1 - Yoda
Start at Szent Gellert ter, hidden inside the station of Metro 4 it’s a tiny sculpture of Yoda, one of Kolodko’s most recent additions.
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What else is nearby?
Liberty Bridge
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Enjoy the stunning views over Liberty Bridge, don’t miss the popular scenery with old school trams coming & going
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Gellért Thermal Bath
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Relax at Gellert Thermal Bath. Built in Art Nouveau style this is one of the most beautiful options if you’d like to visit the one of many thermal spas in the city.
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Citadel Lookout
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Unmatched views of Budapest in turn for a little hike up the hill.
P.S: At the time of publishing this guide, part of this sight is under construction.
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2 - Vuk
Kolodko: Himbálózó Vuk miniszobor
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There is a debate around the tiny creature swinging on the bomb. Some say it's Vuk, the little fox from the 1980s Hungarian cartoon.
Unsure what would be the relation between the hill, the bomb, and Vuk.
Link to a short description & the cartoon added below.
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The walk up to the Citadel is less than 20 minutes from here, and if you don't mind a little detour, you will be rewarded with stunning views over Budapest.
⚠︎ At the time of writing this part of Citadel is under construction, you can still walk up to a certain point or on slightly different routes. ⚠︎
If pampering is more your vibe, Rudas Bath is just a stone throw away from our second stop.
Rudas Thermal Bath
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An often overlooked thermal bath with a rooftop jacuzzi.
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Erzsébet Bridge
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For the best views head to Szent Gellert szobor, just a few steps up the hill.
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3 - Ratatouille
Next, walk a few minutes towards the river and you’ll find this miniature creature.
Lecso gastro rat mini statue by Kodolko
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Lecso is the Hungarian word for Ratatouille. Most probably referring to the American comedy, assuming the little creature depicts Remy.
Fun fact, lecso is a Hungarian dish. A thick vegetable stew combining staple ingredients in Hungarian cuisine: tomato, pepper, and paprika. There are various versions, veggie, with sausage, eggs, etc.
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If you'd like to stop for a coffee & some sweets, I highly recommend visiting the neighborhood's hidden gem, Asztalka.
Asztalka Cukrászda
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Coffee & cake in your friend’s living room kinda place
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4 - Nincs kompot!
Less than 10 minutes walk along the river, and you will find yourself at the next stop.
Kolodko: "Nincs kompót" miniszobor
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"Nincs kompot" could be translated to "There is no compote" The scene is from a Hungarian comedy about WW2 - "A tizedes, meg a többiek / The corporal and the others" where the Russians are already in the pantry, while the Germans are in the dining room.
TIP: Wait for one of the old-school trams to pass by and snap a shot.
This is the movie in Hungarian, with English subtitles: https://vimeo.com/groups/641529/videos/244172172
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Another opportunity for desserts & potentially for a meal is Felix. Named after Miklos Ybl's son it is not only a restaurant but a full-fledged contemporary art space.
Miklos Ybl was one of Europe's leading architects and the man behind architectural marvels such as the Hungarian State Opera House.
FELIX Kitchen&Bar
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Elegant dining by the river, their ‘Aranygaluska’ is to die for - the Hungarian dessert you don’t want to miss.
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Don't miss the scenic panorama from the Castle Bazaar & The Royal Gardens just across the road, which was also built by the designs of Miklos Ybl.
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5 - Rabbit
Continue walking down the river until you get to the Furnicular, so you can arrive at the next stop in style whilst admiring more breathtaking views of this beautiful city.
If you’d rather skip the furnicular, head left to incorporate Buda Castle to your walk, or cross the road & walk up to this scenic spot on the right.
The Rabbit with the checkered ears
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This miniature rabbit is from the Hungarian animated children's series that was in production between 1974 and 1976 at Pannonia Filmstudio. Bunny in a suitcase might ring the bell if you are from the US. TIP: Goes without saying, this is a primary location for photos.
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From here you can easily visit Buda Castle, explore its museums, stroll through the impressive courtyards, and take in the spectacular view.
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If you walk towards Fisherman's Bastion via Disz ter you can visit The House of Houdini.
The House of Houdini
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Learn about the Hungarian-born Harry Houdini and enjoy live magic entertainment.
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This is also a great spot to have lunch or dinner with plenty of options in the area.
There is a somewhat hidden gem as well, from Boldog XI. Ince Papa street look for ‘Iskola lepcso’ [meaning School Steps] and you’ll find a peaceful garden with views over Fisherman’s Bastion.
You can also head down towards the river from here, towards Ilona Steps.
6 - Chief Worm
Once you made it down from Castle District, you’ll be able to visit the miniature statues along Danube River - like this Chief Worm.
Chief Worm mini statue by Kolodko
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Chief Worm is a character from the TV series "The Big Ho-Ho Angler" about a fisherman and his bait. You can listen to the theme song here: https://youtu.be/51-bdDkvIFA?si=3SVC1sKgdfQKVFE5 There is an identical mini-sculpture along the Ung River in Ukraine which is known to be bringing luck to fishermen.
