Budapest Vibes - with Pawel Zawadzki

New Year’s Eve somehow turned into 4 a.m., and there I was at the gates of Buda Castle in a purple mist, waiting for the first sunrise of the year. It looked magical, eerie, and slightly suspicious, like Budapest was rebooting itself while everyone else was still asleep (or hungover).

New Year’s Eve in Budapest

New Year’s Eve somehow turned into 4 a.m., and there I was at the gates of Buda Castle in a purple mist, waiting for the first sunrise of the year. It looked magical, eerie, and slightly suspicious, like Budapest was rebooting itself while everyone else was still asleep (or hungover).

New Year’s Eve in Budapest

New Year’s Eve somehow turned into 4 a.m., and there I was at the gates of Buda Castle in a purple mist, waiting for the first sunrise of the year. It looked magical, eerie, and slightly suspicious, like Budapest was rebooting itself while everyone else was still asleep (or hungover).

Budapest Castle with construction crane - Pawel Zawadzki

Buda Castle usually looks like something from a storybook, but when I took this photo it was rocking the longest construction crane in Budapest. Honestly, the crane was so huge it almost deserved its own postcard. Even kings need a bit of renovation glam now and then.

Buda Castle

Buda Castle usually looks like a something from a storybook, but when I took this photo it was rocking the longest construction crane in Budapest. Honestly, the crane was so huge it almost deserved its own postcard. Even kings need a bit of renovation glam now and then.

Buda Castle

Buda Castle usually looks like a something from a storybook, but when I took this photo it was rocking the longest construction crane in Budapest. Honestly, the crane was so huge it almost deserved its own postcard. Even kings need a bit of renovation glam now and then.

I don’t know what this statue was, but it stopped me on my tracks. A lone figure, starved, arms reaching into the sky, fused with rough stone like it’s half-human, half-monument. There’s something eerie and powerful about it, like a ghost frozen in bronze, trying to break free.

Statue in Budapest

I don’t know what this statue was, but it stopped me on my tracks. A lone figure, starved, arms reaching into the sky, fused with rough stone like it’s half-human, half-monument. There’s something eerie and powerful about it, like a ghost frozen in bronze, trying to break free.

Statue in Budapest

I don’t know what this statue was, but it stopped me on my tracks. A lone figure, starved, arms reaching into the sky, fused with rough stone like it’s half-human, half-monument. There’s something eerie and powerful about it, like a ghost frozen in bronze, trying to break free.

Climbing up inside the dome of the Basilica is a whole adventure. You squeeze past iron beams, creaky wooden steps, and way too many tourists trying to take selfies mid-staircase. It’s a bit iffy when the crowd piles up, but hey, the view waiting at the top makes all the wobbly knees worth it.

St. Stephen’s Basilica

Climbing up inside the dome of the Basilica is a whole adventure. You squeeze past iron beams, creaky wooden steps, and way too many tourists trying to take selfies mid-staircase. It’s a bit iffy when the crowd piles up, but hey, the view waiting at the top makes all the wobbly knees worth it.

St. Stephen’s Basilica

Climbing up inside the dome of the Basilica is a whole adventure. You squeeze past iron beams, creaky wooden steps, and way too many tourists trying to take selfies mid-staircase. It’s a bit iffy when the crowd piles up, but hey, the view waiting at the top makes all the wobbly knees worth it.

In Budapest you might stumble across a worm-looking creature in a cop hat… holding a gun. With a heart card. No explanation, no context. Art here doesn’t need to make sense to be memorable.

Street Art in Budapest

In Budapest you might stumble across a worm-looking creature in a cop hat… holding a gun. With a heart card. No explanation, no context. Art here doesn’t need to make sense to be memorable.

Street Art in Budapest

In Budapest you might stumble across a worm-looking creature in a cop hat… holding a gun. With a heart card. No explanation, no context. Art here doesn’t need to make sense to be memorable.

Somewhere in Budapest, a stork just showed up on a wall,no nest, no baby bundle, just chilling in doodle form.

Stork drawing in Budapest

Somewhere in Budapest, a stork just showed up on a wall, no nest, no baby bundle, just chilling in doodle form.

Stork drawing in Budapest

Somewhere in Budapest, a stork just showed up on a wall, no nest, no baby bundle, just chilling in doodle form.

