Aman’s Thrillophilia Review of His Dream Vacation to Hungary with Friends
A Fun-Filled Beginning in Budapest
Our first stop was the Grand Market, which was a vibrant spot that immediately set the tone for our journey. The moment we walked in, Pravesh, the food enthusiast, took in the scent of spices and Hungarian dishes and immediately said, “Guys, we need to try everything here!”
“Everything? You do realize that we’re here for more than just food, right?” I teased.
“Don’t worry, we’ll make sure he doesn't eat us out of our houses!” Raj responded, laughing.
The market had several stalls that were selling fresh produce, local delicacies, and more street food than we could possibly sample in one sitting. But that didn't stop Pravesh from trying. We ended up trying Langos (fried dough with toppings) and chimney cake (sugar-coated and all sorts of delicious). I thought Pravesh would fall into a sugar coma, but instead, he wiped his mouth and said, “Best...decision...ever!”
After trying a variety of local snacks, we continued our journey to Buda Castle. The views over the Danube River were absolutely breathtaking. As we walked around the castle complex, Raj was deep in thought, pointing at the Fisherman’s Bastion.
“This place looks like it belongs in a fairy tale,” he said.
The city had so much to offer - history, spectacular views, and beautiful architecture. It was the perfect start to our trip.
Exploring the Hidden Gems of Budapest
The next day was all about exploring more of Budapest's history. We started with a visit to the Parliament Building, which is even more magnificent up close. We all snapped photos with it in the background, but Pravesh had a particular shot in mind.
“Wait, let me stand here. This angle is going to look so artsy,” Pravesh said, attempting some dramatic pose with his camera. He was very determined, and honestly, he somehow made it work. The photos turned out pretty cool!
After the Parliament, we decided to walk along the Danube Promenade, which led us to Shoes on the Danube - a memorial that honours the victims of the Holocaust. The quiet ambience was a sudden shift from our usual fun mood, but it was a meaningful and sentimental stop. Raj, who’s usually the most lighthearted of the group, became unusually quiet as we stood there. “I didn’t know about this,” he said softly. “Makes you think about the things people have gone through.
We took a moment, appreciating the weight of the history, before moving on to Széchenyi Thermal Bath for some much-needed relaxation. The warm waters were exactly what we needed after all the sightseeing. Raj, of course, spent most of the time taking selfies in the giant outdoor pools.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I said, laughing as Raj posted another photo. “You look like you’re working for a travel ad.”
“Hey, it’s not every day that I'm chilling in Hungary!” Raj replied, smiling.
And The Fun Continues...
The final day of our trip was filled with exciting activities and even more history. We kicked off the morning with a visit to Margaret Island, which turned out to be one of the most scenic places we'd ever seen. Raj and Pravesh raced around the park like schoolboys, while I relaxed under a tree, enjoying some quiet time. They even found a spot to rent bikes, but I wasn’t in the mood to join their race.
“Come on, Aman, don’t be lazy!” Raj shouted, unable to hide his desire to come out on top.
“No thanks, I’m enjoying this peaceful moment,” I said, shaking my head. "Besides, if I get on that bike, you’ll have to drag me back.”
Pravesh jumped in saying, “You’re not getting out of it that easily!” They both took off, with Raj already pacing way ahead of Pravesh. I just watched them zoom by, laughing and yelling, “That's how we roll!”
We regrouped later at Ruin Bars, the nightlife hub of Budapest, where we found one of the coolest bars in the city. To our amazement, these spots were once abandoned buildings and courtyards that were turned into bars. It felt like we were in a secret world - it was the perfect place to wrap up our trip, sipping cocktails and sharing stories.
Raj was still on his self-proclaimed quest to try ‘every cocktail in sight.’
“I’m going for a new one!” he said, checking out the menu. “Aman, you pick one for me. I trust your judgment.”
I picked a drink that sounded exotic, and Raj took one sip. His face was suddenly full of delight. “I swear this tastes like something they’d give you at a spa,” he said, making a dramatic face.
Pravesh and I burst into laughter. “Well, if you want to drink something that tastes like relaxation, you’re in the right place!” I teased.
As we left the bar, I looked around at my two best friends, laughing at our silly moments, and realized how incredible this trip had been for us. From rich history and architectural wonders to quirky moments, Budapest has offered us an experience to remember forever.
On our way back to the hotel for our last night in Budapest, I reflected on how much we’d experienced together. Between the Parliament, unique ruin bars, thermal baths, and unexpected moments of humour, it was an adventure we’d never forget. There was so much to see, but even more to laugh about.
Thanks, Thrillophilia, for making this a memorable experience for us!
Read More: Thrillophilia Hungary Reviews