Budapest: A Grand Entry into the City of Lights and the Mystery of the Red Door

Farewell Pécs, Hello Budapest

My last morning in Pécs was spent lingering over the "killing point" of my hotel breakfast—a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg. After three days, it was time to say goodbye to this charmingly retro city.

 

The train ride to Budapest was a long, meditative journey. I spent the time finishing my book and watching the landscape change through the window. Even though I was sitting in a backward-facing seat, the rhythmic movement of the train was the perfect backdrop for my thoughts as I approached the final destination of my trip.

The Modern Nomad’s Struggles: Airbnb and "The Door"

Arriving in Budapest, I felt the immediate shift in scale. It’s a grand, bustling metropolis. My Airbnb is a stylish top-floor flat, exactly like the photos, and I love having the entire place to myself. However, being a solo traveler in a big city comes with its own set of "puzzles."

First, I couldn't figure out how to leave the building! I spent ages pressing buttons near the postbox until a delivery man coincidentally opened the door for me. Then, coming back was an even bigger challenge—the electronic key wouldn't seem to cooperate with the mysterious red door. After a few frantic messages to my host and some trial and error, I managed to get back inside. Solo travel truly is a series of small escapes and victories!

A Taste of Hungary: Goulash at For Sale Pub

For my first meal, I headed to the famous For Sale Pub, located right across from the Great Market Hall. The vibe was eclectic and lively, filled with travelers and locals alike. I ordered a massive bowl of Goulash and a dark beer.

People often describe Goulash as the "Hungarian version of Korean Yukgaejang," and they weren't wrong! Once I added some spicy chili flakes, it had that comforting, spicy kick I had been craving. It wasn’t exactly a life-changing culinary discovery, but it was hearty, warm, and exactly what I needed to fuel my first night in the city.

Grocery Magic: The Small Joys of Cheap Prices

Before heading home, I stopped at a local Tesco. While Korea was facing an "egg crisis" at the time, here in Hungary, I could buy ten fresh eggs for next to nothing! I also picked up some yogurt, bread, and a mango. There’s something so satisfying about stocking a fridge in a foreign city; it makes me feel less like a tourist and more like a resident.

Back at the flat, I had a quiet "tea time" with my mango and settled in for the night. Budapest is vast and a bit overwhelming, but with a fridge full of eggs and a cozy room, I’m ready to conquer the "City of Lights" tomorrow.

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💡 Traveler’s Note (Summary)

Category	Throwback Insight (2017)
Dining	For Sale Pub is famous for its massive portions. One bowl of Goulash is enough for a full meal!
Transport	Budapest offers 24-hour and 72-hour travel cards. Calculate your trips to see if a pass is better than single tickets.
Shopping	Tesco and DM (drugstores) are your best friends for affordable essentials and souvenirs like "Devil’s Claw" cream.
Accommodation	Always double-check the "exit and entry" procedures with your Airbnb host before they leave!