We meet our local tour guide Aniko at our hotel and head off for 4 hours of non-stop walking while providing historical overview, cultural insight, and personal insights. What an energetic, knowledgeable lady!
We start first on the Pest side of the Danube, exploring the streets, museums and parks of the newer side of Budapest. Including the Szechenyi Baths (Budapest's thin crust covers a huge reservoir of natural hot water). Budapest has 123 natural springs and 24 thermal baths. We didn't swim, but the Speedo and bikini clad pot bellied locals seemed to be having a lovely time.
Heroes Square - 1,000 plus years of Hungarian history in a nutshell.
And much, much, more! Next we boarded the #16 bus for the ride to the top of Buda hill. First we visited Matthias Church where Hungarian kings were crowned.
15th century sculpture in Matthias Church.
Lovely stained glass.
Coffee and cakes at Ruszwurm, the oldest cafe in Budapest (1827) still employing the original, vintage furniture.
And returned to Pest in time for an organ concert that rocked St Istvan's Basilica.
And then dinner at classy, highly rated, Cafe Kor. Luckily we snuck in early, as every table was booked for the evening.
Authentic Hungarian hideg gyumolcs leves (cream-based, cold fruit soup), ours was strawberry.
Walking home we passed a collection of "love locks". Lovers have their name engraved on a lock, then lock it to the structure signifying lasting love.
Off to bed after coffee and dessert at our elegant Gerlóczy Hotel cafe.
Where's your locks?
ReplyDeleteYeah, you made it to Ruszwurm!
ReplyDelete