Exploring Budapest: A Journey of Unexpected Discoveries by Lionel

Article published on 24 March by Lionel

One of the things I enjoy most about being in Budapest is the freedom to explore the city without a specific plan. On several occasions, I decided to go for a walk with no particular destination in mind, simply to immerse myself in the atmosphere of the Hungarian capital.

A Surprise Encounter at Buda Castle

One day, I walked up to Buda Castle, a historical site overlooking the city. To my surprise, on my way there, I randomly met some students from ESAIP who are doing their Erasmus in Slovenia and were visiting Budapest for a few days. This unexpected reunion made the visit even more special.

At the castle, I took the time to explore the museum, something I don’t usually do. I learned a lot about Hungarian history, especially about how the country’s population has evolved over time. One key period that stood out to me was the Ottoman rule from 1541 to 1699, when Hungary was divided between the Ottoman Empire and the Habsburgs. The Ottomans left a lasting influence, especially in architecture, with the construction of thermal baths and mosques, some of which were later converted into churches.

Experiencing Hungary’s National Holiday

Another day, while heading to the supermarket, I noticed an unusual number of people in the streets carrying Hungarian flags. To my surprise, the store was closed, and after some quick research, I discovered that it was March 15, Hungary’s National Day.

This holiday commemorates the 1848 Revolution against the Austrian Empire, a key moment in Hungarian history. Intrigued, I decided to follow the crowd and observe the celebrations. Although I didn’t fully understand all the speeches, I could feel the patriotic atmosphere. It was interesting to compare this event to France’s July 14th celebrations, which focus more on fireworks and military parades.

Discovering St. Stephen’s Basilica

During my explorations, I also came across St. Stephen’s Basilica, one of Budapest’s most important religious sites. The basilica is named after Hungary’s first king, who played a crucial role in establishing Christianity in the country. The impressive architecture and the grandeur of the building made it a memorable visit.

These spontaneous walks have helped me see Budapest in a different light. Whether it was unexpectedly running into familiar faces, learning about the country’s history, or getting caught up in a national celebration, each outing brought something new. I never really planned these experiences, but that’s what made them so memorable. Budapest has a way of surprising you when you least expect it.