Dent, Bob: Budapest for Children - Our Budapest (Budapest, 1992)
4. Castle Hill & Gellért Hill
28 CASTLE HILL & GELLERT HILL from the square in front of the Matthias Church. The Ruszwurm Pastry Shop at no. 7 has been here since 1827 (it used to be a gingerbread shop in the Middle Ages). Although small and often very crowded, this is a good place for cakes and ice-cream. Try the “somlói galuska” (chocolate and cream sponge cake). It’s possibly the best in town! The little street leads to űri u. In the gateways of nos. 32-38 to the right are some medieval sedilia characteristic of the Castle District. Children may like to sit in these to have their picture taken. Such seats can be found in gateways throughout the District, but these are particularly good examples. The streets to the north of the Matthias Church are surprisingly quiet and are good for strolling with or without pushchairs. The walkway running along the western wall of the District (Tóth Árpád sétány) is particularly pleasant. There is a good view across Buda and there are several benches. At the northern end of this there is the large Military History Museum (8). The northern Vienna Gate [Bécsi kapu] leads out of the District. It’s small, but you can climb up to the top of the gate. In the quiet streets of the District, apart from cafés, restaurants and galleries, there are three museums, almost hidden away, which may be of interest to children. These are the Music History Museum in Táncsics Mihály u., the Museum of Commerce and Catering in Fortuna u., and the Telephone Museum in Úri u. (see section 8). At no. 9 in the southern part of Úri u. there is a small “wax works” [Budavári Panoptikum]. Entrance is down the steps which lead to a part of the old underground tunnel and cave network which extends through Castle Hill. On display are models of famous characters from Hungarian history. There is a 15-20 minute guided tour. English is spoken. (Open 10-16 winter, 10-18 summer. Closed Monday.) The Royal Palace The former Royal Palace is the large, domed building which dominates the skyline above the Chain Bridge.
