It is noisier than Buda, but it has its own beauty. A good ice-cream or a take-away coffee is great while walking past the line of hotels. The eternal dilemma: Which one is better and why –... 20 Romantic things to do in Budapest – The best... Nightlife in Budapest: how to spend a night in Budapest... What to buy in Budapest – 30 Hungarian souvenirs to... Why I recommend Buda and what does it offer? Most of the elite – and of course more expensive – restaurants and clubs can be found on the Buda side, primarily in districts 1, 2 and 12. You’ll notice it right away, it’s faded green top can be seen perched on a hill at almost any point of the city. Let’s not forget about the must-see sights of the Buda Castle District, as it is at the center of the history of Buda. And at the same time, because it can be talked about, described, built, this park is about democracy. When it comes to shopping, this is a perfect choice. I usually sit in here for a pastry and coffee before my wanderings in Pest. Rather, buy a weekly or monthly Budapest pass as public transport is much faster – especially in the early morning and afternoon rush hours – and cheaper. If you are only here to see Budapest, I wouldn’t recommend renting a car. Buda Castle is located in Vár. Buda is predominantly a residential and recreational area, while Pest is an administrative, commercial and industrial center with large residential areas and entertainment facilities. Budapest is famously a city of many thermal baths, and naturally, some of them lie on the Buda side of the city. Generally, because of the two banks’ different atmosphere, the baths in Buda tend to be more upscale and luxurious, while those in Pest are more popular. Constructed in 1265 it’s fair to say that the beautiful Baroque building has certainly survived through some interesting ti… Mecset u. Public transport in Buda is superb. It was built in typical Gothic style and incorporates beautiful ceramic tiles from the renowned Zsolnay factory. – There’s too much traffic and buzzing around you. The 10 best places around Lake Balaton – Unmissable settlements. Buda Castle, the palace where Hungarian kings lived, overlooks the city from the fittingly named Castle Hill. View Details. OK, I’m from Budapest, so it’s much easier for me. The Buda side has lots to see because it is the old historic section of Budapest. Szechenyi Chain Bridge. kerület Budapest, 1124, Hungary, Budapest seen from Gellért Hill | © Jason Halsall/Wikicommons, Balatoni út - Szabadkai utca sarok, XXII. This is the hilly area of Budapest. Both places are special in their own way. Altogether, Pest is a constantly buzzing, pulsating area offering everything you might need – seriously! The wonderful Andrássy Avenue – the longest avenue in Budapest – is located in Pest with all the luxury brand shops. Get the latest tips! If/when I return to Budapest I will be looking to stay here again. If these are not enough, read my article describing more than 100 sights in Budapest. The eternal question: Buda or Pest? Take a stroll to the Fisherman’s Bastion and the newly renovated Castle Garden Bazaar. Pest is the proud owner of this attraction as well. Download all free or royalty-free photos and vectors. Real luxury and fine dining are represented by the Michelin-starred restaurants, most of which are located in Pest. The window of opportunities is almost unlimited. Fisherman’s Bastion, or Halászbástya in Hungarian, is a neo-gothic and neo-romantic terrace that takes its name from the fishermen who defended this part of the city in the Middle Age. Public transport in Pest is excellent – just like that of Buda – you can get from one end of the city to the other within minutes using the connecting lines. But there are all kinds of other products as well – even some really cool souvenirs – but I love it for its market-feeling and the wonderful smells. Well, while in the Castle District of Budapest, that’s exactly what you’ll get. Buda may be more beautiful to the eye, but Pest has such beautiful and unique buildings that it’s impossible to say that Buda or Pest is nicer or better. Surviving documents prove that the area was originally a Celtic settlement. There are altogether 23 districts in Budapest today, 6 of which are in Buda, 16 in Pest and 1 on Csepel Island. Make sure to take a tour of the Castle and learn all about its fascinating history. Several well-known churches were built on Buda, like Matthias Church or Christina Church. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. These are places that we, Budapest citizens, prefer over tourist destinations. You can get there by walking over several beautiful bridges. This was the beginning of the unification of Buda and Pest. The Buda side of the Danube, Budapest. @2020 info-budapest.comUnauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without expressand written permission from this site’s author is strictly prohibited. View Details. A few … Besides restaurants offering Hungarian dishes, you can taste every major world cuisine, as well. The City Park (Városliget), the biggest and most beautiful park in the city is also located in Pest. At times I only go to Szentendre, sometimes I come back as well, but occasionally I sailed to Visegrád or Esztergom with my partner or friends. But here are a few tips that might help you with orientation. It is now known as M1 or the Underground, and you can hop on it at the Széchényi Thermal Bath stop. Which side you should pick and why? Hop On Hop Off Boat Tour. Anyway, here’s the Buda side of Budapest post. The original Budapest, founded by the Hungarians, was almost completely destroyed by the Mongols during the infamous Tatar invasion. What is more, it is one of the most visited tourist cities. