Budapest - Day Two: Castle Hill and More

This city just keeps wowing us.  Tom, Lori and I immediately liked Budapest, and while Prague really was amazing, it definitely felt a bit more "discovered" and touristy.  So far, Budapest feels more like a real city where we see life going on for Hungarians in reality.  It could also be the time of year that we are visiting.  Who knows?  But one thing's for sure.  This is a fun city with interesting people.

This morning, I would meet Tom and Lori on the west side of the Danube in Buda.  Our hotel is in Pest on the east side of the river.  The top sight to see in Buda is Castle Hill.

Today was a PERFECT bluebird day in the low 70s, absolutely ideal weather to stroll for miles around the city.  I decided to use the metro/bus system to get to the castle and it's a great way to go.  The system is easy to figure out, inexpensive and gets you around quickly.  Budapest is bigger than Prague and using the metro makes better use of your time here.  I took the underground trains a few stops, then walked to a bus stop to go the rest of the way across the river and up the hill.

I followed Rick Steves' guidebook directions and it was a snap.  Once I was up at the castle, I decided to follow Rick's 2-hour walk around the castle hill area.  Here are a few photos from the morning:

 Parliament Building on East side of Danube River

 The Funicular - one option to get up Castle Hill

Check out this crazy tourist.  I was looking out at the great view of the Danube River and to my right was someone walking underneath this tall statue.  

 Hope you don't lose your balance because...there's a big drop

Here she is taking a photo of the statue

Luckily I did not see her plummet to her almost certain death.

At the end of Rick's walk, you end up in a nice little square with Matthias Church front and center, and behind it, spectacular panoramic views of the Danube River and Pest.  Unlike most churches in Europe, there was actually an entrance fee for Matthias Church!  Most churches at least give free access to the main part of the church and may charge something for climbing the tower or viewing the crypts, etc.  The upside to charging an entrance fee is that it was pleasantly uncrowded and quiet inside.

 Matthias Church

Colored Tile Roof (reminiscent of Hospices de Beaune in Burgundy!) 

 Sumptuous Warm Interior

Beautiful Ceilings 

Area just outside the church 

Another Angle on Matthias Church

 Beautiful Walk on other side of Castle Hill 

(looking into the Buda Hills)

At this point in the early afternoon, Tom and Lori had caught up to me and checked out the church on their own as I recommended it highly.  While they did that, I grabbed a quick bite and vino just behind the church in a cafe with a primo view of the river and the Parliament.  Not a bad view from my table!!

 A Memorable View for a Snack

(Laurie - I wish you were here!)

 Yes, I was actually here

When Tom and Lori were done with their tour of the church, we all walked down to the nearest metro station to grab a train to the Hungarian Opera House for a tour there.  But first, one more quick stop to take yet another photograph of this magnificent architectural masterpiece:

Can't stop photographing this building

The Opera House is next....