I like to write about my travels in Europe, but I’ve realised that I have neglected to record my life in Budapest. I suppose when you’re working and getting through the daily routine, it’s easy to get used to things. What was once fascinating or exciting is now my dull morning commute, and no one wants to write about the mundane.

But Budapest is an extraordinary city, and I sometimes need to remind myself of that.  I’ve gathered my favorite photos from the past three years, and jotted down a few memories of everyday life in this city. Today I’ll write about what it’s like to experience Budapest by day and I hope it will inspire you to visit this incredible city.

Budapest By Day

Every day in Budapest revolves around speedy tram rides over one of the many bridges from Pest to Buda and back, endless trips to the local markets, and mumbling Jó napot (good afternoon), and köszönöm (thank you) until you’re out of breath.

When I think of Budapest in the day, I picture ivory steeples piercing sapphire skies. Black, soot-covered, war-scarred facades. Bullet holes and chipping paint. Red, white, and green swaying in the wind. Penetrating glares and unabashed stares from copper, marble, stone, and flesh. And, a river connecting four bridges like a silver thread through gold, obsidian, jade, and pearl.

I see colorful markets in neglected train stations. Bright bell peppers mixing with mangled carrots and sweet onions picked right from the earth. I taste a pinch of paprika or two, or three. A bite of what I think is chocolate but surprise! it’s marzipan or poppy seeds.  Refreshing lavender ice cream in the summer.

I recall breezy picnics by the Big Tree on Margaret Island and trying lángos for the first time in City Park. Relaxing with afternoon drinks of fröccs and Dreher beer. A stroll along the waterfront past Parliament, Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle. Saturday morning ferry rides past Gellért Hill. Window shopping in vintage shops. Outdoor concerts and Easter festivals. Surviving Sziget in the blistering heat of August. Wishing I knew the steps to Hungarian folk dances. Passionately chanting along at football games to words I barely understand.

Budapest is bursting with color, culture and character from every street corner.  Every day presents something new to explore and experience.

Pictured: Parliament (Kossuth Lajos) Square, St. Matthias Church, Buda Castle Square, Fisherman’s Bastion, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Liberty Square, Heroes’ Square, Fővám Square, Memento Park, Kerepesi Cemetery and the courtyard cat.