If you are not getting what I mean by 'Pest' part of Budapest, then let me tell brief you quickly. Budapest, the capital of Hungary is actually made of two cities: Buda and Pest on both sides of the Danube river before it was connected by the Chain Bridge. The entire city has a rich cultural background with lots of spots to explore including the ancient and modern ones. I decided to divide the city tour of Budapest into three parts: Buda, Pest and along the Danube river for better understanding. Pest (the flat, lively side of Budapest) has tons to offer — from grand architecture and history to great food, nightlife, and relaxing green spaces. Depending on your interests, here are some of the top things to do + a few less touristy gems.

We started our excursion at around 6 30 AM at the Szechenyi Thermal bath.

So practically our first stop was the Hero's square.

 Hősök tere or the Hero's Square: This is an iconic landmark and one of the major squares of the city. You can correlate it with the India Gate of Delhi or Independence Square of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia or the Rizal Garden of Manila, Philippines. I mean it's the independence square of this country.

Hungary became an independent state in 1896; hence its construction started in this very year. This place is also a part of the city's first subway line. This place pays homage to all the heroes who sacrificed themselves for the independence of the country.

The square has important parts on all its four sides: The Museum of fine Arts, the Palace of Arts and the Embassy of Serbia. There are innumerable statues made by a sculptor from Lendava and features the seven chieftains of Magyar. 

 Museum of Hungarian Agriculture: This is not an usual stop on a tourist list but it's at a walking distance from the Hero's Square.

Terror Haza or the House of Terror:

In today’s hyper-connected world, taking a break from screens has become a necessity rather than a luxury. Our phones, laptops, and endless notifications may keep us informed, but they also drain our focus and peace of mind. The good news? A digital detox doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a list of the top digital detox activities that can help you recharge, reconnect, and rediscover life offline.

1. Practice Morning Silence

Instead of reaching for your phone as soon as you wake up, start the day with silence. Meditate, journal, or simply enjoy your coffee without screens. This is one of the top ways to reset your mind before the digital noise begins.

2. Go on a Nature Walk

Stepping outdoors is one of the top natural stress-busters. Whether it’s a short stroll in the park or a weekend hike, the sights and sounds of nature help ground you, improve focus, and restore energy.

3. Read a Physical Book

A simple yet effective digital detox activity is picking up a paperback or hardcover. Reading is one of the top habits of mindful people, and the tactile experience of flipping pages can’t be replaced by e-readers.

4. Try a Creative Hobby

Painting, cooking, gardening, or even playing a musical instrument—creative outlets make it easier to unplug. Among the top benefits of creative hobbies is the way they shift your focus from consumption to creation.

5. Practice Yoga or Deep Breathing

Wellness practices like yoga and pranayama top the list of activities for calming the nervous system. They also give your body and mind a much-needed break from digital fatigue.

6. Write Letters or Notes

Revive the lost art of handwriting. Penning down thoughts or writing to loved ones is one of the top nostalgic joys that brings genuine connection without Wi-Fi.

7. Cook a Meal from Scratch

Cooking is both grounding and rewarding. It’s one of the top mindful activities since it engages your senses—touch, taste, smell—keeping you fully present in the moment.

8. Volunteer Your Time

Helping others offline is one of the top fulfilling experiences you can gift yourself. Whether it’s at a local shelter, school, or community event, volunteering strengthens human connections.

9. Spend Quality Time with Loved Ones

Conversations without screens are priceless. Playing board games, dining together, or sharing stories—these moments rank among the top ways to nurture relationships.

10. Declutter Your Space

A tidy environment equals a tidy mind. Decluttering tops many lifestyle reset lists because clearing out physical clutter also helps reduce mental clutter.

Final Thoughts

A digital detox doesn’t mean abandoning technology altogether—it’s about finding balance. These top digital detox activities remind us that true joy often lies in simple, offline experiences. Start small, stay consistent, and you’ll notice a healthier, more mindful version of yourself emerging.

This post was created for the Blogaberry Creative (September) Challenge with theme word (Top).

