There are trams going from Pest to Buda and it's also possible to take the metro.It's also pleasant to walk by Chain Bridge from Pest and walk up by the narrow streets or paths. Walking from Pest is likely to be faster than public transport or taxi during rush hour.
Hostels seem to be relatively cheep, but some might have a special price for August because of Sziget festival. So it's probably a good idea to book something in advance just in case.
The spectacular but very touristy and pricey funicular called Budavári Sikló (HUF 800/1400 one way/return) climbs up Castle Hill from Chain Bridge's Buda side to Fisherman's Bastion (see below). As the cable car is rising up the hill you get a beautiful view of Pest across the river. Alternatively you can check the view from one of the two small pedestrian bridges over the cable car way - for free.
Places to see in Buda:
- Buda Castle (Budai Vár, also known as the Royal Palace - Királyi-palota): it is actually a complex of castles, which has its origins in medieval times. It is unusual in that it has never actually been occupied by the Hungarian Royal family, and is more of a pseudo-historical mishmash. Nowadays, there are the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum and the National Széchenyi Library. The Castle and its gardens are decorated with statues, including the spectacular fountain at the western forecourt of the palace (the Matthias Fountain)
- Buda Castle Labyrinth (Budavári Labirintus): An underground labyrinth, which stretches under Castle Hill. Today, there is a tour that takes visitors through four halls covering different periods (some of them are fictional but funny). It's a bit cheesy, but great for families with children, or those seeking an hour of absurdity.
- Matthias Church (Mátyás Templom): located at the heart of the Castle District. Visitors tend to head straight for the Art museum which begins in the medieval crypt and leads up to the St. Stephen's Chapel. The gallery contains a number of sacred relics and medieval stone carvings, along with replicas of the Hungarian royal crown and coronation jewels.
- Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya): was built in 1895 as a monument to the Fishermen's Guild. It is a viewing terrace, with many stairs and walking paths; situated on the Castle Hill, behind the Matthias Church. By the bastion is a splendid equestrian statue of King Stephen wearing both crown and halo - it is widely held to be the finest of all the capital's statues.
- The Gellért Hill: offers a superb panorama over Central Budapest including bank of the Danube River, Buda Castle and Pest city. The former fortress called Citadella along with the controversial Liberty Statue (one of the few remaining pieces of Soviet public art) is situated on top of this hill. Cave Church (Sziklatemplom) is located at the southeastern edge of Gellért Hill. The church was created from a natural cave system, following the Lourdes cave as sample in 1926. To reach the church, go to Gellért tér, turn towards Gellért Hill and look for the big white cross or the statue of King Saint Stephen - you can find the church below the cross and next to the statue.
- As always, there are gorgeous churches, gardens, bridges, fountains and so on :)
Hostels seem to be relatively cheep, but some might have a special price for August because of Sziget festival. So it's probably a good idea to book something in advance just in case.
- Grand Hostel Budapest: located right beside the hills of Buda and quite cheep (15€/person/night)
- Mathias Hostel: I really really like this one - there are rooms with 2 beds that are only 7.5€/person/night and it's not far from the center of Buda. They have a Facebook page too.
- Other options: Leanback Hostel, Barocco Hostel, Grund Hostel Budapest, Boomerang Hostel and Apartments
No comments:
Post a Comment