The Streets of Budapest

For some reason I wasn’t too excited about coming to Budapest. We have been “on the road” for over three months. I am a bit travel weary. After London, Berlin, Prague, and Vienna, what else could Budapest have to offer?

It turns out, a lot. Budapest has become my favorite city, and the only one that I would like to turn into an extended stay on a future trip. Here’s why:

Budapest has it all. Art, music, architecture, history, local and international cuisine, handicrafts, and traditional culture all wrapped up in a vibrancy and with prices that are a Savvy Seniors dream.

Budapest stands back with a wink and says, “Ok, you have seen castles but check this out. You like art? What about an entire Frida Kahlo exhibit straight from the museum in Mexico? Want music? Try a symphony orchestra, in an enchanted castle setting. Tired? A dip in a natural hot mineral bath would hit the spot.”

And then to add the “piece de resistance” Budapest wraps this up in a metro system that is bar none for efficiency, and comfort.

(I am covering the Szecheny Baths and the Vajdahunyad Castle in other posts, so please check those out, as well) For right now, let’s take a stroll around the streets of Budapest.

Pics of our first day in Budapest, including a few of the lovely Urania theater:

Budapest night scapes:

Budapest, a few of the rest:

The Gellert side of town. The exquisite Gellert Baths and Gellert mountain. The guide books talk about Gellert “Hill” like it is a walk in the park. Don’t believe them. Yvonne and I made the grueling trek nearly to the top but the last hundred yards or so were torture. This is not a hike for the elderly or those not in good physical shape. Check out the pics and our satisfied smiles at the top. You can see the tower at the top of some of the other pics on the right side:

Prague Castle, St Vitus Cathedral, Czech Republic Photo Gallery

Prague Castle, begun in the mid 1300s, is considered to be the largest castle complex in the world. On the same site is Roman Catholic, St Vitus Cathedral. Both are a short walk up from the Charles Bridge. However due to the steepness of the climb, we chose to take a taxi up the hill to the castle and take the relatively easy 15 minute walk back down to Charles Bridge. We would recommend that course to you as well.