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heroes' square in budapest is just the right place for walking Apr 14, 2008
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When the weather warms there's nothing better than a stroll outdoors to really explore a city. Whether it's her hometown, a Pal's neighborhood or a far off European destination, Girlawhirl thinks on-foot is the way to go whenever possible. And she can't think of a better way to spend a day than on Budapest's Andrássy Avenue headed straight towards Heroes' Square... After enjoying a breakfast in one of the many sidewalk cafés on Andrássy Avenue, Girlawhirl's favorite way to walk off her meal is past the Hungarian State Opera House and straight for Heroes' Square, admiring the incredible homes that once belonged to Hungary's elite at the turn of the century - today some are international embassies - as she and Pals move down the city's famous avenue.
The square rises like a beacon, as Andrássy Avenue dead-ends right into the expansive and impressive Heroes' Square. Its centerpiece, the Millennium Monument – built for Hungary's millennial exhibition in 1896, and completed in 1929 – is truly something. One of Hungary's World Heritage sites, Heroes' Square, and the adjoining City Park, are wonderful destinations when on foot. Locals bike ride and skate around the towering monument representing the seven tribes that settled Hungary in the 9th century.
On either end of the square Girlawhirl can take in some culture at the Place of Art or the Museum of Fine Arts. And just beyond the square, she can continue her stroll into the expansive City Park and over to Vajdahunyad Castle. The castle was modeled after a Transylvanian castle – and built of wood and cardboard for the 1896 celebration – but the public liked it so much it was rebuilt with bricks and mortar. Today it houses the Agricultural museum, and features sections with different architectural styles highlighting the various periods of Hungarian history.
On her next trip to City Park, Girlawhirl can't wait to check out the Széchenyi Medicinal Baths and Swimming Pool – the largest medicinal bath in Europe – and the Municipal Zoological and Botanical Garden, one of the oldest zoos in the world. And really, next time around, she simply refuses to miss a ride on the 100 year old carousel.
But in springtime Girlawhirl loves nothing more than to stretch her legs, and what better way to do it than exploring a gorgeous European city. Plus, a walk to, and through the park is a great way to fill a day without spending a Forint!
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