TRAVELING THROUGH BUDAPEST is one of the greatest way to start a great European trip. The Hungarian capital captivates tourists with its exciting sights, delicious dishes and relaxing thermal waters. Travel writer and photographer Cory Varga recently spent a month traveling through Hungary, and left her heart in Budapest, one of the greatest gems on the Danube.

1

Budapest at Sunset

Budapest has to be one of the most photogenic cities in Europe. With the sun setting over the Danube, you can photograph Budapest during its golden hour right from the Pest side, by the river bank. The Széchenyi Chain Bridge was opened on November 20, 1849, and it is one of the most photographed sights in the city. All photos by Cory Varga. You can see more of Cory’s adventures on her website and Instagram.

2

The view from the Fisherman's Bastion

The Fisherman's Bastion offers fantastic views over Budapest. Located on the Buda side, the Fisherman's Bastion was meant to protect the nearby castle by the fishermen's guild. For best photo opportunities, best to head over during night time, or first thing in the morning to avoid crowds.

3

The Liberty Bridge

The Liberty Bridge was built between 1894 and 1896 to the plans of János Feketeházy. It is located in the vicinity of the famed Budapest market and right in front of the Gellert Hill. In 2009, the Liberty Bridge has been reconstructed in order to preserve its original ornaments, colour and reinforce it against Noise and impulse-absorbing from the tramways.

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4

The Fisherman's Bastion

The Fisherman’s Bastion has 7 towers, each meant to represent the seven Magyar tribes that settled in the Carpathian Basin in 896. The Fisherman’s Bastion looks absolutely stunning during twilight, due to its contrasting colors against the sky.

5

The Hungarian Parliament

The most photographed attraction in Budapest, the Hungarian Parliament (Országház) lies beautifully on the Pest side, overlooking the Danube. The Hungarian Parliament attracts countless tourists from all over the world, being one of the most well known landmarks in Budapest. For best photographic opportunity, grab a tripod and snap a long exposure of this beautiful building during nighttime.

6

Sunset

Budapest is known to look wonderful during the sunset, and there is nothing more relaxing than admiring the beautiful Hungarian sights whilst overlooking the Danube.

7

The Gellert Spa

The Gellert Spa is a thermal bath complex located in Budapest, next to the Gellert Hill. Known for its healing properties, many visit the Gellert Spa from all over the world, in pursuit of a healthier life. The Geller Spa also has a wonderful, luxurious hotel and an indoors swimming pool surrounded by beautiful plants.

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8

Paprika

Paprika has to be what comes to mind when I think of Hungary. Paprika is associated with Hungarian cuisine as it has a unique taste, being sweeter than any other paprika available around the world. The climate is excellent for growing and drying the paprika which offers its distinct taste. Hungary is a major source of commonly-used paprika and it is available in different grades which mark the quality of the product.

9

Langos

Budapest is not just a pretty city, but one which attracts countless people with its out of ordinary, unique and delicious dishes. One of my favorite, Langos, is a Hungarian fried bread, served with various toppings. For an authentic Langos, go for sour cream cheese and (if you dare) garlic.

10

Sziget Eye

For the best views of the city, Budapest offers it’s own Sziget Eye, a Ferris wheel standing 65 metres tall. It is called Sziget Eye because it promoted the famed Sziget festival and it is Europe’s largest Ferris wheel with a capacity of 332 people.

11

The Bastion at Night

For an eerier Budapest, explore the quiet Buda side during twilight on a Saturday evening. I found it to be the best time to photograph Budapest’s best attractions as usually tourists and locals alike are out and about, partying and enjoying the vibrant Pest side.

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12

The trams at night

Budapest has an extensive infrastructure, but nothing quite compares with the quaint little yellow trams. The first horse-tram line in Budapest was inaugurated on 30 July 1866, and now, the Budapest tram network is one of the world's largest tram networks, operating on 156.85 kilometres.

13

The courtyards

Beyond the beautiful Hungarian facades, there is a secret world awaiting to be discovered. Budapest has plenty of interior courtyards where people used to gather and sometimes “plot against the regime.” Nowadays courtyards tell the story of the evolution of urban Hungary.