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Ferenc-hegy: Budapest’s Secret Backyard Escape

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Hey, nature lovers and city explorers! If you’re itching for a quick getaway that feels miles from Budapest’s buzz—without actually leaving the city—let me spill the beans on Ferenc-hegy. Tucked between Zöldmáli út and Törökvész út in the 2nd district, this low-key hill is a hidden treasure mostly known to local schoolkids and dog walkers. At 265 meters (870 feet), it’s a gentle giant in the Hármashatár-hegy group, offering a mix of wooded trails, a dreamy meadow, and a vibe …

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Visegrád: Where History Meets the Danube’s Charm

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Hey, explorers! If you’re dreaming of a spot where medieval castles, lush trails, and Danube vibes collide, Visegrád’s calling your name. Just 45 km north of Budapest, this Dunakanyar darling has a rep that’s hooked everyone from King Mátyás to—urban legend alert—Freddie Mercury, who supposedly eyed its hilltop fortress for a retreat. Built by King Béla IV in the 13th century and polished into a royal getaway by Mátyás and Queen Beatrix, Visegrád was the countryside crib for Hungarian kings …

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Esztergom: The Heart of the Dunakanyar Packed with History and Hidden Gems

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Hey, travel lovers! When you think of Esztergom, the so-called “capital” of the Dunakanyar (Danube Bend), what pops into your mind? Probably the massive Basilica, a stroll along the Danube promenade, or maybe the castle perched above it all. Fair enough—those are iconic—but this historic Hungarian city, just 50 km northwest of Budapest, has so much more up its sleeve. From the birthplace (and possible coronation spot) of Saint Stephen, Hungary’s first king, to charming streets begging to be explored, …

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A Thrilling Hour on the Thirring-Körút: Budapest’s Short but Mighty Hike

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Hey, adventure seekers! If you’re craving a quick escape from Budapest that still gets your heart pumping and your legs working, let me point you to the Thirring-körút. This little gem, tucked beneath Dobogó-kő in the Visegrádi Hills, is just a hop from the city—about 40 km north of Budapest—and packs a punch in under an hour. At barely 3 km (1.9 miles), it’s short enough for a spontaneous jaunt, but don’t let the distance fool you: it’s a workout …

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Kirsten Dunst and Keanu Reeves Team Up with an Oscar-Nominated Director in Budapest

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Keanu Reeves

Hey, movie fans and Budapest wanderers! If you’re strolling through the city between now and May, keep your eyes peeled—Hollywood royalty has landed in town. Ruben Östlund, the Swedish director who snagged the Palme d’Or twice for The Square and Triangle of Sadness, is filming his latest project, The Entertainment System Is Down, right here in Budapest. And he’s brought along a jaw-dropping cast: Keanu Reeves, Kirsten Dunst, Daniel Brühl, Samantha Morton, and Tobias Menzies, to name a few. With …

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The Italian Ice Cream Hero of Budapest: Francesco Tirelli’s Untold Story

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Hey, history buffs and travel enthusiasts! If you’ve ever strolled down Budapest’s Rottenbiller Street, licking a cone of creamy gelato, you might’ve walked past a tale so wild it sounds like a movie script. Meet Francesco Tirelli—an Italian fencing master turned ice cream maestro who risked it all to save Jewish families during World War II, right here in Hungary’s capital. His life was a rollercoaster of bravado, botched scandals, and a bittersweet end, and it’s even been immortalized in …

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What’s Changed in Budapest’s Várnegyed Lately? A Deep Dive into the Castle District’s Transformation

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Hey, fellow explorers! If you haven’t wandered through Budapest’s Várnegyed (Castle District) in a while, buckle up—things have been shifting big time up on the hill. Renovations, demolitions, reconstructions, and some bold new builds have been reshaping this historic slice of the city, all under the banner of the National Hauszmann Program. I recently spent an afternoon poking around, from the freshly rebuilt former Ministry of Finance to the half-finished giants looming over Szent György Square, and even stumbled on …

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Discover Budapest’s Hidden Gems with This Interactive “Compact City” Map

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Hey, explorers! Ever wondered how close you are to a leafy park, a hospital, or a theater in Budapest—without hopping in a car? Say hello to the Kompakt Város (Compact City) interactive map, your new best friend for navigating the city like a local. Launched to make Budapest more livable, this slick tool shows you what’s within a 5-, 10-, or 15-minute reach from any spot—whether you’re on foot, zipping around on a scooter, or pedaling a bike. It’s all …

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100 Years of Safeguarding Our Wealth: A Tour Inside the Revamped Hungarian National Bank Headquarters

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Hey, travel buffs and history nerds! If you’ve ever wandered past Budapest’s Szabadság Square and marveled at the grand Magyar Nemzeti Bank (Hungarian National Bank, or MNB) building, you’re in for a treat. Just a few months after the bank celebrated its 100th birthday, the massive reconstruction of its Szabadság Square headquarters wrapped up in early 2025—and I got to step inside. From the faithfully recreated Italian tapestries to the dazzling Róth Miksa stained-glass windows shining in their original glory, …

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The End of Underpass Eats? Budapest’s New Rules Could Shake Up Street Food Scene

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Budapest underpass food

Hey, foodie travelers! If you’ve ever grabbed a greasy, delicious bite from one of Budapest’s bustling underpasses—think sizzling lángos or a quick kebab—you might want to sit down for this. As of January 1, 2025, the city’s cracking down on cooking food right there in the underpasses, and it could mean the end of an era for some iconic spots. But don’t worry, it’s not a total wipeout—there’s a twist to this tale, and I’m here to break it all …

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