Buda vs Pest – A Complete Guide

When I decided that I would be heading to Eastern Europe to see what all the fuss was about Budapest, I was most intrigued by two things.  First, I was shocked to learn that I had been pronouncing Budapest wrong this whole time.  The “Pest” in Budapest, is not pronounced “Pest”… but “Pescht”.  BudaPESCHT.  Secondly, and most intriguing, was the fact that this capital used to be three separate cities, which joined together to form Budapest in 1873.  The three former cities were originally known as Buda, Pest, and Óbuda.

 

The History of Budapest – Buda vs Pest

Buda and Pest began to form, independently, in the 12^thcentury.  Buda on the west bank, Pest on the east bank.  They were completely separated by the Danube River until 1840 when the Szechenyi Chain Bridge was built to bridge the two cities together.  By the time they had become one in 1873, the city was officially known as Budapest.  At the time, it was an insignificant town mostly under the control of Vienna.  But, by the end of the 19^th century, Budapest had become a powerhouse in Europe.

 

Present Day Budapest, Hungary

Today, while Buda and Pest are united as Budapest, they are still referred to separately.  Buda occupies the west side of the city with its medieval castle and regal hills; and Pest, a bustling commercial hub, occupies the east.  The union of Buda and Pest not only joined their distinct characters but also laid the foundation for a city that seamlessly blends historic charm, exemplified by Buda’s Castle Hill, with the lively energy of Pest’s vibrant streets and cultural scene.  So the question is when you visit Budapest… which area of the city – Buda or Pest – should you focus your time and energy on?  Where should you stay?  Where should you explore?

 

Information on Buda

The Buda side of Budapest is located on the west side of the Danube.  It’s a culturally rich and beautiful part of the city, housing some of the most unique architecture in the capital.  It’s also the hilly side of the city, famously known for the Castle District and the impeccable views of Pest to the east.  Here you’ll find Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, and the highest point in Budapest – Gellért Hill, which offers panoramic views of the entire city.

I recommend spending a good chunk of your daylight hours on the Buda side.  Wander for hours through the Castle District, stopping to study the beautiful neo-gothic and neo-Romanesque style architecture of Fisherman’s Bastion.  Visit Matthias Church and go wine tasting at Faust Wine Cellar, an underground cellar located in the Hilton Hotel.  (Just make sure to book reservations ahead of time).

And while I recommend visiting Buda during the day, it’s also incredible to visit at night.  Once night falls, head back to Fisherman’s Bastion to view the Parliament building all lit up.

 

Things to do on the Buda Side of Budapest

Whether you’re considering staying on the Buda side, or just wanting to visit; here are the best things to do in Buda!

• Climb Gellért Hill at sunset for panoramic views of the city
• Walk around Fisherman’s Bastion
• Visit Matthias Church
• Wine taste at Faust Wine Cellar (if you can’t get a reservation at Faust Wine Cellar, I’d also recommend this wine tasting)
• Eat at Baltazár Hungarian Grill

 

Where to Stay on the Buda Side of Budapest

If you decide that you want to stay on the Buda side of Budapest, below you’ll find my top recommendations.  In my opinion, Buda is a bit quieter (at night) than Pest and feels more residential; so if you’re looking for a more quiet stay, I’d stay in Buda.

• Monastery Boutique Hotel Budapest
• PEST-BUDA Design Hotel by Zsidai Hotels at Buda Castle
• Buda Castle Hotel Budapest

 

READY TO BOOK?  BOOK YOUR HOTEL STAY IN BUDAPEST HERE!

 

Information on Pest

In my opinion, Pest is the more lively side of the city.  It’s where you’ll find tons of bars such as the ruin bars, restaurants, and shopping stores.  You’ll find fancy hotels, quaint wine stores, farmer’s markets, and the Parliament building.  Hang out in the energetic Jewish Quarter or learn about the history of Budapest as you visit the House of Terror, Shoes on the Danube, and the Holocaust Memorial Center; which shows the dark times of Budapest’s history.

 

Things to do on the Pest Side of Budapest

Whether you’re considering staying on the Pest side, or just wanting to visit; here are the best things to do in Pest!

• View Shoes on the Danube
• Visit the Holocaust Memorial Center
• Visit the House of Terror
• Tour the Parliament building
• Walk around the Jewish Quarter (join a food and history tour of the Jewish Quarter here)
• Have a night out at the Ruin Bars
• Eat at Mazel Tov

 

Where to Stay on the Pest Side of Budapest

If you decide that you want to stay on the Pest side of Budapest, below you’ll find my top recommendations.  In my opinion, Pest is much more lively – especially at night.  So if you want to be in the middle of the action, I’d recommend staying in Pest.

• Hotel Oktogon Haggenmacher
• Eurostars Ambassador
• Emerald Hotel
• Callas House
• Anantara New York Palace Budapest

 

So… Buda or Pest?

So which is better? Buda… or Pest?  I’d like to think of them as equals.  I equally enjoyed my time on both sides of the river.  I remember Buda as the beautiful and unique part of town.  While I remember Pest as the fun and energetic part of town.  Both places you’ll want to experience, and neither place where you can go wrong.

 

FAQ

Below are the most frequently asked questions about Buda and Pest.  If you have anymore questions, let me know in a comment below!

Q:  “Are Buda and Pest two different cities?”

• A:  No!  They were once two different cities but now they are united and known as Budapest.

Q:  “Is the Hungarian Parliament in Buda or Pest?”

• A:  The Hungarian Parliament is located on the eastern bank of the Danube in Pest.

Q:  “Is Fisherman’s Bastion in Buda or Pest?”

• A:  Fisherman’s Bastion is located on the western bank of the Danube in Buda.

Q:  “How is Budapest divided?”

• A:  Budapest is divided by the Danube River but both sides of the city are connected and accessible by the Széchenyi Chain Bridge.

Q:  “Is Budapest hilly?”

• A:  It isn’t overly hilly, but yes there are hills and some great viewpoints overlooking the city.  One of my favorite viewpoints is from Gellért Hill which is 770 ft (235 m).

 

Hungary Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting Hungary

 

Do you plan to visit Budapest?  Don’t miss:

• 10 Things to See and Do in Budapest As a Solo Traveler
• Four Days in Budapest

 

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If you’re looking for more recommendations on Budapest, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel and search for the highlight, “Budapest”

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