In the Danube River of Budapest lies Margaret Island, which is connected on both sides by bridges, much like how Bukkur or Sadh Belo lie between Sukkur and Rohri in the Indus River
By Abdullah Usman Morai | Sweden
Lunch on the Terrace: A View to Remember
We wandered around the area for quite a while, capturing memorable photos. The terrace we visited was part of a restaurant, and there was a queue to be seated. Fortunately, our turn came quickly, and we chose seats overlooking the river and the Pest side, with large windows open to the breeze. We rested there for a while.
Prices were slightly higher at the restaurant, perhaps because the cost included the priceless view of the city. The occasional cool breeze flowing through the terrace made the heart glad. Before our eyes stretched the vast panorama of Budapest—people, buses, trams, and boats gliding through the river, all visible from our elevated perch. We took many memorable photos from that terrace as well.
Old Town and the Buda Tower
Eventually, we said farewell to that beauty, the laughter, the aroma of food, and the charming views, and boarded the bus again, heading to the next stop: Buda Tower and the Old Town, which was not far. We saw the Buda Tower, the exterior of an old church, and wandered briefly through the historic Old Town, all located close to each other. Nearby, there were other statues and raised platforms, with tree-lined streets and stone drainage canals flanking both sides, adding a pleasing aesthetic to the surroundings.
The Majesty of Buda Castle
We gave this area a brief visit and once again headed toward our next destination: Buda Castle.
From the bus stop, the castle was a short but uphill walk, so we got off and began walking toward it. The area was teeming with tourists, creating a lively atmosphere. Buda Castle is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, originally built in 1265, although much of the structure seen today dates from 1749 to 1769. The castle, also known as the Royal Palace, was completely destroyed during World War II and later reconstructed.
The Ottoman Empire had also captured Buda city and the castle, attacking in 1526 and 1529, and finally taking control without resistance in 1541. Today, the castle houses the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest Historical Museum.
A Walk Around the Castle, Refreshing Fountains, and the Beauty of Budapest
A Courtyard of Serenity and Cool Relief
In the outer courtyard of the castle, there was a small straw-covered park. In the middle of a circular arrangement of stones stood a statue from which a gentle fountain of water emerged. Around the fountain, a stone pathway was laid out for visitors to walk on. Surrounding the castle, stairways had been constructed for ascending and descending. Because of the increasing heat, water consumption had also risen, but to our pleasant surprise, there was a facility for drinking water available there. We filled our bottles and even poured water over our heads to cool down. Although the heat was far less intense compared to Sindh, for Sweden’s standards, it was considered quite high.
Breathtaking Views from the Castle
From the terrace or courtyard of the castle, we could enjoy stunning views of the Pest side, the Chain Bridge, the Danube River, and the Hungarian Parliament. Many statues were also installed around the premises. After circling around the outside of the castle, we decided to return and boarded a bus that dropped us off at the Castle Garden Bazaar stop.
A Comforting Lunch at Felix Restaurant
Before exploring further, we thought it was a good time for lunch. So, we headed to a restaurant named Felix, where large air coolers were running, releasing soft mists of water at intervals—a much-needed and delightful relief in the heat.
The restaurant seemed quite popular, filled with a mix of young men and women, as well as elderly patrons. Interestingly, the staff appeared to consist mostly of women. We spent a fair amount of time there, enjoying both the meal and the surrounding ambiance. No matter how hot it gets, Soomro never skips tea—so naturally, we ended our meal with a round of tea before heading back to Castle Garden Bazaar, which was just across the street.
Castle Garden Bazaar: A Blend of Nature and Design
This wasn’t a marketplace in the usual sense, but rather a beautifully maintained garden located at the base of the hill, with the Buda Castle towering above it. Looking up from the garden, one could see the castle, and from the castle, the garden below was visible. It was truly a breathtaking space—an exceptional example of architectural elegance and landscaping.
We took several rounds within the garden, admiring the straw-covered seating, the vine-covered walls, and the many fountains. From there, too, the Danube River could be seen in all its glory. Eventually, we explored the Foundry Courtyard building located within the garden and exited from there. Instead of waiting for a bus, we decided to walk back since our starting point—Buda Tunnel and its nearby roundabout—was not far at all. From there, we caught another bus heading toward the Pest side, which crossed the bridge within minutes.
