Budapest, 30 anni dopo: il mio ritorno nella città che non ho mai dimenticato

Returning to Budapest for the third time, 30 years after our first. After withdrawing some local currency, we take the 100E bus to the city center. After dropping off our unnecessary luggage at the hotel, we begin our treasure hunt for the mini statues of Kolodko, a recent attraction in Budapest. For lunch, we opt for the Hungarian restaurant Frici Papa, which serves traditional dishes at affordable prices in a simple setting. Near the restaurant is the Franz Liszt Academy of Music, a beautiful building located in a quiet pedestrian area, where you can stroll in the shade of tall trees. We approach the city center, passing the Budapest Opera House, the 5-star Marriott hotel, and the new theater with its distinctive façade. We walk along Andrassi Street, the fashion street, to the characteristic Gozsdu Udvar. In an anonymous parking lot, you can admire the impressive mural called "The Game of the Century." Before reaching the river, we pass the beautiful Moorish-style synagogue. We walk along Vaci Udvar to reach Elisabeth Bridge. We cross it to reach Old Buda and stroll along the river, admiring the monumental buildings along the way. We then climb to the top of the hill where Budapest Castle is located, offering a fantastic view of the entire Pest side and the Danube with its bridges. Another scenic spot is the magnificent Fisherman's Bastion with Matthias Church. We stayed here for quite a while, taking dozens of photos and lingering until after sunset.