Budapest walls love to get weird. Creepy, nostalgic, and oddly charming. Exactly the kind of art that makes you stop mid-walk and go, 'Wait, what did I just see?'

Donnie Darko and a character from an old Hungarian cartoon

Budapest walls love to get weird. Creepy, nostalgic, and oddly charming. Exactly the kind of art that makes you stop mid-walk and go, 'Wait, what did I just see?'

Donnie Darko and a character from an old Hungarian cartoon

Budapest walls love to get weird. Creepy, nostalgic, and oddly charming. Exactly the kind of art that makes you stop mid-walk and go, 'Wait, what did I just see?'

Budapest apartment blocks. On their own they look a little tough-love, but put them under a sky full of beautiful clouds and suddenly they’re kind of poetic. It’s like the city saying, ‘See? Even concrete can have a soft side.’

Budapest apartment blocks

Budapest apartment blocks. On their own they look a little tough-love, but put them under a sky full of beautiful clouds and suddenly they’re kind of poetic. It’s like the city saying, ‘See? Even concrete can have a soft side.’

Budapest apartment blocks

Budapest apartment blocks. On their own they look a little tough-love, but put them under a sky full of beautiful clouds and suddenly they’re kind of poetic. It’s like the city saying, ‘See? Even concrete can have a soft side.’

From the Pest side, Chain Bridge glows like Budapest’s sparkling necklace. My photo also caught a blurry tourist in the corner - because nothing says authentic Budapest experience like someone wandering into your perfect night shot.

Chain Bridge at night

From the Pest side, Chain Bridge glows like Budapest’s sparkling necklace. My photo also caught a blurry tourist in the corner - because nothing says authentic Budapest experience like someone wandering into your perfect night shot.

Chain Bridge at night

From the Pest side, Chain Bridge glows like Budapest’s sparkling necklace. My photo also caught a blurry tourist in the corner - because nothing says authentic Budapest experience like someone wandering into your perfect night shot.

Take the big tunnel through Castle Hill and when you pop out on the other side - bam, another perfect night shot of the Chain Bridge waiting for you. Budapest really doesn’t do bad angles

Chain Bridge at night

Take the big tunnel through Castle Hill and when you pop out on the other side - bam, another perfect night shot of the Chain Bridge waiting for you. Budapest really doesn’t do bad angles

Chain Bridge at night

Take the big tunnel through Castle Hill and when you pop out on the other side - bam, another perfect night shot of the Chain Bridge waiting for you. Budapest really doesn’t do bad angles

Yes! it’s another Chain Bridge at night! Apparently I cant stop taking photos of it. Can you blame me though? Budapest keeps serving up postcard views, and the Chain Bridge is the city’s ultimate show-off. Okay… maybe that’s enough Chain Bridge for one day.

Chain Bridge at night

Yes! it’s another Chain Bridge at night! Apparently I cant stop taking photos of it. Can you blame me though? Budapest keeps serving up postcard views, and the Chain Bridge is the city’s ultimate show-off. Okay… maybe that’s enough Chain Bridge for one day.

Chain Bridge at night

Yes! it’s another Chain Bridge at night! Apparently I cant stop taking photos of it. Can you blame me though? Budapest keeps serving up postcard views, and the Chain Bridge is the city’s ultimate show-off. Okay… maybe that’s enough Chain Bridge for one day.

Budapest’s Parliament at night is pure drama! Bring on the vampires. Add the Danube in front, calmly reflecting every golden glow, and you’ve got the kind of view that makes you forget to blink (or stop taking photos).

Budapest Parliament

Budapest’s Parliament at night is pure drama! Bring on the vampires. Add the Danube in front, calmly reflecting every golden glow, and you’ve got the kind of view that makes you forget to blink (or stop taking photos).

Budapest Parliament

Budapest’s Parliament at night is pure drama! Bring on the vampires. Add the Danube in front, calmly reflecting every golden glow, and you’ve got the kind of view that makes you forget to blink (or stop taking photos).

Budapest street art has no chill. I spotted Hó Hó Horgász, the cheerful old Hungarian cartoon fisherman straight-up taking down a mermaid. Childhood nostalgia with a dark plot twist. Love it. Only in Budapest.