Kossuth Square and the Grandeur of the Parliament
After getting off the bus, we began walking toward Kossuth Square, home to Hungary’s Parliament or National Assembly. Passing through various streets, we finally arrived at our destination. Due to the heat, we saw many tourists resting on benches and the grass in the shade of trees. We too sat by the Danube River to admire the stunning Parliament Building, constructed in the early 20th century. This architectural gem is one of the most iconic sites in Budapest for tourists.
After spending some peaceful moments there, we too lay down on the grass to rest. Occasionally, trams passed by, their sharp clangs echoing through the area. It’s said that the chime of a clock must be heard—otherwise, what’s the use? Similarly, the clang of the trams reminded us not to drift off into sleep. So, we got up again and enjoyed watching the surrounding buildings, fountains, people, trams, and bustling intersections.
Similarities Across Rivers and Cities
Many tourists wandered around in small groups, adding to the vibrancy of the place. There are indeed many similarities across the world. For instance, in the Danube River of Budapest lies Margaret Island, which is connected on both sides by bridges, much like how Bukkur or Sadh Belo lie between Sukkur and Rohri in the Indus River. Although Sadh Belo isn’t connected by a bridge, Bukkur is connected via the Sukkur Bridge and the historic Lansdowne Bridge over the river Indus.
Sometimes while traveling, one skips a few sites, and in our case, we didn’t go towards Margaret Island. Instead, we took a taxi and returned to the hotel, ending yet another memorable day of exploring the charm of Budapest.
A Reunion with Friends in the Evening
By the time we returned to the hotel, evening had already settled in. We finally got a chance to rest for a while. After a short break, we received a call from our dear Aasif Aziz Mehranvi, who informed us that he would be reaching the hotel shortly. We also got ready to head down to the hotel lobby, and just then, brother Aasif arrived along with his friend Zahid Chaudhry, who hailed from Lodhran, Punjab.
We greeted each other with warmth and familiarity, exchanged pleasantries, and inquired about each other’s well-being. Then, leaving the hotel on foot, we strolled through the night streets and eventually arrived at a desi Indigo- Indian restaurant, where brother Aasif had already booked a table for dinner. Aasif, originally from Mithi in Tharparkar, Sindh, had completed his studies in Budapest, Hungary, and was now working there. His friend Zahid was also studying there but had plans to move to Austria.
Conversations Over Dinner and Unexpected News
We were also in touch with brother Jamal Alam, but unfortunately, he was unable to meet us as he had a flight back to Pakistan that evening. Before, during, and after dinner, there was a lively and continuous conversation. They asked us about Sweden, and we, in turn, inquired about life in Hungary.
While we were still seated there, we received a call from our fellow villager, brother Shahid Bhatti, who was working at the Pakistani Embassy in Budapest. His hometown is Umeed Ali Bhatti village near Manaahi, close to Moro. Brother Shahid was supposed to meet us earlier in the evening, but due to the unfortunate death of a young Pakistani student, he had to return to the office for official matters. Nevertheless, he arrived shortly after, and we all left the restaurant together.
Night Drive to Heroes’ Square
Zahid Chaudhry bade farewell, and the rest of us got into brother Shahid’s car to explore Budapest under the lights of the night. We drove through the beautifully lit city and eventually reached Hősök tere — Heroes’ Square — and the Millennium Monument. Our friends informed us that many events are held at this square.
The weather had now become pleasantly mild. We stood there for quite some time, engaged in deep conversations and taking memorable photographs.
Final Conversations at McDonald’s
Our last chat of the night took place at McDonald’s, where we enjoyed tea, coffee, and milkshakes. A heartfelt thanks to all the kind and courteous friends who took time out of their busy lives for us. Meeting your own people while living abroad carries a unique and indescribable joy.
This marked our last night in Budapest during this trip. (Continues)
Click here for Part-1,
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Abdullah Soomro, penname Abdullah Usman Morai, hailing from Moro town of Sindh, province of Pakistan, is based in Stockholm Sweden. Currently he is working as Groundwater Engineer in Stockholm Sweden. He did BE (Agriculture) from Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam and MSc water systems technology from KTH Stockholm Sweden as well as MSc Management from Stockholm University. Beside this he also did masters in journalism and economics from Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs, Sindh. He is author of a travelogue book named ‘Musafatoon’. His second book is in process. He writes articles from time to time.
