The beautiful capital city of Hungary, Budapest, is a favourite of my previous travels. I only got to spend a handful of days here, and it was enough to draw me back.
This post is split into three sections, based on location in the city. The capital itself is divided by the Danube River, splitting the city into two sections: Buda and Pest. (This is why you might see the name spelled BudaPest in olde texts.) Below, I briefly list some of the go-to spots to visit in the capital on either side.
In Buda (left side)
Buda is the western side of Hungary’s capital. Buda is the traditional side of the city, with worn down or historical buildings. Buda is beautiful in a dark tourism kind of way; you can still feel the clutch communism once had on the city. Much like a banished beast, its bones still lay in the streets.
1. Buda Castle
I got to see this castle from a taxi window but did not have the honour to visit it myself. It is a massive structure with gorgeous Baroque architecture. Other blogs have reported that it is open to the public for free so long as you’re just wandering. Walking tours are available for a small fee.
2. Roman Museums
I cannot remember which of these museums we found our way into, but the curation we saw (which may have been one of many) focused on the Roman (Empire) occupation of future Hungarian land, including a collection of Roman tombstones.
Whether that particular showcase is still available, Budapest is still a major city, which means it is rich with museums of all kinds. (I’m sure there are some in the Pest side as well), but Buda-side seems to focus on a darker version of history. I hope to visit again and test that theory…
In Pest (right side)
The eastside of Hungary’s capital city is called Pest [pronounced “pehsht”; “pest” is not incorrect, just foreign]. Pest has been revamped since the turn of the millennia, making it a hip, popping place. This side of the city caters to foreign 20-something tourists, and it’s a crazy-cool place to be in your 20s.
I enjoyed Pest on the tail-end of that trip with some friends I’d made along the way. We stayed in a hostel called The Wombat. This place is hip; there’s really no other word for it.
1. Beer Gardens
Our main stop while in Pest was the beer gardens. There’s an entire street dedicated to them, and we just garden-hopped. For those who don’t know, a beer garden is a segregated section of shops that circle tables allowing patrons to try food and drink from all the surrounding shops. Often, they have live music or some sort of entertainment. (I can’t remember if Pest did; I just remember us talking and having a great time.)
And for the record, I’m not a beer person, but I was able to find plenty to try.
On Both Sides
The last three ideas I unfortunately missed on my trip, other than passing by them in a taxi cab. These spots are available from either Buda or Pest, so no matter where you’re staying in the city, you have no excuse to skip them. (I’ll be returning in the future to rectify my own discretion.)
1. Danube River
The dividing river in Budapest is beautiful, and it’s out in the open for everyone. On a nice day, it’s the perfect place for a stroll, and you might just find some friendly locals to chat up.
Fun fact, though: It’s considered off-putting or even rude to smile at a stranger. Us Westerners use that to greet people. You’ll only freak the locals out if you smile at them in Eastern Europe.
2. Chain Bridge
This bridge connects the two sides of the capital and is quite famous. I unfortunately missed this attraction, although I’ve seen photos. If you’re taking a stroll along the river, everyone says you must take in this bridge.
3. Parliament Building
This is a gorgeous piece of architecture. Whether you’re up close to take Insta photos or taking shots from across the river, there’s no way you want to miss this building. I only have a vague memory of passing this piece of architecture art, and that is depressing. I wish I’d seen it at night.
There’s more!
Don’t skip Budapest because I only listed six items. It’s a gorgeous city with so much beautiful, ancient architecture–my favourite of which I left off this list! These are the most mentioned places I’ve heard many others suggest, and I cannot say I disagree. Take a wander when you go; find my favourite place (I’ll give you a hint: yellow, food, trains), eat some amazing food, and grab those memories. Budapest will not disappoint.
