From my photos at Flickr Produced by Kayakman Media

Around August 20th tourist season begins to wrap up and children get ready for school, but first comes the celebration of St. Stephen's Day (Szent István napja), the celebration of the day King Stephen was crowned and the Hungarian (Magyar) state was founded back in the year 1000.

In Budapest, some of the festivities occur at Castle Hill, including the weekend-long Festival of Folk Arts (Mesterségek Ünnepe). Skilled craftsmen and women from all regions of Hungary come to show, sell, and demonstrate their talent and passion at preserving tradition. Booth after booth colorfully displayed felt work, lace, hand-painted wood pieces and pottery, puppets, kids' toys, porcelain pieces and baskets, and so much more. One of my personal favorites was the historic maps and Hungarian poems printed on authentic feeling parchment. And as you may have picked up from other posts, another favorite thing of mine is Hungarian food--so I was delighted to see the kürtőskalács (chimney cake). paprikáskrumpli (paprika potatoes), and kemencés kenyérlángos (a pizza-like lángos).

Whether it was a chance to enjoy the food, watch the dancers and musicians, or to admire the skilled artisans at work, the event was well-attended, even crowded at some points, and a healthy mix of nationals and tourists. Festivities wrapped up with an air-show on Monday afternoon (which I got to see them practicing on Saturday) and fireworks that evening.

If you find yourself in Hungary at this time year, you will not want to miss the chance to celebrate Hungary's birthday and enjoy the festivities on Castle Hill and the Danube.

From my photos at Flickr Produced by Kayakman Media

The history of a city can be a small peak at national and regional history. Thus the Budapest History Museum (Budapesti Történeti Múzeum) is one of the best places to go for an understanding of not only Budapest's history, but also the entire Carpathian basin. Located off the back side of the Hungarian National Gallery on Castle Hill, this museum is easy to miss since it is off the beaten path. But there a four things you should not miss as you stroll through: The 3rd floor exhibit with its many historic maps of battle plans as well as weapons used in the liberation of Buda from the Trukish occupation. The statue area in the back end of the main floor has an outstanding collection of Roman and medieval-era pieces. The lowest level is actually part of the old palace and tucked away there is a chapel. And of course, as the museum sits on Castle Hill, the courtyard garden and tower (accessible only through the museum) give an amazing view.

The museum's collection consists mainly of artifacts dating back to the Middle Ages, found after WWII in the south wing of the Royal Palace. It also traces the history of Buda and Pest from pre-Roman to modern days. The temporary exhibit during our visit was on Maria Valeria, known as the "most beautiful empress of the world."

After you've seen all that you can of the three floors and the castle grounds above and below, you can stop for some refreshments at the little stand on the terrace outside the museum's entrance. Nothing spectacular, but as little of the museum is air-conditioned you may appreciate a cold drink.

Two things to note ... you'll be charged extra if you want to take pictures and as less than half of the descriptions are in English you may want to pay for the headphone tour set.

For more information visit their website: Budapest History Museum

From my photos at Flickr Produced by Kayakman Media

Let's jump straight to the point with this one ... the food here was delicious! Well worth every forint, unlike some of the cafés just up Castle Hill where you'll pay more and get less. Located just a few yards from the Castle District's southern steps, Tabáni Terasz is easily accessible by tram (#18 and #19) and bus. And considering this semi-prime location in the oldest section of Buda, we're surprised that this restaurant/coffeehouse/wine cellar is not listed in any of our guidebooks, because it should be. Especially considering that the last vestige of the Taban district can be found right here in the nearby Tabán Parish Church and the historically protected building (built in the last half of the 1700s) on the corner of Aprod u. 10 and Dobrentei u. 9. In fact, off of Tabáni Terasz's courtyard terrace is a small museum dedicated to district's days gone by.

The restaurant was opened in 2002 to "reawaken the romantic and gastronomic pleasures of the Taban." Here you'll find four distinct sitting options: The outdoor terrace with a view of the Castle District and Gellért Hill, the cozy indoor café, the courtyard shaded by a 200 year-old tree has a grill terrace and cocktail bar, and the wine cellar. Visit the website Tabáni Terasz for further details on its history, the menu, its party service, and more.

Our choices, as seen in the SplashCast, were the thyme chicken breast in garlic butter served with spinach salad and English mustard dressing, tomato cream soup with spinach and mozzarella crepe, cucumber salad, and for dessert, apple pie with walnut tatar and vanilla ice cream accompanied by an espresso. Didn't we say it was delicious?

From my photos at Flickr Produced by Kayakman Media

As you trek about Castle Hill, Café Miro is sure to capture your eye. It does not have the traditional look of so many of Budapest's other cafés, blending in with the time-worn stone and brick of historical buildings. Instead contemporary art hangs on walls of burnt yellow and orange trimmed with eclectic blue. Wire chairs that are more comfortable than they appear are gathered by round tables inviting you to sit and stay awhile.

Below the art deco cover of the menu, you'll find an overwhelming selection of desserts and drinks that's sure to cater to what you're looking for. And belying the decor, there's also a small selection of soup, salads, and traditional entrées. The prices may seem reasonable compared to other restaurants on the hill, but it's clear that dinner is not the café's specialty—desserts and drinks are. There's over 30 desserts to choose from, including Amerika pite, cakes, tortes, scones, and ice cream treats. Your options for kavek come in hot, cold, or frappé, and run about 420 to 950HUF. Not a coffee drinker? Don't worry, theres ten pages full of other beverage options.

The warm colors and delectable menu of this open-air café are not the only reasons to linger, for if you choose to sit on the veranda you can see part of Mathias church and watch the tourists swarm about the lovely statue of Hadik András just kitty corner of the café.

For more information visit their website: Café Miró

From my photos at Flickr Produced by Kayakman Media

While almost fairytale like in appearance and offering great views of the Danube River below, Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya) is one of the most popular spots on Budapest's Castle Hill. Each of its seven towers symbolizes one of the Magyar (Hungarian) tribes that settled in the Carpathian basin in 896. Tradition tells us that the name comes from it having housed a local fish market during medieval times. Fortunately, these days the vendors are offering sweeter fares like ice cream and coffee drinks.

The Bastion is itself an impressive sight, but do not forget to look through its arches and capture a view of the Parliament building across the river. For just 400 forint it is also possible to access the upper walkway for more great photo opportunities. At the south end there is an impressive statue of King St. Stephen (Szent István), Hungary's first king. There is also a nondescript yet pricey café inside the Bastion, offering a nice place to sit and drink an espresso while looking out over the river.

Fisherman's Bastion is a superb piece of architecture and a must-see while in Budapest, but be prepared for the occasional strong wind gusts coming off the river.