Street Art in Budapest

Budapest street art has no chill. I spotted Hó Hó Horgász, the cheerful old Hungarian cartoon fisherman straight-up taking down a mermaid. Childhood nostalgia with a dark plot twist. Love it. Only in Budapest.

Street Art in Budapest

Budapest street art has no chill. I spotted Hó Hó Horgász, the cheerful old Hungarian cartoon fisherman straight-up taking down a mermaid. Childhood nostalgia with a dark plot twist. Love it. Only in Budapest.

In the middle of Budapest’s City Park there’s this half-hidden fountain surrounded by old walls and water that’s more green than blue. The fountain itself is practically swallowed by bushes, so the whole scene looks less like a park attraction and more like you’ve stumbled onto some ancient ruin.

Half-hidden fountain in Budapest's City Park

In the middle of Budapest’s City Park there’s this half-hidden fountain surrounded by old walls and water that’s more green than blue. The fountain itself is practically swallowed by bushes, so the whole scene looks less like a park attraction and more like you’ve stumbled onto some ancient ruin.

Half-hidden fountain in Budapest's City Park

In the middle of Budapest’s City Park there’s this half-hidden fountain surrounded by old walls and water that’s more green than blue. The fountain itself is practically swallowed by bushes, so the whole scene looks less like a park attraction and more like you’ve stumbled onto some ancient ruin.

From above, Nyugati train station. At night the whole place looks cinematic, especially with a blurry train rushing through like it couldn’t wait for its close-up. It’s industrial, it’s beautiful, and somehow even the blur feels intentional.

Nyugati train station

From above, Nyugati train station. At night the whole place looks cinematic, especially with a blurry train rushing through like it couldn’t wait for its close-up. It’s industrial, it’s beautiful, and somehow even the blur feels intentional.

Nyugati train station

From above, Nyugati train station. At night the whole place looks cinematic, especially with a blurry train rushing through like it couldn’t wait for its close-up. It’s industrial, it’s beautiful, and somehow even the blur feels intentional.

Sometimes the Danube turns into Budapest’s runway, leading your eyes straight to the glowing Erzsébet Bridge in the background. A boat came rushing towards me like it wanted to star in the picture too. Turns out, the Danube got plenty of traffic drama of its own.

Sometimes the Danube turns into Budapest’s runway, leading your eyes straight to the glowing Erzsébet Bridge in the background. A boat came rushing towards me like it wanted to star in the picture too. Turns out, the Danube got plenty of traffic drama of its own.

Sometimes the Danube turns into Budapest’s runway, leading your eyes straight to the glowing Erzsébet Bridge in the background. A boat came rushing towards me like it wanted to star in the picture too. Turns out, the Danube got plenty of traffic drama of its own.

Sometimes the Danube turns into Budapest’s runway, leading your eyes straight to the glowing Erzsébet Bridge in the background. A boat came rushing towards me like it wanted to star in the picture too. Turns out, the Danube got plenty of traffic drama of its own.

Sometimes the Danube turns into Budapest’s runway, leading your eyes straight to the glowing Erzsébet Bridge in the background. A boat came rushing towards me like it wanted to star in the picture too. Turns out, the Danube got plenty of traffic drama of its own.

From the front, the Basilica looks gorgeous all lit up against the night sky. Sometimes they project light shows onto it, which is cool, but honestly, I think it’s at its best in its natural glow. Budapest doesn’t need special effects when the architecture already does the job.

St. Stephen's Basilica at night

From the front, the Basilica looks gorgeous all lit up against the night sky. Sometimes they project light shows onto it, which is cool, but honestly, I think it’s at its best in its natural glow. Budapest doesn’t need special effects when the architecture already does the job.

St. Stephen's Basilica at night

From the front, the Basilica looks gorgeous all lit up against the night sky. Sometimes they project light shows onto it, which is cool, but honestly, I think it’s at its best in its natural glow. Budapest doesn’t need special effects when the architecture already does the job.

This random building that decided to look extra once the sun went down. Just pure nighttime cool. Sometimes the best photos come from the places you can’t even name.

Budapest building at night

This random building that decided to look extra once the sun went down. Just pure nighttime cool. Sometimes the best photos come from the places you can’t even name.

