The Danube always played a significant role in the city life of Budapest, or Pest, Buda, and Óbuda before 1973. The powerful river was not always friendly, as it used to flood the city which caused severe damage, especially on the flat Pest side.
If you wander around the city you may notice plaques with water markers set in stone at different levels. The majority of them refer to the most devastating flood of March of 1938 when water levels reached up to 2,6 meters high and several kilometers deep into Pest. You can see the whole map of the flooded areas during its first days on this memorial plaque in Egyetemi sq. Even though the watermarks are subtle and hard to notice, the flood was far away from being understated: a lot of people died, 50.000 residents lost their homes, 2485 (2281 in Pest only) houses collapsed and 1089 buildings were severely damaged.
This event had a huge influence on the city's face and structure, as it cleared up space for the new buildings and neighborhoods, and inspired better water management projects that include not only restricting the Danube stream and reinforcement of its banks but better drainage system. The city was reborn as a Phoenix, and became stronger and better prepared for possible natural disasters.
Searching for the watermarks can be an exciting quest, this website with the images and addresses can help you identify them. In any case, now if you see one, you will know what it refers to.
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Whether you're seeking a moment to relax or simply admiring the beauty of the area, the square will offer an escape from the chaos of everyday life.
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Take a seat right by the window where you can enjoy your treats with your morning coffee while looking outside at how the world moves at a different pace.
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I make sure to visit this place, at least once per month and always eat the same Gallet cake and drink some coffee or tea from their selections.
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Imagine a coffee with a small doze of mascarpone topping up with an espresso, which is a real delight for your taste buds, and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
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On the menu there is a lot of different and unique sounding teas, and I would recommend trying the dark chocolate tea with a sip of cream on the side.
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This is a family-owned business, where the food tastes homemade. Every meal you choose feels like your family cooked it with so much love.
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This place might seem a bit retro to the people who pass by, but one thing is certain: some things are always great, no matter how much time passes.
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You can find many different kinds of cheesecakes here but one standout recommendation is the cottage cheese and raspberry, a unique Hungarian taste.
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Tortuga és Pohánka blends Mexican and Hungarian flavors in Budapest’s VII. District, offering 100% sourdough bread and authentic food made with heart.
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Auróra in Budapest is a place to create, attend workshops, concerts, parties, rituals... A big survivor in the district and it keeps fighting!
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In the place of a former canteen, a tapas bar opened, with the cute name of Arquitecto Pitpit, recalling the birds that often chirp in this leafy court.
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"Csendes Vintage Bar & Café" in Budapest means 'quiet' but the name is a bit misleading - it's a buzzy ruin bar without the rains & a comfortable eatery...
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176 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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