When four boys decide to travel together, you know it is going to be loud, messy, and packed with laughter. That was exactly what our Hong Kong trip turned into. We had been talking about doing something as a group for years, and finally, between work breaks and a bit of begging for leave, we locked in five days in Hong Kong. The plan was to mix adventure with food, nightlife, and just being tourists again.

One of my friends had previously booked through Thrillophilia for a trek in Himachal and suggested we try them out for this trip. To be honest, we were a little sceptical about booking such an international trip through them, but he was confident. He even pulled out his phone to show us how smoothly everything had gone for him earlier. Since no one else wanted the headache of coordinating hotels, transfers, and tickets, we just went with it. Best decision we could have made. If you ever come across Thrillophilia Hong Kong reviews, you will see why people rate them so highly.

From the moment we landed at Hong Kong airport, the arrangements fell into place without us lifting a finger. A driver with our names on a placard was waiting, which immediately saved us from the usual airport chaos. On the ride into the city, we already had our first taste of Hong Kong’s towering skyline, with buildings packed closer than anything I had seen before. The four of us were buzzing with energy, joking about how we were going to “take over Hong Kong”.

Our first evening was spent at Victoria Harbour for the Symphony of Lights show. Standing there with music playing, skyscrapers lit up in rhythm, and boats passing by, it was a surreal welcome. We tried the street food right there, stuffing ourselves with fish balls, egg waffles, and dim sum. One of my friends was daring enough to try stinky tofu, and the rest of us could not stop laughing at his expressions. That became one of those inside jokes that kept coming back the entire trip.

The next few days blurred into a mix of sightseeing and adventure. Disneyland was obviously on the list, because no matter how old you are, there is something magical about that place. We screamed ourselves hoarse on rides, posed with Mickey, and probably ate more churros than necessary. Ocean Park was another highlight, especially with the crazy roller coasters and the cable car rides over the water. That is where the hiccup happened.

Our tickets for Ocean Park, which had been pre-booked, did not scan at the gate. For a moment, we thought we were going to be stuck outside while families and tourists walked past us. We called the Thrillophilia helpline, and to our surprise, someone actually picked up instantly. Within ten minutes, the issue was sorted, and the staff at the gate handed us fresh tickets. That small problem could have ruined our day, but instead it turned into one of those moments where we felt relieved we had booked through a platform that actually had our backs.

Another big part of the trip was just walking through the city. Mong Kok night markets were chaotic and fun, and we bargained like pros, buying sneakers and gadgets we probably did not need. One evening we took the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak. That view of the entire city at night is something I will never forget. It felt like being in a movie, with lights stretching out endlessly in every direction.

We also made time for a day trip to Lantau Island to see the Big Buddha. Climbing those steps with friends, each of us trying to outdo the other in speed, was tiring but so worth it. The peaceful aura at the top made us all go quiet for a few minutes, which is rare for our group.

Food became its own adventure. We went from high-end restaurants serving roast duck to random roadside stalls with noodle bowls. We even found a small Indian place one evening when we were craving something spicy, and it felt like home. The nightlife in Lan Kwai Fong was another beast altogether. Bars, music, and people from all over the world packed into one buzzing street. It was wild, and we fit right in.

Looking back, the best part of the trip was not just the destinations but the way everything came together without stress. Having hotels that were comfortable, transfers that were on time, and tickets pre-booked gave us the freedom to focus on enjoying ourselves. We still had our little adventures, but never the unnecessary headaches that usually come with group travel.

On the flight back, all four of us agreed that this trip was exactly what we needed. It gave us stories we will retell for years, inside jokes that will pop up at random, and a reminder of how good it feels to travel with your closest friends. Hong Kong itself is an incredible mix of modern and traditional, fast-paced and serene, and I am glad we got to experience it in such a seamless way.

If I had to sum it up, it was the perfect boys’ trip, equal parts chaos and comfort. And I know for sure this will not be the last time we trust them with our travels, especially after seeing so many positive Thrillophilia reviews.

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Mads’ Cookhouse.