"Budapest - Beauty Shines Everywhere" a Budapest Travel Page by Mikebb

We came to Budapest with high expectations, magnificant buildings, culture, history, the Danube, and most importantly the people. Hungary had always been in the back of my mind since in the late 50's a Hungarian boy joined my class at school, his family had escaped after the 1956 uprising against the Russian occupation. Our week 's stay proved to be a delight and no disappointment with our expectations, in fact it was better than we expected.

It was easy to tell that this country had been through hard times, World War 2, 1956 uprising, Russian occupation until the late 1980's, as many buildings were in need of renovation.We visited a new Museum, The House Of Terror, which had graphic displays of times covering W W 2 to the departure of the Russian forces. You soon get an appreciation of what hardship Hungarians have endured over these years.

What we soon realised is the spirit of these people, how they are rebuilding their life and city.The good thing is that the city still retains the beautiful old buildings, many in the process of renovation. Buildings which look shabby on the outside generally are beautifully decorated inside, do not walk past these buildings spend a minute to look inside and you should be pleasantly surprised.

The Castle area must not be missed and you can easily spend a day there. Fabulous buildings, churches,monuments abound, do not miss Matthias Church, Fishermens Bastion, statute of St Stephen, Royal Palace now a museum, and the best view of Pest and the Danube river with all its bridges.Have lunch at one of the many restaurants

The Castle district can be visited at night and I am sure on a clear night you will obtain a beautiful view of the city. We did not take a night visit but took this picture from the Erzsebet Bridge , Pest side.