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!