
Thronebreaker – The Witcher Tales
15 November 2023
My Programming Journey
29 January 2024On the 22nd of November 2023, my wife and I embarked on a magical journey to Budapest, to experience the enchanting Christmas markets. We were there for a really decent length of time, but let me take you through some of the highlights of our trip and some of the places, beverages and meals that will surely warm your heart in the chilly Hungarian winter.
Budapest’s Christmas Markets: Winter Wonderland
1. Vörösmarty Square:
Our adventure began in the heart of Budapest at Vörösmarty Square, the city’s oldest and most renowned Christmas market. Imagine something out of a movie, the songs, the stalls, the tempting aroma of traditional Hungarian delicacies, the mulled wine and from what we experienced the Schnapps. Grab yourself a mug of mulled wine and have a walk about, we bought an adorable fox Christmas ornament that is now called Geralt for some reason… not my obsession with the WItcher… no no.
2. St. Stephen’s Basilica:
A short stroll away led us to the majestic St. Stephen’s Basilica, providing a stunning backdrop to another Christmas market. The backdrop to this one is possibly what made it my favourite “area” to go to.
3. Buda Castle:
For a change of scenery, we hopped across the Danube River to Buda Castle. The historic castle grounds are absolutely beautiful and the view from the walls is incredible. Pro tip: get (another) mulled wine for the walk up there, when we went quite a few restorations were being done, but I don’t have any issue with that, didn’t take away from the view and “vibe”. It is cold up there and crossing the old river, so make sure you rug up.
In summary, Budapest’s Christmas markets offer a delightful mix of tradition, history, and holiday spirit. Whether you’re shopping for unique gifts, indulging in local cuisine, or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, this winter wonderland has something for everyone.