 There's something nostalgically mesmerizing about a city that contains so much history and timeless beauty. Without doing much research on the city or country itself, a "let's see how much we can explore and eat on a budget" unfolded two weeks before departure. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised with our findings. With our 3.5 days we decided to roam by foot and keep it simple. Our days consisted of lots of coffee, lots of comfort food, lots and lots of walking, and some lounging in one of the most badass "hotels" I've had the pleasure of renting. Welcome to Budapest
Just how old is the foundation and history that lies beneath the layers of architecture? Interestingly enough, traces of the first communities date back to the Stone Age. I believe this is why I felt the opposing sentiments and conflicting ancestral energies so heavily below my feet while roaming the streets. I have never been someone who was very into history or even one who can remember many historical events, but for some reason I was enthralled by all that Budapest had to offer. Seeing as this city is quite the tourist spot, free history tour guides are easy to join and are 100% worth the time. The Living Quarters
Comfort FoodIf you know anything about Budapest you know that paprika is in everything they cook or at least served on the side like salt, Goulash is their known specialty, and white wine and beer from the country are a must. We tried a different goulash everyday and our favorites were from Pécsi Sör Beer & Traditional Food and Kazimir Bisztró. The Chicken Paprikash, another well known Hungarian dish, from Frici Papa was also a favorite, but whatever you do, do not get the plate of noodles with sour cream and cottage cheese. Rookie mistake (based off a recommendation). I don't even like cottage cheese or sour cream. But hey, the generous pour of white wine made up for it! St. Stephen's BasilicaThe largest church in Hungary dedicated to Hungary's first king, St. Stephen Controversial Memorial in Szabadság SquareWhy so controversial? This "memorial" is to the German occupation of Hungary in 1944. Many say this contradicting monument tries to rewrite Hungary's involvement with the Holocaust in WWII by paying tribute to all the Jewish lives that were taken by the Nazi's, whom the Hungarian's allied with prior to Hitler's invasion. But the Hungarian's contributed to the violence and murders as well (read the museums section below to find out more) - To many, it is an insensible, false depiction, that whitewashes their involvement in the murders of the innocent Jewish lives that were brutally taken. The local's protests along the monument tell the truths on barbed wire. Hungarian Parliament Building  This is easily the most break taking building in Budapest. It took 17 years to complete and sadly the Hungarian architect, Imre Steindl, who designed the Parliament died right before it's full opening in 1902.
 Monuments Surrounding The Parliament
 Lots of men on horses... I know. Haunted Shoes Along The Danube RiverMuseumsUpon careful consideration, we decided to visit these two: Terror Háza - House of Terror - & Magyar Nemzeti Galéria - Hungarian National Gallery - House of TerrorI didn't take a lot of pictures of what we discovered inside of this museum. We were strictly asked not to. Usually, I do whatever I want but in this case I chose to be respectful and take it all in without any camera. This museum is all about the German Nazi's, the Hungarian (Nazi) Arrow Cross Party, and the Russian Soviet Union. The House of Terror was once home to the Arrow Cross Party and used to be called The House of Justice. Trust me, there was nothing just about what the Hungarian government was doing to these innocent Jewish people. The house was only occupied for a month and would later be taken over by the Soviet Army. We were advised to start from the 2nd floor and make our way down. When entering each room you were offered a full sheet worth of textbook history; Extremely informative, little exhausting, but definitely intriguing and worth each read, but what made the museum worth it was the final floor of the exhibit: the cellar. The cellar was used as a prison torture chamber. Hundreds of innocent lives were murdered between these cold, concert, walls. The silent cries float along the dense air as you make your way through each prison cell. If the memorabilia held on each floor wasn't disturbing enough the cellar would be. Hungarian National Gallery On a lighter note! I introduce to you, art. A whole bunch of it. Ranging from the 15th century to modern day. We didn't get to thoroughly enjoy every exhibit but I think we did a good job.. 
 Sphinx  Earthly Paradise  Masque  Invisible Sleeping Woman, Horse, Lion The Rotting Donkey  Summer of St. Michael  The Double Secret      
  
 Buzogánytorony - Mace Tower The Széchenyi Chain Bridge
Mátyás Church & Fisherman's Bastion    
  Cat Café
Food Truck TakeoverOn our last day we happily stumbled across this food truck takeover in the streets. I love food and I love food trucks and this was a perfect way for us to end our visit. It's clear there is always something to do in this busy city!  We love you, Budapest..
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