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. Walking down the streets of the Castle District you feel as if you were in the Middle Ages. – You are wandering around ruined dingy houses. It's on the Buda side within walking distance of plenty of attractions. It usually takes place at the end of July or the beginning of August. The Buda Castle (often mentioned as ‘Budapest Castle’) is on top of the Castle Hill in Budapest on the Buda side, hence the name Buda Castle. The best souvenirs in Budapest which you can really surprise your loved ones with. One block from the river with tram and bus stops almost outside the hotel. Young singles are mainly interested in good restaurants and entertainment facilities. Tabán. 2 and enjoy the wonderful view of the Buda side from there. If I feel like shopping, I go to WestEnd City Center located near Nyugati Square, or perhaps Arena Plaza. He came to Hungary in 1541, and is thought to have died either during the religious ceremony after the Ottoman victory in 1541 or while fighting. Planning travel to Hungary? There are peace and tranquillity with crystal-clear water and perfectly clean baths. Buda Side of Budapest, Hungary This scenic view is often called the Castle District because the Buda Castle (also called the Royal Palace) is located here. It is likely where the elite in society get lost and fade away from the worries of the other side… Pálvölgyi caves | Aanjhan Ranganathan/Flickr. Today, it is far less vibrant and exciting, but the busy streets have given way to delightful large parks where visitors and locals can stroll or relax. I, personally, always go there on weekdays as it is less crowded then. Message Noémi B. One of them is Jókenyér Bakery, the other one is Lipóti Bakery and the third one is Artizan Bakery. Alternatives to cross the river can be by cruise or the bridges. – There is a flat terrain on the other side. A lesser-known spot in Buda, the Tomb of Gül Baba is one of the last-remaining reminders of Budapest’s Ottoman past. Some of them are hardly known even to locals. Pest is the perfect place for shopping. I can’t even list all of them – I will only name some that I would definitely recommend visiting,  among them are The House of Terror Museum, Heroes’ Square, Shoes on the Danube bank, the Great Market Hall, the Synagogue and St. Stephen’s Basilica. Show Prices. While Buda is mainly located in a woody area with mountains and hills (Buda Hills), Pest is mostly a flat area (Pest Plain). From €85. View Gallery (3) Book this tour. There is a fee to access the upper levels, but since it’s quite a small area and the views from the rest are just as beautiful, it’s not really worth paying it. Read on for our selection of the top 10 things to do in Buda. If you love spinning, partying, shopping and culture, Pest is the place to see. And if you are already in this famous part of Pest, travel by the first electrically driven underground in the world! The population living here was mainly engaged in viniculture and wine production. If it is silence and nature, Buda is your side. There’s also a garden, which is splendid when the roses are in bloom. We are not the same. All Right Reserved.Privacy PolicyContact usAbout, This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Széchényi Thermal Bath, the largest thermal bath of Budapest can also be found on the Pest side. You can easily spend a leisurely day seeing the sights and exploring what this neighborhood has to offer. All in all, Budapest is a wonderful metropolis, which you must visit! Tucked between Gellert Hill and Castle Hill lies the residential streets and … You should definitely try it once. – You see the Parliament, the Budapest Eye or St Stephen’s Basilica. The history of the area of Budapest goes all the way back to Prehistoric and Ancient Times as it has been inhabited for several thousand years. One of my favorite places is the Roman Coast (Római-part) on the Buda side of the Danube, where there are a number of cozy local diners and buffets waiting for you to spend a peaceful yet active day from spring to autumn. Where Are the Best Ruin Bars in Budapest? The most popular bridge in Budapest is the Szechenyi Chain Bridge, that connects Buda … Show Prices. I love wandering and looking around and tasting. Public security is a bit worse here than in Buda, but this might be due to the fact that it is simply much larger than Buda with much more entertainment facilities and traffic. 0. It is true that all of them are located at the bank of the Danube so that guests can enjoy the perfect view of the Buda Castle, the Fisherman’s Bastion and the Citadel, and of course the Chain Bridge. Tucked between Gellert Hill and Castle Hill lies the residential streets and beautiful parks of the Taban, a formerly bohemian district unfortunately demolished in the 1930s. If we are talking about lookout points… One of the most beautiful lookouts is the Elizabeth Lookout Tower. A perfect way to start your trip is to set off and explore the Buda side of the city. 22,961 reviews. It is still filled with bars and restaurants, so there’s a little bit of everything in the Taban, even though it’s not as trendy as Pest’s seventh district. The National Gallery focuses on Hungarian art from all periods, while the History Museum retraces the city’s history from Roman times to the present day. If I feel like moving around a bit more, I usually get on a ship on the Danube. Both sides have their advantages and