European River Cruise, Budapest, Part III

Cruising to Budapest

I never thought I would go to Budapest.   Personally, it wasn’t on my travel bucket list and I really didn’t know much about it.  I’m embarrassed to say that I didn’t know (or as I like to think , I just didn’t remember) that the name Budapest is actually the combination of two cities, Buda and Pest, divided by the river.

Richard Blundell Photography

Any property that borders water has a certain vibrancy to it with boats and activity.  This city was no exception.  It was gorgeous lit up at night, with its sparkling reflection on the river.  My husband and I experienced this last summer celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary on a European River Cruise down the Danube.

We cruised the Danube River from Germany to Hungary, ending in Budapest.  On the last evening on the boat, our captain cruised down the river so that we could take in the spectacular view of the city.  It was stunning.

Four Season’s Gresham Palace

At our friend Jonathan’s suggestion, we splurged and stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel which is the former Gresham Palace.  He told us at a minimum we had to have a drink in the hotel lobby as it was stunning.  OMG, was he right!

The lobby had a glass dome, mosaic tiled floors and gorgeous floral displays.

I loved the contemporary decor against some of the old world finishes.  The floral displays were so unique.

Enjoying cocktails in the hotel lobby (above)

Beautifully garnished plates at the patio restaurant (below)

All in all, we thought Budapest was a pretty city; however, we weren’t fond of the heavier Hungarian meals.  On our last night there, we were so happy to find an Italian restaurant.  Delicious pasta with fresh basil and a bottle of Chianti — a perfect evening anywhere.

For additional information on our river cruise, see earlier posts

European River Cruise, Part I

European River Cruise, Part II