Budapest building at night

This random building that decided to look extra once the sun went down. Just pure nighttime cool. Sometimes the best photos come from the places you can’t even name.

In Budapest there are places that pull you out of the city’s glitter and remind you of its harder history. This memorial honors those who were forced to leave their homes when the Germans arrived. The statue is powerful - dynamic but heavy, a reminder carved in stone and metal that some stories can’t be forgotten.

Memorial in Budapest

In Budapest there are places that pull you out of the city’s glitter and remind you of its harder history. This memorial honors those who were forced to leave their homes when the Germans arrived. The statue is powerful - dynamic but heavy, a reminder carved in stone and metal that some stories can’t be forgotten.

Memorial in Budapest

In Budapest there are places that pull you out of the city’s glitter and remind you of its harder history. This memorial honors those who were forced to leave their homes when the Germans arrived. The statue is powerful - dynamic but heavy, a reminder carved in stone and metal that some stories can’t be forgotten.

Everyone takes the postcard shots of Buda Castle from the front, but this one’s from the back, mid-bike ride. It’s like catching a celebrity from an unusual angle: still impressive, just a little more real.

Buda Castle from the back

Everyone takes the postcard shots of Buda Castle from the back, mid-bike ride. It’s like catching a celebrity from an unusual angle: still impressive, just a little more real.

Buda Castle from the back

Everyone takes the postcard shots of Buda Castle from the back, mid-bike ride. It’s like catching a celebrity from an unusual angle: still impressive, just a little more real.

In Budapest you can still find these rows of old phone booths - minus the actual phones. Now they just stand there, ripped out and looking trashy AF, like relics of a breakup no one cleaned up after. Proof that not every corner of the city is Instagram-ready… and that’s kind of the charm.

Old phone booths in Budapest

In Budapest you can still find these rows of old phone booths - minus the actual phones. Now they just stand there, ripped out and looking trashy AF, like relics of a breakup no one cleaned up after. Proof that not every corner of the city is Instagram-ready… and that’s kind of the charm.

Old phone booths in Budapest

In Budapest you can still find these rows of old phone booths -minus the actual phones. Now they just stand there, ripped out and looking trashy AF, like relics of a breakup no one cleaned up after. Proof that not every corner of the city is Instagram-ready… and that’s kind of the charm.

High culture meets low street vibes. Honestly, it’s the most me and Budapest thing ever, majestic architecture that still lets a little chaos sneak into the picture.

Parliament building in Budapest

High culture meets low street vibes. Honestly, it’s the most me and Budapest thing ever, majestic architecture that still lets a little chaos sneak into the picture.

Parliament building in Budapest

High culture meets low street vibes. Honestly, it’s the most me and Budapest thing ever, majestic architecture that still lets a little chaos sneak into the picture.

Santa would totally trade his sleigh for this tram. This one only runs before Christmas and had hand-made paper snowflakes, like the city’s DIY touch to all those twinkling lights. Riding it is basically a one way ticket to maximum Christmas vibe.

Christmas Tram in Budapest

Santa would totally trade his sleigh for this tram. This one only runs before Christmas and had hand-made paper snowflakes, like the city’s DIY touch to all those twinkling lights. Riding it is basically a one way ticket to maximum Christmas vibe.

Christmas Tram in Budapest

Santa would totally trade his sleigh for this tram. This one only runs before Christmas and had hand-made paper snowflakes, like the city’s DIY touch to all those twinkling lights. Riding it is basically a one way ticket to maximum Christmas vibe.

Rain on the streets of Budapest leading up to the glowing Erzsébet Bridge. It’s dramatic, a little cinematic, like the city decided to direct its own noir film and forgot to tell the extras they were just commuters. Budapest really does rain better than most cities.

Rain on the streets of Budapest leading up to the glowing Erzsébet Bridge

Rain on the streets of Budapest leading up to the glowing Erzsébet Bridge. It’s dramatic, a little cinematic, like the city decided to direct its own noir film and forgot to tell the extras they were just commuters. Budapest really does rain better than most cities.

Rain on the streets of Budapest leading up to the glowing Erzsébet Bridge

Rain on the streets of Budapest leading up to the glowing Erzsébet Bridge. It’s dramatic, a little cinematic, like the city decided to direct its own noir film and forgot to tell the extras they were just commuters. Budapest really does rain better than most cities.

