With only a couple of days left in Budapest, we set out today to enjoy more of the city’s markets, food, and holiday cheer. From exploring the bustling Central Market Hall to scoring a coveted Christmas market mug and ending the day with a surprise Christmas concert, it was another memorable day in Hungary’s capital.
Budapest Central Market Hall
We started the day at the Budapest Central Market Hall, the largest indoor market in the city. This beautiful building, with its colorful Zsolnay tile roof and cast-iron details, dates back to 1897. Inside, it was a sensory overload—in the best way!
The market’s ground floor was packed with stalls selling fresh produce, paprika, Hungarian salamis, and cheeses, while the upper floor had traditional crafts like embroidered tablecloths, wood carvings, and hand-painted ceramics. We wandered through the aisles, soaking in the lively atmosphere and admiring the endless rows of goods.
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| View of the Bridge from the Central Marker |
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| A Lego train car |
St. Stephen’s Christmas Market: Mug Success!
Our next stop was the Christmas Market at St. Stephen’s Basilica, where we had one mission: finally scoring a Christmas mug! After days of trying, we found one at a stall selling hot beverages, and it felt like a holiday victory. We also visited a Charity Shop where they were making gingerbread cookies and selling handcrafted items for Charity.
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| Gingerbread cookies |
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| Finally, a Budapest Mug (but we kept that clean and got the Hot Chocolate in a different cup) |
We lingered at the market for a bit, sipping on warm drinks and enjoying the festive energy. The lights twinkled against the backdrop of St. Stephen’s Basilica, creating a postcard-perfect scene.
Hungarian Food and Music at Pörc & Prézli Étterem
For lunch, we had a reservation at Pörc & Prézli Étterem, a cozy restaurant known for its hearty Hungarian dishes and live music. As we dined on delicious local favorites, we were treated to the sounds of traditional Hungarian music. The combination of food and music made it feel like a true cultural experience.
Mass and a Surprise Concert at the Inner-City Mother Church
In the evening, we went to the Inner-City Mother Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, Budapest’s oldest church, for a 6 PM English-language Mass.
The church, with its history stretching back to Roman times, was a beautiful setting for reflection. At the end of the Mass, the priest invited us to stay for a Christmas concert by the choir. It was a surprise treat! Their voices filled the church with holiday carols, creating a magical atmosphere that we won’t soon forget.
After the concert, we stepped outside to admire how close the church is to the Elizabeth Bridge—just 5 cm away! This reminded us of the story that Kata shared during her tour, about how the church was almost demolished during the bridge’s construction.
Windy Views from the Elizabeth Bridge
Before heading back, we walked partway up the Elizabeth Bridge to take in some nighttime views of the Danube River and the city. From the bridge, we could see Buda Castle lit up on one side and the Parliament building glowing on the other.
The wind on the bridge added an adventurous touch to the experience, whipping around us as we paused to take in the incredible scenery. It was a breathtaking moment—literally!
Back to the Hotel
We ended the day by catching a bus back to the hotel, reflecting on the mix of experiences we’ve had here: history, holiday festivities, and unforgettable moments. With only one full day left in Budapest, we’re already feeling nostalgic for this magical city.
Reflections on the Day
Today captured so much of what makes Budapest special: vibrant markets, rich traditions, and moments of surprise. From the lively Central Market Hall to the peaceful concert at the Inner-City Mother Church, we felt the city’s energy and heart at every stop.
This blog post was created collaboratively with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI, to help organize and document our journey.
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