Budapest is a massive network of staggering buildings and stunning architecture everywhere you look. Perhaps what it is less known for is its extensive wine culture. Much of Hungary is happily blanketed by wine regions!
As our first ever country in Central Europe, Budapest provided an excellent introduction.
The views atop Buda Castle, overlooking the Danube, were unreal.
And that is a parliament building if I've ever seen one.
Another iconic landmark you may think of when you see photos of Budapest is the Fisherman's Bastion.
In short, this fairytale-like viewing terrace was built in the late 1800s to celebrate the 1000th birthday of the Hungarian state. You can read more about it here.
View of the parliament building as seen from the Fisherman's Bastion.
"The Shoes on the Danube" is a somber memorial to honor the Jews that were massacred by Fascist Hungarian militia during World War II.
Shoes were extremely valuable at the time, so before being shot at the edge of the water, they were ordered to remove their shoes.
The memorial represents the shoes that were left behind on the bank after their bodies were swept away by the river.
A trip to Europe in December wouldn't be complete without exploring the holiday festivities, and Budapest is no exception.