Budapest’s giant bird statue looming in the background in the mist. Just as I snapped the shot, a little real bird took off in the foreground, like it was staging a photo op with its oversized cousin. Honestly, even the wildlife in this city knows about good timing.

Budapest’s giant bird statue looming in the background in the mist

Budapest’s giant bird statue looming in the background in the mist. Just as I snapped the shot, a little real bird took off in the foreground, like it was staging a photo op with its oversized cousin. Honestly, even the wildlife in this city knows about good timing.

Budapest’s giant bird statue looming in the background in the mist

Budapest’s giant bird statue looming in the background in the mist. Just as I snapped the shot, a little real bird took off in the foreground, like it was staging a photo op with its oversized cousin. Honestly, even the wildlife in this city knows about good timing.

Step inside Párizsi Udvar and look up—Budapest shows off with a glass-and-metal ceiling that’s basically architectural jewelry. It’s intricate, elegant, and just a little over the top… but in the best way.

Párizsi Udvar Budapest

Step inside Párizsi Udvar and look up—Budapest shows off with a glass-and-metal ceiling that’s basically architectural jewelry. It’s intricate, elegant, and just a little over the top… but in the best way.

Párizsi Udvar Budapest

Step inside Párizsi Udvar and look up—Budapest shows off with a glass-and-metal ceiling that’s basically architectural jewelry. It’s intricate, elegant, and just a little over the top… but in the best way.

From the top of St. Stephen’s Basilica you get one of the best street views in Budapest. On a beautiful day the whole city stretches out like it’s posing just for you - rooftops, avenues, and tiny tourists who look like extras in a dollhouse version of Budapest. Totally worth the climb.

St. Stephen’s Basilica

From the top of St. Stephen’s Basilica you get one of the best street views in Budapest. On a beautiful day the whole city stretches out like it’s posing just for you - rooftops, avenues, and tiny tourists who look like extras in a dollhouse version of Budapest. Totally worth the climb.

St. Stephen’s Basilica

From the top of St. Stephen’s Basilica you get one of the best street views in Budapest. On a beautiful day the whole city stretches out like it’s posing just for you - rooftops, avenues, and tiny tourists who look like extras in a dollhouse version of Budapest. Totally worth the climb.

Budapest rolled out a full sized tram made entirely of LEGO bricks. It didn’t actually move (imagine the rattling), but it was the only tram in the city you could come close without worrying about your ticket to LEGOland. Honestly, Budapest nailed public transport cosplay.

LEGO tram in Budapest

Budapest rolled out a full sized tram made entirely of LEGO bricks. It didn’t actually move (imagine the rattling), but it was the only tram in the city you could come close without worrying about your ticket to LEGOland. Honestly, Budapest nailed public transport cosplay.

LEGO tram in Budapest

Budapest rolled out a full sized tram made entirely of LEGO bricks. It didn’t actually move (imagine the rattling), but it was the only tram in the city you could come close without worrying about your ticket to LEGOland. Honestly, Budapest nailed public transport cosplay.

Another Chain Bridge at night picture. Teehee... ok now really no more of this.

Another Chain Bridge

Another Chain Bridge at night picture. Teehee... ok now really no more of this.

Another Chain Bridge

Another Chain Bridge at night picture. Teehee... ok now really no more of this.

Budapest has no shortage of viewpoints, but this one’s special. It’s the only high perch on this side of the city. We call it the Dick Building (once you see it, you can’t unsee it), and from the top you get a unique angle on Budapest’s skyline that you won’t find anywhere else. Awkward nickname, unforgettable view.

Budapest skyline

Budapest has no shortage of viewpoints, but this one’s special. It’s the only high perch on this side of the city. We call it the Dick Building (once you see it, you can’t unsee it), and from the top you get a unique angle on Budapest’s skyline that you won’t find anywhere else. Awkward nickname, unforgettable view.

Budapest skyline

Budapest has no shortage of viewpoints, but this one’s special. It’s the only high perch on this side of the city. We call it the Dick Building (once you see it, you can’t unsee it), and from the top you get a unique angle on Budapest’s skyline that you won’t find anywhere else. Awkward nickname, unforgettable view.

