At first glance, Budapest is not a beautiful city. Compared to western cities like Paris, Budapest feels far more lived in. The streets need a good scrubbing, and some buildings are still blackened by soot from years past. Many city squares are currently under reconstruction; a much needed revision from the bland architectural style of the 1980s.

Budapest is certainly one of those cities that you need to explore for a while before you fall in love with it.

However, this city shines at night. No matter how awful the weather is during the day, Budapest is beautiful at night. I always look forward to crossing over Margit Bridge at night, where I can admire the golden buildings that line the riverfront. At night, Pest is all aglow with the lights from Parliament. On the opposite side of the river, Buda sparkles when Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion and St. Mattias Church shine like stars against the moonlit hills.

My friend Mac is currently visiting. The other night we went for a long walk from Margit Bridge (near my flat) to the Chain Bridge. Along the way we walked by Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Grand Budapest Hotel, and Buda Castle.