Budapest is the capital and largest city of Hungary in Central Europe. It is famous for being one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and one of the most visited cities on the continent. But what not everyone knows is that Budapest is made up of two (actually three) historically distinct cities – Buda and Pest. These two cities are located on either side of the banks of the river.
In 1873 the cities of Buda, Obuda and Pest were unified into a single city called “Budapest” (supposedly the name “Pestbuda” was considered but rejected). Budapest became the co-capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and you can see the architecture that bears witness to the city’s imperial past. Today, visitors cannot help but feel the different atmosphere and architecture on both sides of the city.
What to know about Budapest
Today, Budapest is one of the largest cities on the Danube with a population of around 1.7 million and a metropolitan population of around 3.3 million (one third of Hungary’s population).
Budapest’s history dates back to when the Romans turned a Celtic settlement into the town of Aquincum – the capital of their province of Lower Pannonia. Long after the Romans had been driven out of the region, the Hungarians arrived in the territory at the end of the 9th century.
- 1873: Cities of Buda, Obuda and Pest combined in Budapest
In the 15th century, restored Buda was one of the European centers of Renaissance humanist culture.
Today the center of the city is defined by the Danube and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Hungarian Parliament on the Danube is perhaps the most recognizable structure and is usually featured on the city’s postcards.
- Visitors: About 12 million visitors per year
- Geothermal springs: About 80 geothermal springs
The city is also home to around 80 geothermal springs – the largest thermal water cave system in Europe. It is sometimes known as the spa capital of Europe.
Buda – The former royal capital
Buda is the historic capital of the Kingdom of Hungary and forms the western part of the city of Budapest. It occupies about a third of the city’s territory (most of which is forested) and was historically the upper and ruling part of the city.
Notable landmarks include Buda Castle (definitely worth visiting), the Citadel and Sandor Palace (now the residence of the President of Hungary). Buda includes the hills on which the citadel was built.
- Buda Castle: Built in the 13th century
- Notable monuments: Buda Castle, Citadel, Sandor Palace
- Capital: Buda is the former capital
It’s hard to say which town is older as both sides have been inhabited since prehistoric times – although Buda appears to be older than Pest. Yet neighboring Óbuda (the Roman city of Aquincum) seems to be the oldest. Óbuda simply means “Old Buda” in Hungarian and Óbuda was the former residence of kings.
According to info-Budapest.com, Buda was home to the traders, craftsmen and craftsmen who made their wares for the royal family and nobles. In history, Buda was the more prestigious of the two cities.
Pest – The party side of Budapest
Pest is the eastern half of the city just crossed by Buda and is mostly flat. The city’s most interesting landmarks include the Hungarian Parliament building, Heroes’ Square and Andrássy Avenue. In addition to these, Pest is home to the city center – this is where the party scene is and most of the hostels and other accommodations are.
Note that in Hungarian “S” is pronounced something like the English sound “Sh”, so “Pest” is pronounced “Pesht”.
- Pronunciation: “Pesht”
- House: Nightlife and Bars
- Notable buildings: Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square and Andrássy Avenue
- Downtown: In Pest
By the 12th century, Pest had become a prosperous German trading city surrounded by walls. But it still took a long time for the city to recover from the devastating invasion of the Tatars. Pest was also the city known for the most vices – a tradition that arguably continues today as home to most of the nightlife.
Pest is also home to a number of other attractions such as the most iconic thermal public baths and Budapest’s Great Market Hall, which is a foodie’s paradise that everyone should visit.
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