Discovering the Courtyards of Budapest: Budapest's residential streets are truly enchanting, but it is inside the courtyards of the buildings that the city's greatest secret is held: Budapesters are villagers at heart. Fruit trees and flower gardens flourish, cats lounge in the sun, and jars of pickled vegetables line the window ledges. Nearly every apartment building in this city has an open-air courtyard in its center, where pensioners sit on the common balconies smoking cigarettes, gossiping, and watching the children race around the yard, dodging flower pots and laundry racks. The main entrance doors to many apartment buildings are left unlocked during the daytime hours.
Exploring the Neighborhood Markets: There is scarcely a neighborhood in Budapest without its own outdoor produce market. Professional vendors mix with elderly peasants who are in for the day with a wagon of fresh-picked fruits and veggies. Produce is fresh and inexpensive. Shop for a picnic lunch or simply wander around soaking up the vibrant workaday atmosphere.
Riding the Trams: Armed with your daily transit pass, get the lay of the land and more from the windows of the city's many trams. Board a tram and ride it to the terminus and back, or disembark along the way for a closer look around -- a great and economical way to spend a rainy day.
Packing a Picnic for the City Park: On a nice summer day, it seems that all of Budapest comes to City Park to enjoy the weather and one another's company. Children of all ages fill the playgrounds and linger by the entrances to the amusement park, the zoo, and the circus. Bathers flock to the historic Széchenyi Baths. Mostly, though, people come to stroll, a time-honored pastime in central Europe.
Taking a Walk in the Buda Hills: It's hard to believe that such a large expanse of hilly forest is right here within the capital city. There are hiking trails aplenty; every Budapest native has a favorite. Ask around.
Strolling Through the Jewish District: Budapest has the largest Jewish population of any city on the European continent (outside Russia). Pest's historic Jewish neighborhood, run-down but relatively unchanged, resonates with the magic and tragedy of the past.
