Saturday 14 May 2016

City break - Budapest - as seen from the water

After the trauma of the chimney fire it was good to get away from everything
for a few days doing all sorts of touristy things in Budapest.

Our first sight of the River Danube from Elizabeth Bridge.

Our first full day in Budapest
was May 1st - May Day
 the city streets around downtown were closed because a classic car road race
 was due to take place in the afternoon.


We decided that it would be a good idea to take a boat trip along the Danube River,
 to see the sights from a watery perspective, before things got too crowded.


The weather had turned cold overnight
so you might want to grab a sweater before we get on board.


The Hungarian Parliament building on Pest side is 268m long,
 has 690 rooms, 10 courtyards and 27 gates.
It houses the Hungarian Crown Jewels
including the Crown of St Stephen

The SP enjoying the cruise

The Royal Palace originally established in the mid 13th century on the Buda river bank
 is home to 2 important museums.
We visited the National Gallery later in the week and were amazed at the number of Old Masters within.
 
The Danube River has eight landmark bridges linking Buda and Pest together
Detail of one of the huge supports holding up the Margaret Bridge.
The four most important bridges are Margaret Bridge by Margaret Island,
Szechenyi Chain Bridge, Elizabeth Bridge and Liberty Bridge.


The Elizabeth Bridge, seen from the river, formed part of the route
of the classic car race later that day.
After that fascinating but chilly mini cruise we headed to the nearest kávézó for coffee.
My first ever latte served in a mason jar!
 
 

11 comments:

  1. Looks like you had a fabulous time in one of my most favorite cities Maggie - all familiar from your great photos!
    Lovely here in Dublin - sunshine everyday so far. Took train to Belfast today - very pleasant despite the sad history. Off southward to Wexford tomorrow, then Mon.in Dublin and Tues.heading for Galway.
    Keep on trucking' as they say!

    Hugs - Maary

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  2. Is this your first visit? I have heard so many people say that it is one of the loveliest places to visit. It's definitely on my list!

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  3. I really enjoyed your post as this is an area t hat we are considering visiting. Beautiful photos

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  4. Fabulous views - what an amazing area. I can't believe that mason jars have spread the world over - I always ask for a regular glass when we see that they are serving in jars - I think it is just awful to drink from a jar - jmho - but your travels are wonderful.

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  5. Wonderful pictures, Maggie. I've always wondered what Budapest was like...you might laugh but I saw an episode on International House Hunters on HGtV where a couple were looking for an apartment there. A condensed sort of way to get to know a country!

    Looking forward to more posts!

    Jane

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  6. I've never visited there, so I enjoyed looking over your shoulder and seeing those beautiful buildings. I'm sure you enjoyed a break away after your chimney fire, that must have been a very stressful time, So glad the damage was not too disastrous..

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  7. That looks a lovely trip. So pleased to see some photos.... coffee in a mason jar is a bit odd though!

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  8. It sounds as though it is a splendid holiday and so well needed after your fire! Keep enjoying!

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  9. Budapest was on our travel list, but canceled our trip when Sadie came to live with us that spring. Thanks for sharing your sights. Perhaps one day we'll get there. Looks like a beautiful visit, Maggie.

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  10. So enjoyed your snapshots. Thanks for sharing.

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Thanks for stopping by, your visit just made my day!