Splendid baroque architecture embodies the charm of Budapest, Hungary's capital. But are the sights really as romantic as they appear on Instagram?
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00:00Budapest is often called the Paris of the East.
00:03Every year, around 4 million tourists visit the city, enjoying its historic architecture
00:08and young, lively culture scene.
00:10And they love the city's Instagram hotspots.
00:13We'll check out three of them.
00:16Reality check number one, Széchenyi Thermal Baths.
00:20It's one of the largest and most famous spas in Budapest.
00:24The spa opened in 1913, and visiting feels like you're stepping back in time.
00:30This place oozes nostalgic charm.
00:33Its three outdoor pools, 15 indoor pools, and even the changing rooms transport you
00:42back to another era.
00:43I've read about the medicinal benefits of the thermal water.
00:47I do not believe them, but I do feel really good right now.
00:50I think it's just a stress-free environment.
00:52I think the spa is so peaceful.
00:54It's a really relaxing part because we went sightseeing, and the building behind is beautiful.
00:59I think everyone's so friendly.
01:01The outdoor pools are more beautiful than the indoor ones.
01:05But there's a place where the light shines through the ceiling, great for taking photos.
01:09It looks like a church.
01:12Many love the spa's special atmosphere.
01:15Three to four thousand visitors come every day.
01:19Our verdict?
01:20This is an impressive place with great architecture.
01:23If you don't mind crowds, do visit.
01:25It's good fun.
01:30Reality check number two.
01:32Liberty Bridge.
01:37Liberty Bridge is one of nine bridges over the Danube River connecting the districts
01:42of Buda and Pest.
01:44Many consider it Budapest's most beautiful bridge.
01:48It's very walkable.
01:52Personally I love the panoramic view from the bridge.
01:55And to me it's a local bridge.
01:57It's not like the famous Széchenyi Chain Bridge, because that's always crowded by the
02:03tourists.
02:04I just love walking through the bridge and just wonder at the beautiful panorama from
02:09here.
02:11Inaugurated in 1896, the bridge was initially named after Emperor Franz Josef.
02:17It was blown up by German troops in the final stages of World War II.
02:22Rebuilt in 1946, it was then given a new name, Liberty Bridge.
02:27We like hanging out here because there are lots of people, we can speak with each other
02:34and it's full of freedom.
02:36It's a very good spot if you just want to have a quick bite to eat in the evening or
02:40just want to spend some time.
02:43Our verdict?
02:44Liberty Bridge is a little noisy and crowded, but makes for a nice romantic stopover.
02:54Reality check number three.
02:55Fisherman's Bastion.
02:58This complex looks like a veritable fairy tale castle.
03:03And the views from up here are considered the best in the city.
03:07You can admire Budapest's Parliament Building on the other side of the river in all its
03:12glory.
03:13Best of all, most of Fisherman's Bastion is free to visit.
03:18I'm traveling around Europe and Budapest was a place that I've always wanted to travel.
03:23It's cheap and just looks really nice.
03:26I saw it on TikTok that it was a beautiful spot to see the sunset and I met these people
03:33and they were also coming here so I was like, let's go.
03:37Fisherman's Bastion forms an ensemble with neighboring Matthias Church.
03:42In the Middle Ages, Buda's fish market was located here.
03:45And even then, there is said to have been a rampart here.
03:49But Fisherman's Bastion is not as old as many people think.
03:54Well, actually, it's 130 years old, but it looks very ancient because actually the church
04:03behind it is from the 13th century.
04:06So they wanted to give a nice frame to the church.
04:09It gets very crowded here in the evenings.
04:20We recommend Fisherman's Bastion if you're looking for a romantic place to wind down
04:25at the end of the day.
04:26It's free and the view is priceless.