As a benefit of my credit card I got two return flights within Europe so decided to head to Budapest for a long weekend as I've never been to Hungary.
The city, sat on the Danube, is split into two - Buda on the westerns side of the river and Pest on the Eastern side. There's loads to see and do and some great restaurants as well. And although it was a little hot to just walk around when we were there, Budapest has a great public transport infrastructure of Trams, Buses and the Metro so its easy to get everywhere.
Altar and Stained Glass
The stained glass windows behind the altar in Matthias Church
Buda Castle at Night
Bust
Statue in Momento Park
Castle Guard
Two guardsmen on horseback infront of Buda Castle
Castle View
A view down the Danube from Buda Castle walls to the Chain Bridge and the Hungarian Parliament building beyond
City Park Castle
A small castle sits by the lake in City Park.
Debating Chamber
The Debating Chamber within the Hungarian Parliament building
Fishermans Bastion
The seven high-pitched stone towers symbolize the seven chieftains of the Hungarians who founded Hungary in 895.
Flag Raiser
Old Soviet era statue in Momento Park in the South of Budapest
Fountain
An ornate fountain within the Buda Castle grounds
Golden Artwork
Religious artwork inside Matthias Church above the doorway
Hungarian Parliament at Night
Night view of the Hungarian Parliment all lit up, from the opposite side of the river.
Matthias Church Aisle
View down the aisle inside Matthias Church
Matthias Roof Detail
Parliament Decoration
Statues inside the Hungary Parliament building made of an ornamental ceramic called Pyrogranite.
Parliament Main Entrance
The official entrance into Parliament used during state visits and special occasions
Patterned Tiled Roof
Buildings and Lutheran Church next to the Vienna Gate at the Northern end of the Castle district
Running Man
Huge Soviet era brutalist statue in Momento Park, Budapest
Shoes on the Danube Bank
A memorial to honour the Jews who were massacred by fascist Hungarian militia belonging to the Arrow Cross Party in Budapest during the Second World War.
Soviet Frieze
Art from the Soviet era now found in Momento Park