disadvantages. At the time the inhabitants of Buda and Pest traveled and traded over the bridge, which has been standing on the Danube since 1769. I collected the most romantic places in Budapest. By road it is 216 kilometres (134 mi) south-east of Vienna, 545 kilometres (339 mi) south of Warsaw, 1,565 kilometres (972 mi) south-west of Moscow, 1,122 kilometres (697 mi) north of Athens, 788 kilometres (490 mi) north-east of Milan, and 443 kilometres (275 mi) south-east of Prague. The fact is that in the elite districts of Buda – especially in districts 1, 2 and 12 – real estate is much more expensive than in the most part of Pest. It is one of my favorites as there are millions of primary farmers selling fresh fruit and vegetables and of course fresh meat and sausages, and it is very cozy. The city was rebuilt with difficulty just to fall under 150 years of Turkish occupation hindering its development. Later, the Romans created the province of Pannonia-Inferior with both Buda (Aquincum) and Pest (Contra-Aquincum) as its seats. Gellért Spa, Kelenhegyi út 4, Budapest, Hungary, +36 1 466 6166, Rudas Baths, Döbrentei tér 9, Budapest, Hungary, +36 1 356 1010, Kiraly Medicinal Bath, Fő u. Gellért Spa, Kelenhegyi út 4, Budapest, Hungary, Rudas Baths, Döbrentei tér 9, Budapest, Hungary, Kiraly Medicinal Bath, Fő u. The conquering Hungarians also settled in Aquincum located in Óbuda in the 9th century. We can save you time and money. 84, Budapest, Hungary, +36 1 202 3688. It was first completed in 1265, but today, the oldest part still standing is from the 14th century; because of the castle’s tumultuous history, it has undergone many changes that are barely noticeable now. The first two have several shops and showrooms, while Artizan is located in Hold Street in District 5. It was designed by architect Ákos Eleőd, who described the park’s purpose better than anyone else could: ‘This park is about dictatorship. I also recommend Pest when it comes to entertainment, as districts 6 and 7 are the so-called Bulinegyed (Party quarter). It's on the Buda side within walking distance of plenty of attractions. The latter’s stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations are very rewarding. In addition, there are countless sights in Buda, such as the famous Buda Castle funicular, the Cogwheel train, the Buda Forest Railway, the Chairlift, the Normafa and the most beautiful caves, such as the Pálvölgyi Stalactite Cave or the Szemlő-hegyi Cave. You can taste the delicacies offered by local vendors (fried scone, hake, doughnut, pancake, chimney cake, meat, ice cream and all that lures the taste and sight). Perched atop of Castle Hill overlooking the Danube River is the domineering Buda Castle. I do hope that I have helped you navigate your way in Budapest with my article. (2020), The 10 best markets in Budapest you shouldn’t miss – Let me help you find the one you’ll like, Hungarian dog breeds and everything you need to know about them. Budapest has two main parts: Pest on the east side, Buda on the west side. In contrast, accommodation in Buda, especially around the Castle, costs more. There are several differences between Buda and Pest, but both parts of the city have a variety of valuable and amazing sights. Budapest has more than 1,000 restaurants and other eateries. For further information on recommended shopping centers in Budapest, click here. Budapest, strategically placed at the centre of the Carpathian Basin, lies on an ancient route linking the hills of Transdanubia with the Great Plain. There are two paths: take the stairs by the Elizabeth Bridge, or take the longer but easier pathway near the Gellért Baths. Buda, however, is not without its charms and attractions and boasts some of the city’s top sites while being the perfect place to stay for those looking for something a bit calmer. Tuesday–Sunday 10.15am- 4.15pm. – You can hardly breathe from the number of uphill walks. I recommend the following hiking trails: Sas Hill, János Hill, Nagy Kopasz or the Budaörs Mountains near Budapest. By the 12th century, Pest had become a prosperous, German merchant city surrounded by walls. There is a bit of a contradiction saying that accommodation in Pest is cheaper as the most expensive hotels in Budapest are located on the Pest side of the Danube bank. My favorite places on each side of the Danube. There lie, among others, the graves of renowned Hungarian figures like composer Bela Bartok (who died in exile in America in 1945), conductor Georg Solti, as well as infamous Communist personalities like Hungary’s Stalinist dictator Matyas Rakosi. This open-air museum showcases gigantic statues and plaques from Hungary’s Communist period. The Buda side of the river is home to Castle Hill, one of the prettiest districts in Budapest and a World Heritage Site. Buda is the more upscale of the two districts with its baroque-era buildings and quiet pedestrian streets. No other city in Europe has such a lake! The unification of Pest, Buda, and Óbuda was already a topic under the Árpád dynasty, mainly under Béla IV. Budapest is the capital city of Hungary, the seat of Pest county, and also the tenth most populated city in Europe. You are on the Buda side if: You are on the Buda side – You can hardly breathe from the number of uphill walks. They are divided by the Danube. "Budapest" rolls off the tongue pretty easily, and the Hungarian capital itself feels as if it's been around for a long time. Here you can pet rays and watch the sharks swimming above your head while walking through the underwater tunnel. 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