Budapest, Hungary
Whether crossing the Chain Bridge, the most recognizable symbol of the city with the lions guarding each end, from the Buda side to the Pest side, exploring the fantastic Royal Palace of Buda Castle District with all its museums, just a short walk up the hill from the Carlton Hotel (you can also take a funicular to the top), or walking around this historic city, we fell in love with Budapest.
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, was created when three historic towns - Buda, Pest and Obuda - were unified in 1873. The Danube River splits Budapest in half. The city was partly destroyed by British and American air raids during World War II and major damage was also caused by the Soviets and Germans The Buda side is scenically hilly and the Pest side flat. The Pest side holds the important government buildings (Parliment), more museums, St. Stephen's Basilica, Opera House, the three main train stations (Keleti, Nyugati and Deli) and the Vaci utca shopping area.
Off the train in Budapest's Keleti Station, and back to the very nice Carlton Hotel, with its great location on the Buda side of the Danube River. Again, the Carlton Hotel gave complimentary Budapest Cards, usable on public transport. The Carlton was within walking distance of everything and had one of the best breakfast buffets I've ever seen.
Public transport was a snap to figure out and take. One day we even took their above-ground suburban train out to Szentendre. Below is a bad copy of their transport map but it will give you a general idea of the simplicity... There are only a few taxi companies that are recommended - Budataxi, Fo, Radio and Tele5. The hotels will be glad to call one for you or look for one of these on the street. Otherwise, don't be surprised if your taxi takes you for a "ride" in more ways than one. Stick to public transport if you can.
August 20 is Hungary's National Day with lots and lots of celebrating going on...fireworks, military parades, concerts, etc. If you are thinking of visiting during this time, make your reservations now! National Day celebrates Szent Istvan (Stephen), the first Christian king of Hungary. in the year 1000 There is a high mass on that day followed by a procession, carrying Stephen's preserved Right Hand through the streets. On all other days, you can visit his Right Hand in St. Stephen's Basilica. They also celebrate the "Holiday of the new bread" on the same day and the new bread is blessed in front of Matthias Church.
The most important sites to see were:
- St. Stephen's Basilica with its landmark dome that can be seen from all over the city, and home of the "Hand," Hungary's most revered relic. This church seats 8,500 persons and is huge. You can view the entire city from the cupola;
- The Chain Bridge, first permanent bridge over the Danube. In the 15th century, pontoon bridges were used until the river froze in the winter. Then, people could cross on foot or drive a horse and cart over. The Chain Bridge was officially opened in 1849. During our three days, there was a constant flow of people crossing and taking photos, entertainers at both ends, boat traffic passing under the bridge and you can even take a hydrofoil services during the summer (from April to October) to Vienna. The international boat landings are situated between the Chain Bridge and Freedom Bridge;
- Fishermen's Bastion, this big wedding cake looking object, never served as a defense. (The definition of Bastion is a fortified place. I had to look up the meaning of Bastion.) It was built as a lookout terrace and called Fishermen's Bastion because the Fishermen's Guild was responsible for defining this part of the castle ramparts;
- Margaret Bridge and Island. You cross to Margaret Island over a seven-buttressed bridge, built to French design, opened in 1876. Margaret Island, a former royal hunting ground, is used by the locals for boating, biking, swimming (swimming pools), two spa hotels, traffic-free; and
and we hadn't even seen a small fraction of Budapest...
