We loved it. Last year I visited Budapest for a short weekend, and told Gloria she must see this place. So on this year's vacation/work trip, we scheduled five nights and four days, and it was well worth it.
Leaving London in the evening, we arrived at the airport around midnite and got a taxi to our hotel, the Carlton, same as last year. 
We were installed by one or so, and slept soundly, then had a hearty breakfast. Then up the Castle Hill with amazing views of the Parlament, w
to the castle grounds, the old town of Buda, the St Mattias Church, the Fisherman's Bastion, and down the hill again, crossing a northern bridge and viewing the Parlament from the outside, and then visiting a Museum of Hungarian Ethnology. Fascinating! I'm not sure but what these are my people; so much of their farming technique looked exactly as my grandfather made things happen, and in fact, several faces looked like my father or grandfather. 
Also, many wonderful costumes at this museum.
In the evening we traveled back up the hill so Gloria could sample my favorite restaurant, where a cymbalon (sort of hammered dulcimer) and violin again played dinner music. 
The main was a platter with five meats plus vegetables; the cherry strudel is to die for, simply. Wonderful day and evening. Top it with a bottle of Bull's Blood, the rich red Hungarian wine. Perfect. We were in a bit of a rush because we'd bought tickets for a concert of classical favorites in the St Mattias church...the interior has been lovingly restored, and the acoustics are great. 
This is where kings have been crowned and one is buried. Beautiful evening, and after, stunning views of the Parlament, the church and the Fisherman's Bastion, seven towers that look over the river and the views.
On day two of four, Saturday, we began with a walk to the main subway station, then up the Millenium Line (built about 1897 for their one thousand year celebration!) and out to Heroe's Square, with many fascinating king statues adorning an open space. 
From there, the museum of fine arts and a visit to my favorites, the El Greco paintings...we also found some Frans Hals portraits; he's another of my favorite artists. Best of all, a special exhibit of works by Toulouse Lautrec, another of my favorite artists. A walk back toward the main town took us into the lobby of the opera house, but we missed the last tour. Walking on, to St Istvan cathedral, closer to the Danube; in and out of this stunner. 
Then walk back across the Chain Bridge to our hotel and back up the hill for dinner in the restaurant next to the previous night's dinner.
Sunday a walk to another subway station and a ride to the north end of Margaret Island, a beautiful park with many families enjoying quite nice weather. 
From here a walk to the east side of the Danube on the Pest side, subway back down to the central area. From here, we toured the Jewish Quarter, and a visit to the main synagogue 
and the Jewish neighborhood, complete with a stop for coffee and Jewish pastries...mine with poppy seeds, nuts and one other layer I can't even remember, but remember enjoying.and Gloria made the opera house tour I'd done last year while I found a money machine and drank beer while waiting for her tour. A short walk home, and another great dinner out in the neighborhood.
On Monday we began the day with a tram ride south to the Gellert Hotel and Baths, and had a wonderful thermal bath, then outside to the outdoor pools and spa. 
Delicious, and the weather finally turned really sunny and warm. We spent several hours soaking up sun and relaxing, then walked across the bridge to the main market 
where we found several great souvenirs and a fine lunch...mine being a ten inch long sausage with three krauts, mustard, beans and I forget what else. 
Delicious! On the way home, found an extra coffee shop we'd been advised to see, the Central Coffee House. Quite lavish!
We finished Monday in the same favorite restaurant, with paprikash, goulash, Bull's Blood and cherry strudel, 
got to bed at a reasonable hour, and were ready the next morning for the trip to Greece. Ah Budapest! I do love this place. Any time.....
