There are 2 things that travelers prioritize and seek after…a nice, comfortable, convenient spot to lodge, and of course; food, food, and food! It all begins with these two necessities, and that is true regardless of where on earth we choose to journey. Recently we enjoyed both of these in a way that was extremely delightful and beyond our expectations. Join us for a Budapest experience!
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Philippians 4:8 ESV
I have places that top my list as destinations I’d love to visit. I can mark one off the list as we were blessed to spend a few days in Budapest last September. At the final stop of a wonderful Danube River journey, we decided to extend our Viking river cruise and stay a couple of additional days in Budapest. The Four Seasons Gresham Palace Hotel, seen here at the end of the famous Chain Bridge, provided much, much more than just a convenient and comfortable place to rest at night!
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Built in 1906, the Four Seasons Gresham Palace is considered Budapest’s grandest hotel. Sir Thomas Gresham originally built the “palace” as the Hungarian headquarters of his insurance company. The hotel, on the Danube in the heart of Pest, looks across the river onto the hilly medieval city of Buda!
Occupied by Soviet soldiers, the building lay derelict for decades as the city endured Communism. After meticulous renovations, it opened as The Four Seasons in 2006. This lobby area is adorned with over 2 million mosaic tiles!
As you can imagine, I was thrilled to see gorgeous fresh flowers. The stunning arrangements of magenta gladioli, purple hydrangeas, and peacock feathers were scattered around the grand lobby and were eye-catching! I think I will have to imitate this arrangement when my glads are in bloom.
The Great Market Hall was less than a ten minute walk from our hotel. Built in 1897, it is the largest and considered the most beautiful of all the Budapest markets!
Fortunately, it wasn’t crowded in the early afternoon. There are three floors that are brimming with fruits, vegetables, fresh fish, Hungarian paprika, and almost anything you can think of!
My favorite spot in the market were vendors that sold the exquisite embroidery. I might have come home with a beautiful piece that will possibly be seen next week on Tea on Tuesdays!
Our Budapest extension was arranged by Viking and we were provided with a delightful private tour guide for the day. She met us at the hotel shortly after we were checked in. We took a nice leisurely walk as she shared interesting and helpful information about the beautiful city of Budapest. She then said she had a surprise for us!
What a lovely surprise indeed…the legendary and historic Gerbeaud cafe! It is one of Europe’s oldest, largest, and most famous cafes. The traditional coffeehouse was established in 1858.
The individual salons are opulently furnished with lavish wood paneling, brocade wall coverings, marble tables and floors, and magnificent chandeliers! The ambiance was perfect!
Now for the best part…the cakes! Beginning on the left – Dobos Cake is a soft sponge cake, chocolate buttercream, and hard caramel top. Center – Gerbeaud Slice is layers of short-crust pastry, homemade apricot jam, ground walnuts, white rum, and dark chocolate coating. Right – Esterházy Slice is a gluten free walnut cake filled with brandy-flavored vanilla cream, and topped with Fondant. This one was my favorite and I enjoyed it on a return visit the next afternoon. As a coffee snob, the latte was perfection!
RM is not a fan of coffee, but he loved the Gerbeaud Sparkling Raspberry Lemon drink served with fresh mint. The following day with the temps in the middle 80’s, I ordered the delicious and refreshing drink!
Probably most of you know I am a big fan of macarons and once took a class to learn the art of making them. Our lovely guide pointed us in the direction of Chez Dodo Artisan Macarons as she left us! It was fun to watch the experts create their magic!
The shop was filled with people, no possible way to take photos of all the different flavors. I did purchase a box to take home, and I ate all of them. RM is not wild about macarons, so I didn’t have to share!
Our hotel was so well located that we could walk to so much. But, transportation around the city was easy and inexpensive. A trolley stop was only a short walk from our door! When tired, just hop on and hop off!
When we walked across the river on the Chain Bridge, the funicular was easily accessible. The scenic ride up the rails took us into the hills of Buda and dropped us off in the heart of the medieval city. Again, easy access and inexpensive!
The subway was not like any we had seen. Kind of cute, if a subway can make such a claim. Maybe vintage is the word…and not crowded!
Thank you for your visit and gracious comments. We plan to share more of Budapest in future posts!
Wishing you a joy-filled day!
Linking with: Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
What a beautiful tour of the city! I am so happy you got to enjoy so much of the area. There was beauty around every corner. The cafe was definitely a welcomed surprise! What a treat.
I am looking forward to seeing what you brought back for Tea Time!
Happy Thursday, dear friend!
Thank you, Nancy. Budapest is a beautiful city with so much to enjoy. I could have purchased so many linens, but I restrained myself!
How lucky we are to share this beautiful place with you! Looking forward to seeing even more of your posts!
It is our pleasure to share. Thanks so much Sur!
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed your beautiful Budapest post. I almost felt like I was there. The floral arrangements in the castle are amazing. Can’t wait to see what you brought back for your tea post. Thanks for sharing. I needed this fairy tell getaway this morning. Such beauty!
