Instead of guided tours, we tackle the topic of self-guided wanderings, which could include an ice-cream, a picnic, a card game in the park or a visit to a small museum. We explored the area of Pozsonyi Street and Károlyi Garden in Pest and Gül Baba Street in Buda.
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From Mikszáth Square to Károlyi kert
The most attractive square of District VIII is a sunny destination, preferred by many for sunbathing with a cup of coffee in hand. Here at Mikszáth Square, Lumen, Vostro, and Zappa Café are great options for a warm-up coffee before your stroll. Take Reviczky Street; the street lined with trees exudes a unique vibe (especially in spring and summer), so it's a small wonder that tourists love discovering it. Be sure to check out the building of Szabó Ervin Library. Turn right down Ötpacsirta Street to find yourself by the Hungarian National Museum and its beautiful park that is worth a separate visit in itself (perhaps for a picnic). If you're lucky, the stairs of the museum - a busy meeting point - will be bathed in sun. It's as cool as hanging out on the steps of New York's MET.
Instead of taking any street, walk through the passage under the Unger ház to Magyar Street. The miniature passage paved with timber cobbles in the heavily ornamented building, designed by Miklós Ybl, is little known despite being a practical short cut and an exciting piece of architecture. Arriving to Magyar Street, you'll immediately catch sight of Károlyi Garden, according to the urban legend, the first floor flats around the park used to cost more, since the flower blossoms are the most fragrant at that height. The park is open from 8am until sunset. It has a resident as well, Károly, the black bunny who spends his days in a rabbit cage by the toilet building and his nights running around freely, guarding the park. If you're hungry, we recommend the adjacent Csendes, you'll find its terrace right by the gates to the garden.
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Gül Baba Street
This picturesque street in Buda is something unique. You'll find no other street as romantic, so close to the downtown. No wonder tourists have sometimes been tricked into believing that the photos of the place were taken somewhere in the Mediterranean. The best route is along Mecset Street ('mecset' means mosque) to Türbe Square ('türbe' is Turkish for tomb), where you can explore the 16th century Turkish mausoleum and the surrounding rose garden, which we often mentioned as an ideal spot for a date. The view is also marvellous, but the real excitement lies in the discovery of the steep medieval street. Since there are no food or drink options in Gül Baba Street, pack your own provisions, or pop down to Szendzso in Frankel Leó Street for a juice and a bagel afterwards. The proximity of Margaret Island is also inviting: if time allows, it's perfect for another walk.
