews in 1944 & 1945. I underestimated the significance of Budapest during this period. The largest Synagogue in Europe is also in Budapest.

Unfortunately we did not have time to visit the famous Ruin bar and the Spas – a definite excuse to return.

Budapest is beautiful and it’s history incredibly though provoking.

We found it not a costly as other European capital cities.

Restaurant & Bar

Tukory Etterem

Traditional Hungarian restaurant a stone’s throw from the hotel. So good we went there twice.

The reception staff at the hotel recommended this restaurant as we wanted somewhere local and traditional.

Wonderful food, excellent wine, great service – without the extortionate cost. What a find!

Di Vino Wine Bar

Nice bar opposite the Basilica – huge ranges of wine. Great recommendations too.

Enjoy some photos of this beautiful city 🇭🇺 ❤️ 🌍

Our visit to Prague inspired me to create this blog.

I have been fascinated with the history of this city and the reviews I have heard. I must admit, I was a little worried due to the reputation of it being a stag / hen do haven. The flight from Luton did little to allay these concerns (May Bank Holiday weekend too!)

This was our first experience of travelling from Luton. Without doubt the easiest airport for us to travel to from Kent on public transport. We now do not have to leave St Pancras station – door to door less than two hours.

Another first experience was the under seat bag instead of a cabin suitcase. Managed to fit all we needed (and more) into the rucksack. There is something very liberating about travelling light!

The money we saved on the luggage (or lack of) we treated ourselves to the lounge. We hadn’t pre-booked but they found us a table and we were able to enjoy an array of food and drinks (both alcoholic and soft drinks) in very comfortable surroundings – definitely worth the money if you have a couple of hours to kill.

Our Wizz Air flight to Prague was clean, comfortable and efficient. What more do you need…

We stayed in the Hotel Residence La Fenice outside the centre in the up and coming Vinohrady district. What a gem of a hotel! I had emailed them directly using some google translate Czech phrases. We were staying for my birthday and were given a beautiful, enormous room overlooking the park. Absolutely fantastic. I cannot recommend this hotel highly enough.
For us the location was perfect. It is just outside the centre but very well served by public transport. Lots of bars and restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.
The breakfast buffet was excellent – lots of choice replenished regularly. All of the staff were most friendly and courteous. Customer service was exemplary.

Vinohrady is a great district. Lots of bars and restaurants which attract a local cliental.

Public transport in Prague is so easy. Buses, underground train and the quaint old trams make travelling a breeze. We purchased a 72 hour travel ticket which cost approx. £8.

The centre of Prague itself is, like any other major capital city busy and bustling with tourists. Aside from the major attractions like the Charles Bridge, St Vitus Cathedral, Prague Castle, Dancing House, Wenceslas Square – there is so much to see. Náměstí Míru (Peace Square) was beautiful and one of my favourite places.

Restaurants

U Modré Kachničky II – The Blue Duckling II

What a find! This quirky restaurant was recommended to us and it was wonderful.
Czech hospitality and customer service at its absolute best.
Cannot recommend this place highly enough.
The restaurant is so full of character and the food is delicious.

V Zátiši Restaurant

Full of elegance and charm!

We had the 5 course evening tasting menu. We did not go for the wine flight option but had a fantastic Czech wine recommended by our very friendly and knowledgeable waiter. The food was absolutely delicious.
Exemplary customer service.
Most highly recommended.

Amunì Pizzeria

Located next to the hotel. Lovely lunch and glass of wine

Enjoy some photos of this beautiful city 🇨🇿 ❤️ 🌍