Dianne, I am so glad you enjoyed. Stay safe and warm dear one!
So nice you could extend your visit and stay at such an incredible place! So much charm everywhere, everything looks amazing! Such a beautiful city…
Thank you, Jenna. It was my favorite!
Pam, I loved seeing your pictures. Budapest has truly become my favorite city in the world. It is so beautiful, clean, and friendly. My Christmas request was a Kodak digital frame from Kelley. The first pictures I loaded were of Budapest, and I put it in the kitchen to enjoy during chores. We did not go into your hotel, and now I really regret it…the lobby and flowers are spectacular. We came home with beautiful embroidery from the Great Market Hall too. I can’t wait to see what treasures you found! Do you keep a travel journal to remember all these details?
Roxanne, I know how much you loved Budapest! I could have purchased so many linens, but I resisted. The embroidery is gorgeous! I do keep travel journals all the way back to 2010. Stay warm and cozy, it is going to be cold!
Loved your pictures. We just got back in Nov. from the same trip. We extended our trip at both ends . Prague was my favorite.
Try to do the Rhine with Viking when you can. We loved all the castles.
Glad yall got to go. We used Ginger Stacey at AAA in Acton Rd. in Bham. She is very knowledgeable. Give her a call for your next journey.
Keep on Traveling.
Thank you, Kay. I regret not doing Prague on the front end. It was our first trip on Viking! Thanks for the tip on the travel agent. We have traveled to Europe many times and we always enjoy!
Staying anywhere with “Palace” in the name is a good travel tip, for sure! What a beautiful place and aren’t you glad you added on the day? Little cakes are always a good surprise. So glad you shared this with us.
Yes, palace means something special! The extra two days were amazing!
Oh my gosh what a beautiful and fun place to see. Love all the history. Macroons looked pretty yummy. The cafe was a nice treat for you too. I can’t wait for you to share more. Hugs. Kris
Thanks so much, Kris! Budapest is a stunning city!
Enjoyed this visit to Budapest. Had forgotten the word for funicular. What a beautiful city or cities. What joy the citizens felt to be freed of communism. This country would benefit from reading about that. Oh to stay in that hotel. It’s beautiful and I’d like to take that tour. Looking forward to more of your pictures and comments on this visit. I loved being on the Viking cruise of the Danube and didn’t want to leave the boat.
Alice, the hotel was gorgeous and we loved all the food and enjoyed dinner at beautiful restaurants. The people are friendly and to have been freed of communism is what our guide spoke about. The Danube is a beautiful and scenic river! Stay warm and safe ❤️
Pam, That hotel is gorgeous! We know you enjoyed your stay and all the sights nearby are beautiful and interesting. We’re excited to see what you brought back. Those little dresses are so cute too! I always enjoy looking at little dresses as my grandma made all of my clothes and she was such a good seamstress. What a nice surprise to eat at the historic coffee shop and that market is mesmerizing! When we traveled overseas many years ago, we always tried to stay a day or so before at the first port and a day or so after at the final port to have time to see the sights. It also lets you decompress from disembarking at the end and helps a bit with jetlag at the start of the trip. Budapest has magnificent architecture from your pics. The floral arrangement is so pretty and you could easily copy it as your flowers are always so healthy. Thanks for the armchair travel. It’s a mini vacation between work and chores. Hope you don’t get bad weather. Our news channels are telling us to prepare for high winds, rain, then snow and bitterly cold single digit temps early next week. They’re also telling us we might not have power! Take care. Clara❤️
Clara, I wanted to buy the girls a dress but I couldn’t tell about the sizes. They would have loved them. The weather is definitely on our mind. Stay safe and warm ❤️
What is not to adore about Budapest and the Hungarian brand of right living? Just
loved this segment or your visit…the hotel …. need more be said? The market is a
shopper’s fantasy land….but the people….so friendly and helpful…so grateful to be
free to express…and they do so,lovingly. Thank you for this sojourn….
I so agree, Mary. To be freed from communism would make one rejoice! The market and all of the shopping was grand. I truly enjoyed the coffee experience! Stay warm and inside over the next week!
The Four Seasons Gresham Palace looks like a beautiful spot and extension of your trip Pam, and what a beautiful café too with those tempting pastries! Looking forward to seeing your beautiful embroidered table topper and memento from your trip on Tuesday. Happy Friday ♥
Thank you, Mary! Budapest was my favorite stop on the Danube and the food was excellent!
This looks just wonderful, Pam. So beautifully “European” in the classic sense. And those cakes and macarons! I think Butch and I would be on the same page — forget the coffee, go for the raspberry drink. Those churches, all the buildings — exquisite. I’m so glad you did this extension and even more so that you shared it with us!
I loved Budapest, a truly beautiful European city!
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Fwd: A Budapest Experience
Hi Pam,
Just recently found you on line and have
enjoyed reading about your lovely travels
and loving your tablescapes especially!