Different angle, same wow factor, absolutely worth the trek to this side of Budapest. Just know, apart from the tower itself there isn’t much else around. There’s a restaurant up top with the same stunning panorama… but let’s just say the food is more ALDI than fine dining.

Budapest skyline

Different angle, same wow factor, absolutely worth the trek to this side of Budapest. Just know, apart from the tower itself there isn’t much else around. There’s a restaurant up top with the same stunning panorama… but let’s just say the food is more ALDI than fine dining.

Budapest skyline

Different angle, same wow factor, absolutely worth the trek to this side of Budapest. Just know, apart from the tower itself there isn’t much else around. There’s a restaurant up top with the same stunning panorama… but let’s just say the food is more ALDI than fine dining.

The wet street turned into a mirror and suddenly Matthias Church was glowing back at me from the ground. A little puddle magic, proof that sometimes the best views aren’t above you, but under your feet.

Rainy night in Budapest

The wet street turned into a mirror and suddenly Matthias Church was glowing back at me from the ground. A little puddle magic, proof that sometimes the best views aren’t above you, but under your feet.

Rainy night in Budapest

The wet street turned into a mirror and suddenly Matthias Church was glowing back at me from the ground. A little puddle magic, proof that sometimes the best views aren’t above you, but under your feet.

Budapest’s Fisherman’s Bastion looks straight out of a fairy tale even on a rainy night. The towers were glowing, the stones were slick, and somewhere in the brave tourists were fending off the downpour. Rain or shine, this city insists on looking magical.

Budapest’s Fisherman’s Bastion

Budapest’s Fisherman’s Bastion looks straight out of a fairy tale even on a rainy night. The towers were glowing, the stones were slick, and somewhere in the brave tourists were fending off the downpour. Rain or shine, this city insists on looking magical.

Budapest’s Fisherman’s Bastion

Budapest’s Fisherman’s Bastion looks straight out of a fairy tale even on a rainy night. The towers were glowing, the stones were slick, and somewhere in the brave tourists were fending off the downpour. Rain or shine, this city insists on looking magical.

By daylight, Budapest’s Parliament is still majestic, impossible to ignore. Which is kind of funny, because the building is way more magnificent than the people who are in it. At least the architecture gets a standing ovation, even if the government doesn’t.

Budapest’s Parliament

By daylight, Budapest’s Parliament is still majestic, impossible to ignore. Which is kind of funny, because the building is way more magnificent than the people who are in it. At least the architecture gets a standing ovation, even if the government doesn’t.

Budapest’s Parliament

By daylight, Budapest’s Parliament is still majestic, impossible to ignore. Which is kind of funny, because the building is way more magnificent than the people who are in it. At least the architecture gets a standing ovation, even if the government doesn’t.

Matthias Church wrapped in thick mist, it looked less holy and more haunted. The towers screamed vampire HQ,like at any moment Dracula might step out and offer you a guided tour of Budapest.

Matthias Church wrapped in thick mist

Matthias Church wrapped in thick mist, it looked less holy and more haunted. The towers screamed vampire HQ, like at any moment Dracula might step out and offer you a guided tour of Budapest.

Matthias Church wrapped in thick mist

Matthias Church wrapped in thick mist, it looked less holy and more haunted. The towers screamed vampire HQ, like at any moment Dracula might step out and offer you a guided tour of Budapest.

Budapest doesn’t just go around hills,it punches straight through them. The tunnel under Gellért Hill is dramatic, sure, but it’s not exactly made for strolling. Between the cars, the noise, and the smog, you’ll come out the other side feeling less like a romantic wanderer and more like you inhaled half of Budapest traffic.

Tunnel under Gellért Hill

Budapest doesn’t just go around hills,it punches straight through them. The tunnel under Gellért Hill is dramatic, sure, but it’s not exactly made for strolling. Between the cars, the noise, and the smog, you’ll come out the other side feeling less like a romantic wanderer and more like you inhaled half of Budapest traffic.

Tunnel under Gellért Hill

Budapest doesn’t just go around hills, it punches straight through them. The tunnel under Gellért Hill is dramatic, sure, but it’s not exactly made for strolling. Between the cars, the noise, and the smog, you’ll come out the other side feeling less like a romantic wanderer and more like you inhaled half of Budapest traffic.