After a smooth train out of Vienna we spent a few delightful days with glorious weather in Budapest. I hadn't been here since 1997, and that visit was extremely brief, so it was a treat for me to return to see this city again.
An introductory river cruise on the Danube
Stopped off for a quick spin around Margaret Island
Hungarian Parliament
Central Market Hall
The exterior of our hotel
Pre-dinner drinks at Szimpla Kert
Dinner at New York Cafe, a star demonstrating the true opulence of the central European grand cafes
Mihaly Vorosmart statue
The moving Shoes on the Danube sculpture memorialising those murdered at the river during WWII
We took a guided tour inside Parliament. It was truly incredible.
Stunning main hall
Gorgeous senate chambers
A walk across Chain Bridge over to Buda
Charming Castle Hill quarter in Buda
Matthias Church
More Buda wanderings. We also visited the Hospital in the Rock, an underground hospital and nuclear shelter from WWII and the Cold War, up here. Photos were not allowed. The displays might have been pretty kitschy (if not funny looking), but overall very well done and worthwhile experience shedding light on this period in Hungary.
Fishermans Bastion
Glorious sunset over Chain Bridge
Glorious central hall ceiling over the lobby and restaurant in our hotel
St. Stephen's Basilica
Opera House
Hero's Square
Vajdahunyad Castle
Final lunch at the Gundel Cafe
