From my photos at Flickr Produced by Kayakman Media

Cobblestone roads wind past museums, churches, and fountains. Restaurants and shops painted in warm hues of yellow, brown, and orange snuggly sit beside each other welcoming you to come inside. And as it is hugged by the lower slopes of the Pilis range on the left and the Danube River on the right, Szentendre is a sightseer's delight.

It is known for many things. Its beauty. It old-world market appeal. Its museums--including the largest open-air museum of rural architecture and another dedicated to marzipan creations. Its history--as one of the few towns spared from the black death/plague (remembered by a simple cross in the middle of the main square). Its once-strong Serbian influence still seen in the number of orthodox churches. These factors added to its abundant sunshine, led Szentendre to become an artist colony in 1928 and therefore home of many studios and galleries; although dozens of artists create, and of course sell, their work in the alfresco.

While you can easily spend the afternoon in the tourist shops, galleries, and museums, don't forget to also get the bigger picture--a panoramic view seen only by walking up a small hill. There's more than one way to the top, but we'd recommend this simple route. As you stand near the cross memorial in the main square, you'll see a sign for lángos. hanging near a small alley stairway. Take the path all the way up for a great view, as well as to visit the Catholic parish church (still under restoration). On the way back down make sure you pop in to the small stall on the side for a lángos.--a delicious traditional Hungarian treat whether covered in garlic and paprika sauces or apricot jam. If you want to give your feet a rest, but still enjoy the sights there's a horse-drawn carriage that leaves from the main square. Or pick up an ice cream come from one of the many vendors and sit on a bench under the shady paved path of the Danube riverwalk.

Szentendre can be easily reached by commuter train, bus, and boat, each of which will also take you to another nearby (20 minutes or so by bus) sight-to-see: Visegard's Castle Ruins.

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

In an area that rival's Germany's Rhine River Valley in picturesque beauty, one of Hungary's castle ruins sits perched on a mountain top. Visitors of the Visegrád Castle are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Danube river bends, Szentendre Sziget, Börzsöny and Pilis Mountains, and, on a clear day, Slovakia. Built in 1240-50s, this castle was not the first in Visegrád, but after the Mongol invasion a new fortification system was needed. King Béla IV's creation, with some remodeling and expansion, would successfully defend and protect the royal family and their treasures for centuries. And then the Turks arrived. It would remain in their hands until 1685, but was so seriously damaged upon their departure that it was never used again.

Fortunately, in the late 19th century a local priest urged the government to begin restoring it and today it is open to the public, as is the lower tower castle and the Royal Palace that are just down the hill, during tourist season If you start at the bus stop next to the boat dock and follow the path up, you'll pass by the lower castle. Here stands Solomon's Tower (named after a Hungarian king, not the wise man in the Bible) which currently houses the reconstructed Gothic fountains from the Royal Palace and other museum exhibits that share the town's history. From here the upper castle is a good half hour hike up an occasionally-steep forest trail. If you're planning on going via foot make sure you wear sensible shoes, if not, the castle is accessible via car and a bus runs up three times a day.

Entry into the upper castle does require a fee (600-1200HUF), but you'll be rewarded with not only the panoramic scenery, but also a look at Hungarian Renaissance life. Inside the buildings are wax-work scenes depicting court life, as well as arms and weaponry. Outside, jousting, archery, and the like can be seen.

This small town is nestled between Szentendre and Esztergom with regular bus service, but for a treat take one of the boats or ferries.

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

Towering over nearly every other building in Budapest, St. Stephen's Basilica (Szent István-bazilika) is one of the city's grandest structures. Just like its twin in height (96 m), the Parliament Building, St. Stephen's is symbolic of Hungary's nationhood and plays an integral role in its historical psyche.

Stephen became the Sovereign of Magyars in Transdanubia in 997 and later united all the tribes. Three years later he received official, papal recognition from Pope Silvester II as the Christian king of Hungary, along with a jeweled crown and apostolic cross. Tradition notes the coronation day as Christmas 1000 or Janurary 1, 1001. And it is said that the city mourned for three years after his death in 1038 at the age of 63. It would be but 45 years (1083) before the miracles that occurred outside his tomb led to his canonization in Catholicism. He was also canonized by the Eastern Orthodox Church in 2000, proving him to be once again a uniter as he is the first saint to be recognized by both churches since the Great Schism.

While his first canonization quickly followed his death, it was over 900 years before the basilica named in his honor was finished. Although construction began in 1851, it took five decades and three architects to complete itbecause of war and the collapse of the dome which required extensive rebuilding. And while the upper building took some damage from bombings in WW2 (which were not repaired until the end of the century), its massive underground cellar kept safe many treasures and documents.

Although underground is not where you want to be when visiting this impressive structure designed in the neoclassical style. Gorgeous stained-glass windows diffuse light on the pews (which seat 8500). Statues of church fathers peer down at you inside and out of the building. And make sure you look up as many beautiful mosaics decorate the dome and ceiling. The Holy Right, the king's mummified right hand, is available for viewing for 100HUF in the reliquary.

Once you've taken in all you can inside, head up to the observation point and be awed all over again. The 360° view of Budapest is well worth the 500HUF (less for kids or groups) and the 364 stairs (though an elevator does cut the number significantly)--see photos and video clip in the SplashCast above. Besides seeing the two bell towers, one of which houses the largest bell in the country (9 tons or 9,144kg), you'll be able to spot Castle Hill, the Parliament Building, the mountains of Buda, and red-tiled roofs and narrow streets of Pest.

It's amazing roof-top view and peace-instilling interior may draw you back for more than one visit--which is good as you're sure to note design details you didn't see before.

For more information visit their website:
Saint Stephen's Basilica