Budapest looks amazing and never did
think about visiting there until reading all
the wonderful things you enjoyed there.
I have a question for you. I’m already
trying to get ready for Easter and loved
your Easter picnic with the Fritz and
Floyd bunny parade pitchers and Kate
Spade magnolia table cloth. I’m running
these items down but seem stumped on
the dinner plates. You called them your
favorite blush dinner plates. Could you
email me the brand name or style so I
could get them? Would so appreciate it.
Have a blessed weekend
Brenda Stanley
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Thanks so much, Brenda. I am unable to find your email. Yes, Budapest is a beautiful city. The plates you are asking about are from Hobby Lobby several years ago. I have not seen them since. Maybe you could find them on Ebay! Wishing you a warm and safe weekend!
This looked beautiful and very enjoyable!
Rita, it was my favorite city on the river cruise!
Amigos queridos, me alegra mucho que este paseo por la vieja Europa os haya gustado mucho. Nada extraño…La vieja Europa es muy bella. En vida de Antonio también hicimos unas visitas a la Europa antigua porque tiene rl acierto de conservar esa bellez.
Vuajar es maravilloso, yo estoy segura que si la jente del mismo Europa viajara más, habría menos confictos y se entenderían mejor. Claro que hoy día los pueblos son más tranquilos.
felicitaciones por tan bonito reportaje. Os quiero mucho…ya somos “viejos amigos” .
Gracias Dolores. Nos encanta visitar Europa y hemos realizado muchos viajes a sus hermosas ciudades y aldeas. Me alegra que usted y su esposo pudieran visitar los hermosos lugares de Europa. Sí, somos amigos desde hace muchos años y te he extrañado mucho durante los cambios que han ocurrido contigo. ¡Te amo mi amigo especial!
Pam
Wonderful photos! Thank you for this precious virtual tour!
Thank you dear one!
Budapest and the Four Seasons were at the start of a cruise that had to be cancelled and is still on my bucket list. It was fun seeing it through the lovely photos that you shared.
Hopefully, you will be able to make Budapest and the Four Seasons. We loved both!
Pam, What a lovely post. It was fun seeing Pest from your photos. Of course, it prompted me to look up my photos. I did not remember the funicular because we did not ride it but saw it in one of my photos.
Your hotel looks fabulous as does the Gerbeard Cafe! Those desserts! Wow!
I look forward to seeing your purchase that you will use for Tea on Tuesday!
Your excellent commentary and photos makes us feel as if we were right there with you.
I’m so glad you enjoyed your extra time there. Ours was basically a night cruise on the river seeing all the gorgeous buildings at night and a day touring on a bus with a few stops to explore. Bonnie
Thank you, Bonnie. It sounds like your cruise was a different experience. We hardly rode a bus except to Gottweig Abbey. Hope to talk soon dear one!
I loved the armchair tour of Budapest today Pam! The gf cake & macaroons sounded delicious but I’ll have tea with mine 😊.
blessings, Jennifer
Thanks, Jennifer. I have never met a sweet that I didn’t like!
Take care my friend!
Budapest at its best! Those little dresses hanging all full of sweetness!
Mary, I loved the little sweet dresses. Wishing you a lovely Sunday!
I love all the wonderful pictures and looks like you had a great time. Hugs and blessings to you and Butch. Cindy
Thank you, Cindy. It was a wonderful trip!
Ohmygosh Pam – this all looks so wonderful. The Four Seasons looks fabulous and the Gerbeard cafe with all the delicious cakes must have been so tempting. I love lattes and that one does look delicious! Such gorgeous photos and such a rich history the city has. You must have had a fantastic time. Thank you for sharing some of your fabulous trip. Can’t wait to see the linen(s) that came home with you. Happy Monday!
Thank you, Kim. I am so glad you enjoyed arm chair traveling to Budapest. It is truly a gorgeous city!
Pam, this looks like a most wonderful place to visit. Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us. I have so enjoyed my virtual travel, and you make me want to visit Budapest one day. I can’t wait to read more about your trip, sweet friend! Happy Wednesday!
Thank you, Shannon. Budapest is a beautiful city with great architecture and food!
Budapest is a place I really would love to visit, and your photos added to that feeling. Great post!
I am so so glad you enjoyed the arm chair travel, Jeanne!
All I can say is WOW! What a beautiful place! I love seeing it through your eyes and photos because I will never get there myself. It makes me realize how much is out there that will never be seen by me, but what a blessing that I can sort of experience it through your gracious sharing. Your blog is such a ministry to me. God bless you dear ones today!
We haven’t traveled as much the past few years as we once did. But we enjoy it so much as we learn about different cultures. Blessings dearest Cheryl!
That sounds like the perfect extension to your river cruise. That hotel is lovely! We love macarons and are lucky enough to have a culinary student at home that has made them for us a time or two; they are quite time intensive but oh so worth it!
It was perfect. How nice to have a culinary student at home. I took a class on how to make macarons and they are time intensive!