BUDApest

A must see in Budapest is the Castle District, located on the Buda side. Here is the Buda Castle and Palace, Mathias Church, and Fisherman's Bastion. 

Under this district are labyrinths of tunnels from layers of the ruined medieval city. I watched a 3D movie made by Technical University students about the 1000 year history of Hungary in one of these "caves". Within was the ruin of a medieval church as well. 

Then there is Gellért Hill with its Liberty Statue and Citadel. 

Being up on the hill offered amazing views of the Pest side and the bridges over the Danube. 

I rode the worlds oldest operating funicular (a definite must do - at your own risk!) from the top of Castle Hill down below where the famous 0 marker is for the roads from Rome. Reminded me of my 0 marker on the Camino, although walking from Rome would require much more stamina and time!

Buda is built on top of a massive system of caves, developed over half a million years by the thermal waters meeting cooler waters. Cavers have found the longest continuous cave here at 80 kilometers. I toured a much smaller one at 2.5k and only 300 meters open to the public. It was an interesting view of Buda with its popcorn ceilings and cauliflower walls. 

The limestone looks melted in some sections. 

After staying four nights on the Pest side and enjoying the city on both sides of the Danube, I decided to add a night in Buda at the famous Gellért Spa Hotel. 

I loved experiencing the ancient thermal baths and even enjoyed a massage! My room with a view was a luxurious detour from hostels and guest rooms (AirBnB). 

 

I loved the history and vibrancy of Budapest! The people are very welcoming and helpful. It's a city filled with life and sights to feed the mind, body and soul!