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

A trip to Budapest is not complete without visiting the Central Market Hall (Központi Vásárcsarnok) ... although avoid it on a Saturday if you can, as this place is exactly what it sounds like--a hall of markets. Built in 1897 as part of the effort to unify Buda, Pest, and Óbuda, Hungarians have been coming ever since to select their fresh meats, produce, fruits, dairy, and breads for the week. Yet this collection of dozens of farmers' stalls under one roof represents just one floor of the Hall.

After strolling through each of the three long ground rows, you may want a pick-me up. There's a mini-CBA store that makes a decent cappuccino for 100HUF, there's more options of course, or if you're looking for something more filling, head upstairs. The second level offers a dozen or so food booths and a larger restaurant. The Fakanál Étterem not only allows you to select a meal off their traditional Hungarian menu, for 20E you can sign up for a one-day class and learn to cook it yourself!

Once your energy is topped off, you're ready to let the real shopping begin. For the food court is but a small part of the second level. The rest is dedicated to souvenirs of every sorts. Keychains, mugs, and magnets. Playing cards and toys. And of course, t-shirts, caps, and bags. If you're wanting something that represents Hungary instead of just saying it, there's also leather bags and jewelry, paprika and drawings. Porcelain dolls in regional folk dress who stand guard over finely embroidered linens and lace, shirts and dresses. And while the folks downstairs may not know English or take VISA, there's a good chance that the folks upstairs do.

If your feet are not aching too much or you've got time, there are a few booths in the basement, as well as a full-fledged grocery store ... just in case you need a bag of chips, cold drink, ice cream bar or a stop at the cash machine for your trip home or more likely, your stroll down the famous shopping street (Vaci utca) just across the way (but that's a whole other entry--soon to come).