Day 9 - Buda
Today we'll get to know the Buda side of the Danube. Our guided tour will take us through the Buda Castle district, to the iconic Fisherman's Bastion, and into the Matthias Church. My experience with this tour was outstanding and a highlight of all my visits to Budapest.
After our tour, we'll take the Funicular down the hill. The ride is short, but scenic, but you can walk down the hill to Clark Ádám tér in about 10 minutes, if you prefer.
It'll be a late lunch, but I have two recommendations here. Going north (left, if you’re facing the river), you’ll find Ildikó Konyhája. If you want great Hungarian cuisine in a tiny, rustic atmosphere, this is the place to go. If you go south, you’ll find Marvelosa Café. Come here for delicious Hungarian food in a fresh, whimsical setting.
These restaurants are both about the same distance from the lower station of the Funicular. If we are not all going in the same direction, we'll arrange to meet back here after about an hour.
It will be well into the afternoon at this point, and we'll be ready for some relaxation. A tram ride (or a 20-minute walk) along the river will get us to Rudas Thermal Bath. A full ticket will cost about $35 and includes access to the Turkish bath, pools, and saunas, as well as a locker and cabin. To do it justice, expect to spend at least a couple of hours here.
Tickets must be bought online. Massage services are available, but cost (a lot!) extra. More ticket information is available here.
