Is Budapest on your bucket list?

DW (English)

Splendid baroque architecture embodies the charm of Budapest, Hungary's capital. But are the sights really as romantic as they appear on Instagram?

Transcript

00:00Budapest is often called the Paris of the East.

00:03Every year, around 4 million tourists visit the city, enjoying its historic architecture

00:08and young, lively culture scene.

00:10And they love the city's Instagram hotspots.

00:13We'll check out three of them.

00:16Reality check number one, Széchenyi Thermal Baths.

00:20It's one of the largest and most famous spas in Budapest.

00:24The spa opened in 1913, and visiting feels like you're stepping back in time.

00:30This place oozes nostalgic charm.

00:33Its three outdoor pools, 15 indoor pools, and even the changing rooms transport you

00:42back to another era.

00:43I've read about the medicinal benefits of the thermal water.

00:47I do not believe them, but I do feel really good right now.

00:50I think it's just a stress-free environment.

00:52I think the spa is so peaceful.

00:54It's a really relaxing part because we went sightseeing, and the building behind is beautiful.

00:59I think everyone's so friendly.

01:01The outdoor pools are more beautiful than the indoor ones.

01:05But there's a place where the light shines through the ceiling, great for taking photos.

01:09It looks like a church.

01:12Many love the spa's special atmosphere.

01:15Three to four thousand visitors come every day.

01:19Our verdict?

01:20This is an impressive place with great architecture.

01:23If you don't mind crowds, do visit.

01:25It's good fun.

01:30Reality check number two.

01:32Liberty Bridge.

01:37Liberty Bridge is one of nine bridges over the Danube River connecting the districts

01:42of Buda and Pest.

01:44Many consider it Budapest's most beautiful bridge.

01:48It's very walkable.

01:52Personally I love the panoramic view from the bridge.

01:55And to me it's a local bridge.

01:57It's not like the famous Széchenyi Chain Bridge, because that's always crowded by the

02:03tourists.

02:04I just love walking through the bridge and just wonder at the beautiful panorama from

02:09here.

02:11Inaugurated in 1896, the bridge was initially named after Emperor Franz Josef.

02:17It was blown up by German troops in the final stages of World War II.

02:22Rebuilt in 1946, it was then given a new name, Liberty Bridge.

02:27We like hanging out here because there are lots of people, we can speak with each other

02:34and it's full of freedom.

02:36It's a very good spot if you just want to have a quick bite to eat in the evening or

02:40just want to spend some time.

02:43Our verdict?

02:44Liberty Bridge is a little noisy and crowded, but makes for a nice romantic stopover.

02:54Reality check number three.

02:55Fisherman's Bastion.

02:58This complex looks like a veritable fairy tale castle.

03:03And the views from up here are considered the best in the city.

03:07You can admire Budapest's Parliament Building on the other side of the river in all its

03:12glory.

03:13Best of all, most of Fisherman's Bastion is free to visit.

03:18I'm traveling around Europe and Budapest was a place that I've always wanted to travel.

03:23It's cheap and just looks really nice.

03:26I saw it on TikTok that it was a beautiful spot to see the sunset and I met these people

03:33and they were also coming here so I was like, let's go.

03:37Fisherman's Bastion forms an ensemble with neighboring Matthias Church.

03:42In the Middle Ages, Buda's fish market was located here.

03:45And even then, there is said to have been a rampart here.

03:49But Fisherman's Bastion is not as old as many people think.

03:54Well, actually, it's 130 years old, but it looks very ancient because actually the church

04:03behind it is from the 13th century.

04:06So they wanted to give a nice frame to the church.

04:09It gets very crowded here in the evenings.

04:20We recommend Fisherman's Bastion if you're looking for a romantic place to wind down

04:25at the end of the day.

04:26It's free and the view is priceless.

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