This is part of a series of posts, including Passau, Germany; Linz & Český Krumlov; Krems, Austria; Vienna, and Bratislava, Slovakia.

It was 11pm when we sailed into Budapest and I was the only person asleep.

Thankfully, I stayed up the next night to see the Parliament building lit up.

It’s just as gorgeous in the morning.

The bus tour took us to the Buda castle district and past the display of shoes. The Nazis had the Jews take off their shoes before shooting them at the edge of the river.

After the tour, I walked around Budapest. It has the captivating architecture and history of Vienna but without being too modern.

I spent most of my afternoon in the 7th District/Jewish Quarters, running into hip, local shops. I stopped in at Mazel Tov for lunch.

Of course, I had to try a Hungarian beer at a ruin bar, Szimpla Kert. Nearby is Karavan, an outdoor area lined with food trucks.

I walked around for the views, with the best one from the Y intersection on the Margaret Bridge.

But there’s beauty everywhere. This was on the Pest side, on my way to the Central Market hall via the pedestrian street.

I wish I had more time to spend in Budapest to check out the baths and walk around Heroes’ Square.