Budapest, Hungary

This is an itinerary for Budapest including points of interest, suggestions and other tips.  

This itinerary promises a unique experience of the city drawn up from an urban designer’s perspective, myself. The aim is, for the traveller, to experience the different character areas and qualities of Budapest, the architecture and other key features, whilst also going one step further, under the surface, to analyse the surroundings.

It is very important, on every trip, to scratch the surface and go deeper than just looking at the architecture and hot tourist spots. Understanding a place means that one fully embraces all its qualities, both positives and negatives. This is the true ‘sense of place’ and this is what is offered here with this itinerary.

QUICK OVERVIEW – WHAT TO EXPECT

Two sides and characters

Budapest offers two different atmospheres; the city centre hub-gateway, Pest, and the picturesque hilly side, Buda. Pest side includes all the facilities that are expected to be found in a metropolitan city accommodating most of the heavy infrastructure and businesses as well as entertainment (day and night-time). Buda side, on the other hand, is characterised by organic street patterns, hilly topography, picturesque streets and the prevalence of nature.

Architecture in every corner

There is a range of architectural styles in the city including ancient architecture, gothic, renaissance and baroque styles, classical and neoclassical, romantic architecture and art nouveau, whilst there are also buildings that prove that the islamic culture flourished for some time. In addition to this, the construction of blocks of flats is a result of the communist regime, during the second half of the 20th century, whilst today the city faces new challenges and pressure towards high-rise buildings that could potentially alter the existing unique cityscape. The hilly topography in Buda and the landmark buildings that decorate the riverfront in Pest generate breathtaking views.

The tram experience

The tram is more than a means of transport; it is part of the experience, also popular amongst the locals, offering panoramic rides in Budapest.   

Relationship with the river

Last but not least, the city’s relationship with the water can (or not) be experienced in more than one ways. An immediate connection can be achieved either by taking a boat cruise along the river or, at places, where the riverfront is welcoming and attractive. In addition, there are other places where the highway bicects the riverfront increasing the distance between the river and the public realm. To this, however, elevated promenades come in offering long-distance views towards the water and mitigating any unpleasant visuals to the highway which is on a lower level.

My blog post A short trip to Budapest | Lack of accessibility and other remarks on place-making expands even further on the above points and takes a more analytical view towards the place-making along the riverfront. Worth checking it before visiting Budapest to a get better insight of the city.

Please reach out to hello@stelakontogianni.com to share your thoughts about this route or any suggestions/ideas of other places I should talk about next.