Budapest Day 4 - St Stephen's Basilic and Kincsem Races

 There was a change in the weather on Sunday as we had light showers in the Hungarian capital.

The Metro took us downtown where the first visit was to St Stephen's Basilica. This is a hugely impressive building with a frontage leading onto a large Square.

Next stop was Elizabeth park with its giant Ferris wheel and ornate fountain. 

In the afternoon it was off to the Races at Kincsem park. Sadly, we could not pick any winners but the decent crowd enjoyed some thrilling horse racing.

Overall, we have thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the Hungarian Capital of Budapest. The people have been helpful and friendly, the public transport system has been clean and efficient. 

We have only scratched the surface of what there is to see and do in the City, but what we have seen has been impressive.

Day 3 Hero's Square and Cruising the River Danube

 On the Saturday we took a bus to Hero's Square, this is quite an impressive place with statues of various historical characters in the History of Hungary. 

We then strolled over to Varosliget City Park.

We stopped off at the park's cafe for a coffee and got try out the famous Chimney cake.

We then visited Budapest zoo, but we were not impressed,  many of the animals looked tired and on reflection, I am sorry we went there.

We hopped on the Metro  and crossed the river and it was a steep walk up to Fisherman's Bastion.

Sadly we thought the place was over Commercialized by building a Starbucks and a Hilton hotel right in the middle of this historical site. But the church was very impressive as was the views back to the City. 

As we walked around the stunning Matthias

Church we saw a bride and groom celebrating their wedding. 

We had a very nice Lunch at Horgásztanya Vendéglő.

In the evening we made our way down once again to the Danube and had a drink at the Kiosk Budapest, where we tried the local drink of Palinka.

We then boarded a river Cruise boat for a evening cruise along the River. All the main historical landmarks were lit up and they looked quite magical from the boat. 

We then stopped off at the Trocadero Restaurant for a glass of wine and a pizza while two superb musicians on guitar and violin played an array of tunes.

Budapest: Day 2 The Parliment Building and The City

 On a clear, crisp morning we jumped on the Metro and made our way to the Hungarian parliament building.  This is a very impressive building sitting on the bank of the Danube. 

The surrounding area is immaculately kept and has a number of superb statues and monuments. 

We then strolled along the river bank until we reached the "Shoes on the Danube",  a very moving monument to the victims who were shot by the Nazi's in the second world war.

We the hopped on a tram and visited the Great market hall, this hugely impressive building was built in 1897. There is  array of fresh food stalls selling spices, sausages  fresh fruit and vegetables. 

We decided to have a bite to eat in the market and both enjoyed the goulash. 

We then walked across the liberty bridge, where every form on transport seems to cross or go under this beautiful old bridge.

We were now on the Buda side of the City and we strolled down the bank of the Danube in warm sunshine and onto Buda castle. 

We took the funicular up to the castle walls that have superb views across the river to the City. 

We strolled around the grounds that have an impressive number of fountains,  statues,  museums and an art gallery. We stopped of for a quick refreshing beer that seemed to be served in some kind of champagne glass.

In the evening  visited a French street market selling various wines, cheese platters, snails and sausages.