Budapest Things to Do Tips by shrimp56

The square in front of Mathias... Buda Castle - Budavar Review

The square in front of Mathias Templon
The statue in the middle of the square is found in various versions throughout the Catholic countries of Europe.

'Main Street', Castle Hill Buda Castle - Budavar Review

Although two streets run most of the length of Castle Hill, you are funneled down one rather than the other as you leave the funicular and turn to the right. There are plenty of opportunities to buy tourist-type gifts for the folks back home -- but buy your paprika in a grocery store -- it will be fresher and cost a whole lot less. There are also restaurants on this street, but they are also touristic and overpriced.You can catch the 'varbus' back to Moskva Ter at several points along the street.

A fountain next to the castle. Buda Castle - Budavar Review

You have to poke around Castle Hill for the hidden secrets -- the fact is though, that many of the sights you see there are reconstructions after WWII bombings. I can't remember what this fountain represents -- I'm accepting help here:)

The Hungarian National Gallery... Hungarian National Gallery Review

The Hungarian National Gallery of Art
Hungary has many interesting artists in her history. The picture on the left is by the Hungarian Impressionist, SZINYEI MERSE, Pál. [In Hungary the first name is last.] It is called 'Picnic in May.' [<i>The image is from: <a href=http://www.kfki.hu/keptar/index_en.html>http://www.kfki.hu/keptar/index_en. tml</a></i>]

Directions: This is one of the several galleries in the castle. You enter at the front center of the building.

The view from in front of the...

The view from in front of the castle
You can see the famous Chain Bridge across the Danube River and St. Stephen's basilica in the distance. This was taken on a very hot, humid and, obviously, hazy day.

Address: Buda side of Budapest

The Castle Gate Buda Castle - Budavar Review

When you get off the 'siklo' this gate is to your left. The 'castle' houses several museums, among them the Hungarian National Gallery of Art. It's my favorite -- I like seeing the history of art filtered through the Hungarian imagination. Nagyon szep!
<p> To the right is the rest of 'castle hill' -- the main street leads to Mathias Templon and the Fisherman's Bastion.

Address: Buda side of Budapest

The stairs DOWN from Castle... Buda Castle - Budavar Review

The stairs DOWN from Castle Hill
When you are finished with your visit to Castle Hill you can walk DOWN these stairs rather than double back to the funicular. [You can see Mathias Templon at the top!] From the bottom it is a short walk to the Bathyanyi Ter metro stop. I only recommend down!

The view from Fisherman's...

The view from Fisherman's Bastion
The view across the Danube to Pest from the bastion is amazing. The big building is the Hungarian Parliament. That building and the chain bridge are lit up at night,

St. Mathias Buda Castle - Budavar Review

This statue is between the church and the bastion. [<i>picture by one of our students. Thanks Linda!</i>]

The Fisherman's Bastion Fisherman Bastion - Halaszbastya Review

This is a fantasy notion of what a bastion would look like -- it couldn't be defended for five minutes! You have to pay a small amount to walk the 'ramparts', but the views are spectacular! There are a couple of cafes up there -- pricey though!