Budapest is undoubtably one of the most beautiful cities in Europe although a surprising number of people don’t realise this. I remember on my first visit, around ten years ago, being amazed at the architecture, romantic castles, world famous thermal baths and delicious food. This is the starting point for my next adventure and this time, I am here for less than 24 hours- so I have decided to not race around too crazily and only visit two places that I didn’t see last time around. 

The New York Cafe Budapest claims to be the most beautiful cafe in the world, wowing thousands of travellers every year. So as a lover of beautiful places who needs no excuse to say yes to a fancy 24k gold hot chocolate, I was, of course, dying to go. 

This place looks like Versailles with its sparkling interior, gold trim, giant marble columns, ornate ceilings with intricate frescoes, glistening chandeliers, beautiful detailing on the walls and fancy AF staircases.

The setting is simply gorgeous… opulent… extravagant… lavish (although it’s not really my style)!

The tinkling piano melodies, gently float over the noise of tourist chatter, providing a delightful ambience throughout the whole, very busy cafe. There’s definitely a vibe… and a big queue as you can’t book (except for dinner). 

And yes I think it was the best hot chocolate ever! 

Next morning, as usual I slip out early… in theory to see the sunrise… but today there is a heavy fog over the city which makes everything difficult to see and photograph. I do love a bit of fog… it’s so atmospheric… but you couldn’t even see the river.

But that’s ok as my destination is the impressive and majestic St Matthias church… one of the most unique churches in Europe. 

When I arrive, it is not open yet so I spend some time wandering the Fisherman’s Bastion, which I remember from my previous trip as looking like something out of a fairytale with its turreted towers, decorative arcades, and elaborate stone carvings.

It also offers amazing views over the Danube to the iconic and stunning Parliament building and the city below. If it wasn’t for the fog. 

Also known as the Church of Our Lady, this holy building founded by the first Hungarian king and constructed in the Gothic style has more than 1000 years of history. Used as a coronation church by Hungarian kings for centuries, it has also been the site of two royal weddings before being transformed into a mosque for over 150 years by the Ottoman Turks… was once owned by Franciscans, the Jesuits… and is now a thriving Catholic church with holy masses, concerts, plenty of weddings… and thousands of tourists. I can only imagine how amazing it would be to experience a concert here. 

While the outside of Matthias Church is in many ways a traditional Gothic church with its spires and delicate turrets…

… the coloured ceramic tile roofs already give away that this church is not following the usual recipe…

… and entering inside the church I was immediately speechless at the breath taking interior.  Warm lights, shadows and colours with pink, orange, blue and brown, stunningly rich golden hewed frescos reaching from floor to ceiling… every single wall and ceiling surface  hand painted…

… like the whole of inside was wrapped in a colourful exotic fabric.

I simply could not take my eyes off the details…

… beautiful stain glass windows…

… far reaching arches…

… century old wooden pews, medieval remnants and stunning doors.

Full of surprises, mysteries, and treasures, a mystically exotic atmosphere… this colorful character of the church is due to the beautiful cultural interchange of East and West. I always love visiting the churches when I travel but this stunning masterpiece is one of the most beautiful churches I have been blessed to see. Sadly my pictures can not possibly do it justice.

When I came out of the church, the sun was out and sky was blue… no fog to be seen.

Raced back to my hotel for my tour bus which was leaving at 10.30. Tours are generally not my thing… so let’s see how that goes. One last stop before leaving Hungary- Nem Adom Fel Cafe whose proceeds help fund a non profit by the same name, which means “Never Give Up”. Most of the employees at this social enterprise cafe are living with a disability, and the charity advocates for rights for the disabled all over Hungary.  Awesome!

And now we’re off to Romania, a new country for me… number 54.