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7 - Rubik’s Cube
A few more minutes walk along the embankment and you’ll get to Rubik’s Cube, just down the stairs overlooking the Parliament Building.
Rubik's Cube mini statue by Kolodko
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Chances are you have seen or even tried to solve the colorful 3D puzzle before. With more than 500 million cubes sold, it is the world's bestselling toy. Originally called Magic Cube, this intriguing game was invented in 1974 by Rubik Erno, a Hungarian professor of architecture. TIP: Pick up a Rubik's Cube as a souvenir at Jatekvar on this route - https://www.regiojatek.hu/aruhaz-47-mammut-ii.html TIP+1: Great photo spot with the Parlament in the background.
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8 - Mini Tank
Another few more minutes and you’ll get to see the Mini Tank, also overlooking the Hungarian Parliament Building.
Mini Tank Sculpture - Kolodko
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This miniature tank is near the memorial of Kossuth Bridge with a drooping muzzle indicating that the war has ended. During WW2 all five of the city's bridges had been blown up by the retreating German troops. A pontoon bridge was created for military logistical purposes. When it became evident that this temporary bridge was insufficient, a decision was made to build a spar-type bridge in record time. The Kossuth Bridge was named after the patriot leader of Hungary's 1848-49 revolution and stood over the Danube from 1946 to 1960. You can read more about the bridge here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kossuth_Bridge
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9 - Dogs
Now heading towards Szell Kalman ter, you’ll run into some dogs - also courtesy of Kolodko.
Kolodko: "Egyszer volt Budán kutyavásár" miniszobrok
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This is a wonderful neighbourhood, below there are some spots I’d recommend to visit whilst around.
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Pékműhely
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Pekmuhely is the best bakery in town, this is one of the three spots they have. Try the sajtos pogacsa ( cheese scone ) and kakaoscsiga ( cacao roll )
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10 - Mekk Elek
Another miniature art piece awaits you at Szell Kalman ter, you’ll find it by the stairs, close to the stop for tram 17.
Kolodko: Elek Mekk, the Handyman
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Back in the days, between 1974 and 75 to be exact, Mekk Elek was streamed on TV to captivate kids across Hungary. In this puppet show, similar to Sesame Street, we are entertained by the main character who is supposedly a handyman. Throughout the many attempts, he does not seem to attain the tricks of any trade fully. The sign in Mekk Elek's hand refers to the former name of the square, formerly Moszkva ter. You can take a look at the puppet show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eVtl5lv9uk
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11 - Trabant
Our next stop is a bit further away, if you are not keen to walk, take tram 17 or 4/6 and get off by Margaret Bridge.
Back to the riverfront, this piece is unusually bigger than the rest, which will hopefully help you in the hunt.
Trabant by Mihály Kolodko
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Trabants were made in the former NDK - East Germany. Apparently, out of all the Communist countries, Hungary had the most. Other countries like the former Czechoslovakia had the Skoda, Romania the Dacia, the Soviet Union the Lada, and East Germany also had the Wartburg. Read this article if you’d like to know more: http://disappearingbudapest.blogspot.com/2008/03/trabant-tales.html
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12 - In Vino Veritas
Hop back on tram 17 ( 19 & 41 will do too ) and get off at ‘Katinyi martirok parkja’. Walk in to the amphitheatre and look for a tiny legionnaire.
Kolodko: „In vino veritas” (Borban az igazság) miniszobor
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Situated in the Aquincum Military Amphitheater, this mini-sculpture depicts a Roman legionnaire holding a small wine jug. The title speaks for itself - in wine there is truth. Talking of which, don't miss out on Hungarian wine when visiting. Fun fact: Kolodko also placed a similar legionnaire in Croatia's Pula Arena, another Roman Amphitheater.
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13 - Aranka & Bela
Last one on the Buda side will require a bit of commitment, you can either take tram 17 back to Szell Kalman ter and take 56 or 61 until Kelemen Laszlo utca. Or hop on the bus nr. 29 which will take you straight to Pasareti ter.
Kolodko: Aranka néni és Béla bácsi (Virágárus házaspár) miniszobor
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The local community commissioned this mini sculpture in memory of the florist couple who once worked at the market.
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If you got this far you may be in for a treat by visiting Pasareti Bisztro.
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About the artist
“I was born in Uzhhorod in 1978 year. In 2002 year I have graduated from Lviv Academy of Arts, department of monumental sculpture. The possibility to be expressed by large forms always attracted me, but the large amount of interesting themes have blocked it. That’s why, I decided to use the format of city miniature in 2010 year. It gave me a lot of advantages: speed, mobility, value, and the confidence, that even in small form it is possible to depict monumental idea. It inspires me a lot.”
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