A little history... Budapest is located in and is the capital of Hungary. The Danube River runs through Budapest and use to spilt the two cities, Buda (on the left in my pictures) that is more hilly and green with Pest the more flat, lively city. In 1873 the two cities became one.
Exploring the Buda Castle
The first palace was built in the thirteenth century, but nothing remains of that one. The foundation of our current castle though is from the fourteenth century, with mostly sixteenth century building above it.
Fisherman's Bastion
The terrace was rebuilt in the late 1890's and early 1900's as a part of the restoration process. The terrace helps tourist to view the Danube River, Parliament, Margaret Island and amazing city views of Budapest.
Parliament
The building started in 1885 and was completed in 1904. It is a beautiful Gothic and Renaissance Revival style architecture (I knew one day all of my architectural history classes would be very relevant).
Our hotel/New York Cafe
We stayed at a hotel contacted to (well it was basically apart of the New York Cafe. The New York Cafe had beautifully adorned ceilings- the girls thought it looked like a palace, and kept calling our hotel a palace- haha. We ate breakfast here every morning which made the girls very happy.
Roaming around in Budapest
There is just so much to see and do.
Chain Bridge
Church Matthias
During our Cruise down the Danube River
At the Szechenyi Thermal Spa
Budapest is considered the 'City of Spas' and one of the most famous ones is the Szechenyi Thermal Spa. Children are not allowed in the "medicinal" waters but there are thermal pools below a certain temperature that they can enjoy, so we took turns going into the medicinal water while the other entertained the girls in the pools. It truly was a relaxing and wonderful experience after two full days and knowing we had another one ahead of sight seeing.
Budapest at night
Sights of Citadel & from Gellert Hill
Citadel was constructed more as a threat than as a fortress, but that worked. Gellert Hill is where it is located so it can have views of both Buda and Pest (at the times separate). Also erected on the top of the hill is the statue of the woman holding the olive branch that demonstrates peace after WWII.
St Stephen's Basilica
Hero's Square, Millennium Park, and Vajdahunyad Castle
Great Market Hall
Jewish Synagogue
A gorgeous building and very symbolic courtyard. Over 2000 men and woman laid buried in the courtyard- they are currently in the process of making it more of a memorial for these individuals.
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