Curated in Residence 2025: Looking Back (Part Seven): BUDAPEST!

Finally ... the real reason the trip was extended to August: F1.

F1 track in Budapest
(photo by Kevin)

Kevin loves F1 racing, and we both love Budapest, so his birthday present to himself was a ticket to the F1 race at Hungaroring, the track just outside Budapest.

Best Birthday: picking up a Formula One race ticket!

Before the race, we joined our favorite Hungarian chef for a cooking class. We took our first in-person class with Marti back in 2018, continuing with Zoom classes during the pandemic, and returning to in-person classes in 2022. Though Marti noted that we'd already cooked all the things being prepared in the 2025 scheduled class, we were delighted to join the fun once more!

Cooking with our favorite Hungarian, Chef Marti

Kevin practicing his Hortobágyi Pancake flipping technique with Chef Marti!

The next day, it was time for the F1 race. While Kevin was off doing racy things, I explored more of this city that I can't get enough of.

Karla never misses a chance to visit Fisherman's Bastion
in the Castle District.

This was my fourth trip to Budapest, so I'd already seen pretty much all of the most popular tourist spots and many of those off the beaten path. During my free time, I enjoyed checking off a few things that have long been on my Budapest Wish List.

On the Zugliget chairlift

Karla found a little cave while hiking up János-hegy

I finally had the chance to take the Zugliget chairlift up to János-hegy -- János Hill -- the highest peak in Budapest. Visitors have the option to take the lift one way and hike the other, but I booked a round-trip ticket and hiked several miles at the top.

The "Franz Joseph" miniature sculpture by Kolodko.

I also found a few new Kolodko Minis, the tiny sculptures found around Budapest and now in other cities around the world. If you're not looking for them, you'd likely miss them. But a self-guided Kolodko Mini Scavenger Hunt is on my Must Do list every visit! This year, I added Lisa Simpson!

"Lisa Simpson" Kolodko Mini

For scale, an iPhone next to a Kolodko Mini

And I took the train out to Lake Balaton. Because Hungary is a land-locked country, a weekend on the water is a special time. Most American visitors will spend their limited vacation time exploring Budapest's amazing sights and history. But for a relaxing weekend mid-vacation, Lake Balaton is the perfect getaway!

American visitors to Lake Balaton should note that English is not widely spoken. I found a student who'd studied in the US to help me navigate this adorable pink boat rental.

The author floating on Lake Balaton

After the race, Kevin and I hiked to the Apathy Rock Lookout. It's a well-hidden but enjoyable trail system in the hills above the Danube. And of course, any hike deserves a soak at one of Budapest's famous thermal baths. This trip, we visited Lukács Thermal Bath, which we really enjoyed -- again, as we had visited there in 2022. No pictures in the baths!

Karla and Kevin hiking to Apáthy Rock Lookout

The arrow points to where Karla hiked János-hegy on her own.

During our visit, we stayed in the most fabulous apartment overlooking the Danube River. Each time I've visited, I've stayed in a different part of town. This was definitely the least touristy option so far, and if it's available in the future, I'll never stay anywhere else. Decorated in Mid Century Modern -- including some authentic pieces -- and filled with books and art from the owners' travels, this apartment is a gem!