Kiskiraktlany – László Marton (1925–2008) Prize-winning Hungarian sculptor from Budapest, Hungary created the Little Princess Statue sitting on the railings of the Danube promenade. You’ll walk by her a number of times as this is one of the most stunning walks alongside the river you could ever wish to undertake. As I noted a long time ago, one visit to Budapest is just not enough.

An afternoon ride on an hour-long sojourn, up and down the Danube really is not sufficient. I’ve now spotted MS Treasures of which I’ll be boarding the next day with my Tauck Academy group to become a Certified Travel Agent selling river cruises.

Parliament Building on the banks of the river is always a drawcard. It stretches 268 metres in length along the Danube embankment – ornamented with white neo-gothic turrets and arches, it’s one of the most outstanding landmarks of the Pest side.

There’s several bridges in Budapest connecting both sides of the city which were formed in 1873 by the union of Buda, being on the right bank of the river with Pest on the left bank. The Chain Bridge is one of the favourites, especially at night when it’s all lit up.

St Stephen statue in the Castle district of Budapest.

Gargoyles galore!

Buda Castle – a must see!

Incredible views back over the city and Danube River which makes this city one of the most popular in Europe and along with river cruising.

St Stephen’s Cathedral is open to the public but there is a fee to enter. Best to go when Mass is on.

You’ll see free concerts at a number of cathedrals throughout Europe, particularly before Christmas. My best advice is go early if you’re wanting to see these performances …

Walking around the city and enjoying the warmth, architecture, street art and sculptures of which there’s plenty to admire.

Not too far from here there’s the markets and a short walk away.

The Great Market Hall is located at the end of the famous pedestrian shopping street Váci utca and on the Pest side of the Liberty bridge at Fővám square.

Traditional food and cost was about $7.50 Australian dollars. Just what I needed after all that walking. Hungary – renown for hot, spicy gulash.

Enjoying some more scenery around the city with plenty of great shopping and cafes.

Growing well even though this is the month of November.

Budapest also has an excellent public transportation system. If you glance skyward, you’ll see most of the city’s streets are lined with cables, as it has a vast system of streetcars (or trams) and trolley buses.

Subway (Metro) – Budapest has three subway lines and the fourth one, Metro 4, is currently under construction.
M1 or Millennium Underground (yellow line) – runs under Andrássy Avenue in Pest, between Vörösmarty tér and Mexikói út
M2 (red line) – runs east west, between Déli pályaudvar and Örs vezér tere
M3 (blue line) – runs north south in Pest, between Újpest-Központ and Kőbánya-Kispest
M4 – will run between Kelenföldi pályaudvar and Keleti pályaudvar

The main junction where all three subway lines meet is at Deák Ferenc tér in the city centre and it’s about three stops to Keleti palyaudvar which is the main train station.

Window cleaners near my hotel – not sure I’d be wanting to do this but I’m certain they have some of the best views everyday.

As for me the view is not so good, especially when you’ve been in Canada, New York City and about to board a Tauck River Cruise as they are all inclusive – sometimes it’s really hard to ward off the kilos!

Stay tuned for my next post and see what’s on offer.