CASTLE HILL ..Budapest was founded near the Roman garrison and settlement of Aquincum. You can see the Roman Ruins just north of the city. But overlooking the modern capital, on the Buda side of the Danube, is the medieval town on Castle Hill with cobble stone streets, picturesque houses, statues, gas lamps, the Royal Palace, Fisherman's Bastion, St. Matthias' Church, and a few zillion tourists. You can see the hill from about anywhere in the city.

Now, you may like to hike. And, it probably is possible to figure out how to find a bus to the top, but so little was in English. So, I opted for the easy way to the top of the hill. In 1870, a funicular (sort of a cable car) was built from the base of the Chain Bridge to the Royal Palace. Yes, it was touristy, but it was so convenient and the view was wonderful.

My favorite part was the Fishermen's Bastion. It has been described as a stone wedding cake. It is just a beautiful place to stroll. And, it provides such a great view of the Parliment. I never could take enough photos of that!