07/11/2026
Budapest – Day 2 🇭🇺
We had a FULL day exploring this incredible city!
Our first stop was the Hungarian Parliament Building, and WOW! I was completely blown away by the architecture. The detail throughout the building is unbelievable. We even had a rare moment in the magnificent Dome Hall, where Hungary’s Holy Crown is kept under the watchful eyes of ceremonial guards. We were able to witness the changing of the guards, too! No photography is allowed in this room, so you’ll just have to take my word for how impressive it was!
Next, we visited the Shoes on the Danube Bank, a very moving memorial honoring the thousands of Jews murdered along the river during World War II. Victims were forced to remove their shoes before being shot, and their bodies fell into the Danube. The empty iron shoes along the river are a powerful reminder of this heartbreaking part of history.
We crossed the famous Chain Bridge to the Buda side of the city and headed up toward Buda Castle.
We visited Matthias Church, and you HAVE to check out the colorful roof tiles! Absolutely beautiful! The church is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Budapest.
Right next door is Fisherman’s Bastion, originally built as a decorative terrace rather than a traditional defensive fort. Today, it’s one of the best places for photographs and spectacular views of the Pest side of the city.
The Buda Castle complex itself is enormous. Unfortunately, quite a bit was under renovation during our visit, so that portion was a little underwhelming.
But the coolest surprise of the day? The Labyrinth and Dracula’s Chamber!
I had no idea Dracula had a historical connection to Hungary! The inspiration behind the Dracula legend was Vlad the Impaler, a 15th-century ruler of Wallachia (present-day Romania). He was captured by Hungarian King Matthias Corvinus and held prisoner in Buda and Visegrád for more than 10 years. The Labyrinth beneath Castle Hill has a chamber dedicated to this fascinating piece of history.
And here’s a fun language tidbit: Dracula’s name is connected to the word Dracul, associated with the Order of the Dragon. The Romanian word drac can also mean devil. A little creepy, right?
A little Budapest culture lesson:
Budapest is actually made up of three historic cities: Buda, Pest and Óbuda, which officially united in 1873. The Danube River separates the two main sides you’ll hear about.
Buda is the hilly, historic side, known for castles, churches and beautiful views. Pest is flatter, busier and home to much of the city’s shopping, restaurants and government buildings.
We’re staying on the Pest side, so today we crossed over to explore Buda. It’s almost like visiting two different cities!
What a cool day! Budapest has a vibe unlike anywhere else I’ve visited in Europe. It has a fascinating combination of history, architecture, culture and a little bit of mystery.
Come see for yourself! This city will surprise you!
