Did you know that Pest as a city that joined Buda and Óbuda in 1873 was very small compared to the current size of the Pest side of Budapest? The city stretched within the boundary of Museum avenue (Small boulevard), roughly between the Liberty bridge and Chain Bridge. In medieval times the cities were surrounded by walls, Pest was not an exception, especially after the Tatar-Mongol attacks.
The first wall was erected around Pest in the 13th century, but it was soon deconstructed. Another wall around Pest was built a century later, and it lasted until the 18th century when the decision was taken to demolish it, as the offense was already much stronger than the defense, and the wall became redundant. The wall was 6 to 9 meters tall (if you count battlements on the top) and 2 meters wide.
The residents of Pest were practical people, they decided to keep some parts of the wall and incorporate them into the new walls of the buildings that were constructed. Therefore, even if you cannot find medieval buildings in Pest, you can at least still find pieces of wall here and there, hidden in the courtyards or Mercure hotel parking garage or next to Csendes bar. There is even a wall museum in Bástya St. The longest (50) and most accessible part of the wall that you can see in the picture, is easily accessible after the renovation and opening of a brand new playground next to it in 2022.
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Muzikum Bisztró, near the National Museum, serves a great 2-3 course lunch menu affordably.
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Their gin-based signature cocktail is my absolute number one. It's called “Ramos Gin Fizz” and it’s pure magic in a glass. It never, ever disappoints.
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I love starting my day here with my personal favorite, the "Don Corleone" bagel. They offer a wide selection of bagel types, some served hot & others cold.
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Ligeti Bolt, a zero-waste pioneer in Budapest, offers grains, snacks, and more for refill. Shop eco-friendly, bring your jars, and embrace a conscious lifestyle!
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The "Hungarian Treasury" in Budapest is a building I show to all my guests. Its secessionist art nouveau style is reminiscent of Antoni Gaudí...
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The true star of Vivina’s brunch menu is the porridge—comforting, nourishing, and served with fresh berries and toasted nuts, it’s one of the best porridges in town!
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"Lion's Locker" in Budapest is a cute family-run cafe where I can stay all day. The staff is all wonderful - and they know how to make almond milk foam!
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"Arán Bakery Budapest" fuels my dreams with sourdough bread like my grandmother made it and delicious cinnamon rolls...
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"Sport Bisztró" in Budapest is a pleasantly familiar, well-oiled haunt that sticks to the proverb 'healthy mind in a healthy body!' Great sports bar, too.
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"Nos a Hely" is a pop-up vintage shop in Hungary - they have a carefully curated selection of vintage porcelain and other local items. Great for gifts!
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"Pogány-torony", or Pagan Tower, in Budapest, is one of the city's strangest buildings, with a Gothic folk-tale-meets-Tolkien charm...
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170 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 170 Insider Tips from our local Spotters