The twin cities of Buda and Pest sit on opposite banks of the Danube. It’s a city that’s becoming ever more popular as a destination and Communism fades in to the past. While Buda and Pest were officially joined in 1873, they remain distinctly different.
Buda on the west bank a mix of medieval and neo-classical buildings. In contrast, Pest is flat and has boulevards and Art Deco buildings. Many other styles are apparent with influences from the Turkish occupation, Venetian, Empire and Art Nouveau, all part of Budapest's colourful past, often marked by the impact of war.
The Chain Bridge is the focal point - from here, a steep climb in the funicular leads up to Buda’s Várhegy or Castle Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Szentháromság tér, or Trinity Square is the centre of the district and popular with tourists. The nearby Matthias Church, with King Stephen’s statue and the Fishermen’s Bastion, gives magnificent views over Pest, including the Houses of Parliament.
Many of Budapest’s museums are in Buda Castle Palace, built after a Mongol invasion 800 years ago. Further south, Gellért Hill’s summit has the Liberation Monument and Citadella, a Hapsburg fortress. Some of the city’s oldest spas, dating back to the Turkish era, can also be found here.
Pest, on the opposite bank, features the shopping street Váci utca and Vörösmarty tér, a square with the famous Gerbeaud pâtisserie. Heroes’ Square, the Opera House, Museum of Fine Arts and Palace of Art are all in the area as is the City Park. Near to the river is the second largest Synagogue in Europe and, a little further south, the Hungarian National Museum.
Hungarian cuisine is distinctive, famous for goulash, a liberal usage of paprika and for spectacularly good pastries. Gypsy music is often featured in tourist restaurants.
Budapest has a continental climate, cold in winter and hot in summer. Snowfall is common in winter and rain is spread through the year. The city’s airport is 15 miles south east and budget airlines are now providing services. Danube cruise ships are regular visitors. The city is under 3 hours drive from Vienna.
