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

The unusual beauty of the fountain in front of Budapest's famous Gellért Hotel and Bath is not the only reason to hop off any one of the many public transits that go by. For flowing out of the eight spouts in the large, teal, egg-shaped fountain is cold and pure spring water, which some say have healing powers. Don't be afraid to bring an empty water bottle or two with you and fill up--you won't be the only one, this is a regular stop for many Budapestens (especially during the hot summer months!). And although the fountain may look covered, don't depend on getting too much shade there as the marble dome above has a criss-cross pattern that gives it a more open feel. Make sure you note the engravings in the dome and on the pillars as well.

There are a few benches outside of the fountain so you can enjoy viewing it as a whole or better yet, capture it in the bigger picture. For not only does it sit in front of the famous hotel, if you face north you'll see the Rock Church and the cross that stands above it. Turn east and you've got a great view of the Danube, Elizabeth Bridge (Erzsébet híd), and the school of economics. With its open, welcome feel and easy access, the Gellért fountain beckons travelers and commuters alike to stop by and refresh themselves.

From my photos at Flickr Produced by Kayakman Media

On the southern slope of Gellért hill and opposite the famous hotel and bath complex, a statue of St. István (the first Hungarian King) stands inviting followers to come into one of Hungary's most unique churches. Not only is Sziklatemplom built above an impressive cave system, the church itself is a cave (thus the name Rock Church).

Its history, though relatively short since the church opened in 1926, is just as unique. It was originally intended for the Pauline order of monks which Joszef II dissolved in the late 1700s. Finally, in 1934 fifteen Pauline friars returned from exile to Poland. Yet their ministry lasted less than a quarter of a century. Again, seemingly enemies of the state, the brethren were accused of treason by the Communist government. The gate to the church and monastery was sealed shut.

It would be nearly 40 years (1989) until Sziklatemplom reopened with a papal blessing on its new altar. As services are still held there today, it is important to remember that the church will not be open for viewing while mass is in session and that a dress code of reasonable modesty is requested.