Baldaszti's

Our favorite little trendy restaurant in Budapest... unfortunately we discovered it our last evening...

 

Right at the base of Buda hill and steps away from the Miklos staircase, this little restaurant is fantastic. White Stark chairs, fantastic chandeliers, and flocked wallpaper with silhouettes make this hip little restaurant completely fabulous. The wine selection is fantastic, and the food is even better. They are currently working on opening a gourmet grocery in the basement of the restaurant with delicacies from all over Europe. Definitely not to be missed!

Visit them here:

Baldaszti's

My favorite site in Budapest...

 

Within our first day in Budapest, I came across my favorite architectural site in the city. I say site because it is not necessarily a building, but a complex of buildings that make up an elaborate stairway which leads to the top of the hill in Buda. The entire complex is completely rundown and highly deteriorated, which only makes it more appealing. 

This masterpiece of mid-19th century eclecticism was designed by Ybl Miklos. He was one of the most influential architects during this time period in Europe, especially Hungary, and designed the opera house in Budapest as well. His later buildings are marked by an interest in the revival of the Italian Renaissance, such as this complex.

 

Note how virtually the entire right side of the arch is missing its applied decoration revealing its brick and mortar construction.

 

This is the central component of the staircase.

 

The complex from the banks of the Danube in Pest.

 

A view of the complex from the main bridge spanning the Danube in Budapest.

The Gellert Baths

As reluctant as I was, I am so glad I went to the baths at the Gellert Hotel and Spa while in Budapest. Not only were the mineral waters fantastic, but the architecture and embellishments in the spa were amazing. The entire space, which consisted of a large vaulted hallway with a stained glass ceiling that led to the baths and pools, was covered in tiles and mosaics. Unfortunately, I could only take a few photographs in the public areas of the baths. The men's bath was spectacular; two pools separated by a central walkway each had glazed terra-cotta fountains.

 The central hall of the spa and the rotunda. 

 

This ceiling is one of the most spectacular design elements of the entire spa. I especially love the exposed light bulbs.

The entrance area of the spa. I especially love the mosaics around the door frames in this space... would love to have it replicated in a bathroom eventually...

Crumbling Buildings

What I loved most about Budapest was it's authenticity. Although some areas seem somewhat touristy, the majority of the city feels gritty, beautiful and realistic. Many 19th century buildings lining the avenues remain not just un-restored, but in a state of extreme deterioration. Exteriors of these structures, which appear to be palatial stone mansions, have large expanses of decorative stucco missing, revealing their more modest construction method of brick and mortar.

Budapest & Vienna

Well, I'm finally back after ten very short days in Budapest and Vienna. I'll be doing a few posts on my favorite buildings, sights, and restaurants throughout these two amazing cities. 

 

One of my favorite architectural details, a domed ceiling from the exterior of the Budapest Opera House. I love the simplicity of the black, white, and gold. 

Much more to come!

Budapest to Vienna

 

Just finished booking flights and hotels for a trip to Vienna and Budapest for the beginning of May...

any suggestions on antique stores, clothing stores, unique restaurants, or museums?

 

I'm very excited... 

I've always wanted to visit Budapest and my last trip to Vienna was canceled while I was living in Florence, Italy a year ago, so I'm excited to finally make it all happen with a very special person.

Looking forward to your suggestions!

Any help will be appreciated.