Buda + Pest = Budapest

Our European adventure started in Budapest. Good pal Maesy flew here from UK to join us! We were mighty glad that the Icelandic volcano was easing off and all European flights had resumed by then!

A little trivia about this city: The Danube river divides the city in two. The west side of the city was originally called Buda and the East Pest, hence Budapest.

Day 1: Buda castle district, Andrassy ut, Heroes square

State Opera House. We didn't visit the interior though we did have our first breakfast at a tiny cafe opposite.

After breakfast, we strolled towards the Danube river. This is a picture of the Royal Palace and Buda castle district taken from the Pest side.

We crossed Chain bridge by foot and took a funikular up to Buda castle. The funikular cost 800 HUF (approx EUR3.20) one-way and lasted less than 30 seconds so we did feel rather cheated. View from the top.

View of Chain bridge and Pest, including the Parliament house in the background.

Fisherman's bastion.

An image of the Fisherman's bastion taken off the reflective panels of Hilton hotel. See the man on my left looking on with interest? After we snapped this picture, he proceeded to do the same!

Strolling along Andrassy ut, a pretty boulevard lined with neatly planted identical trees.

Heroes square, where we jumped for joy! It is also known as the Millenium Memorial with statues of the leaders of the seven tribes that founded Hungary in the 9th century and other outstanding figures of Hungarian history.

Best meal in Budapest at Paprika restaurant! The goulash soup and huge breaded mushrooms were yums!

Parliament House by night. We took tram #2 along the Danube river, which was very pleasant but got lost going back to our hotel! Haha


Day 2: Central Market, Gellert Hill

We visited the Central Market early in the morning and had fun shopping for local produce (paprika) and fridge magnets, and trying out their local bread (cold and tough?). As you can see, the Hungarians take their paprika quite seriously!

A view of the pretty Liberty bridge. We crossed over the bridge by foot and climbed Gellert Hill.

Liberty statue from the top of Gellert Hill.

After a tiring climb, back to Vörösmarty square to chill out at Gerbeaud's. The cakes there are incredibly expensive and slightly overrated?? But the cafe offered the best view of the square and was perfect for people watching!

P and I were supposed to go to the Szechenyi bath after Maesy left but we were too tired and lazy and ended up snoozing at the hotel instead. Next up, Prague!