Recently, I was touring East Europe. When I reached Hungarian capital Budapest, and set to admire its stunningly beautiful cityscape, I was in for a surprise. A myth I carried till then, that Budapest is one word and one sprawling city, was just an illusion.
In fact, Budapest gets its name by combining two words and two prominent locations of the city ie Buda & Pest. Straddling across Danube river, Buda is the hilly side and Pest is the flat side of Budapest. Both sides have distinct look and distinct feel. Where Buda is serene, Pest is boisterous. I would not be exaggerating if I say these are two different cities, altogether, but united by the historical Chain Bridge. Or I may say, Buda & Pest are two bodies with one soul.
Usually, with my journalistic aptitude, I remain well informed about the destinations I travel. Coincidentally, my Budapest trip was randomly selected, and there I had this suspense. Frankly speaking, I quite enjoyed my surprise element, have decided to indulge more often in unplanned trips to have a suspense in waiting.
Budapest is a haven for explorers. Just a look around Danube river and I discovered the wealth of illustrious monuments. To get the best feel of heritage buildings and modern architecture, I explored Budapest three ways; cruiseway, driveway and walkway. Of course, walking remains my preferred choice to move around and explore, but in Budapest, I found Danube cruise was the best way to capture the beauty of Buda & Pest, as Budapest, in true sense, thrives on both sides of Danube river.
Budapest panorama, consisting of Buda Castle district and Danube embankments, is listed as the World Heritage Site. Buda side Danube embankments include Castle of Buda, Statue of Liberty, Citadel, Baroque churches and Turkish Baths. Pest side Danube embankments include Parliament building, Academy of Sciences, Gresham Palace and Roosevelt Square.
I found Heroes’ Square the most impressive and tallest square of Budapest, Millennium monument stands in the middle, with Archiangel Gabriel holding the cross of Christianity and the Hungarian Crown. Ornate horseback statues of the seven Hungarian leaders occupy the grand pedestal.
Another imposing monument in Budapest is Statue of Liberty. But, one monument that has, now, entered into my list of favorites, is famous Chain Bridge which has appeared in many movies. Even the climax scene of Bollywood blockbuster movie ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ was filmed here, and not in Italy as claimed in the movie.
BUDAPEST TALE Continues…..
History , heritage and monuments..we feel so proud , looking through them, as they somehow relate to our inner greatness. And for the time being we can forget our pettiness , our weaknesses .
I love the first images and also the Chain Bridge in Budapest! It looks like it rained when you’re there. I wonder if you have a hard time strolling the city during that weather.
hi Kristy yes it rained earlier but weather got very pleasant and I love walking. Walking tours are in my must to do list everywhere
Those photographs are gorgeous! Your post really taught me alot about Budapest (which I never heard of before till now.)
Thanks Ellen.
I love the idea of exploring Budapest three ways -cruise way, driveway and walkway.I love walking too but time can be a constraint.
Surely walking entails lot of time.
Seems like you had a lot of fun in Budapest. Someday, I’m going to embark on a world tour so I can see all the amazing cities scattered all over the world!
Visiting East Europe is my dream! I’m so jealous but hopefully I make it one day!
Live your dream. Wish you best Veronica.
That first photo that looks like an aerial shot is beautiful, but, my favorite is probably Heroes’ Square. What a perfect way to let people live vicariously through your photos and descriptions. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you.
Budapest is gorgeous. So much history and so much to do. I hope one day to return.
Rich in history and beautiful as well.
Wow! These photos are gorgeous! I need to get out of the country and start exploring
Exploring different destinations is great learning experience.
I love all your travel blog post. Beautiful city- Budapest! What an exciting to know more about this place. I love all your pictures and your writing style thank you for bringing us to Budapest through your blog.
Thanks Mane.
I had no idea that Budapest gets its name by combining two words and two prominent locations of the city ie Buda & Pes. The images look absolutely amazing. I would love to visit one day.
Even I had no idea earlier and got amazed when knew so.
I found it very interesting that the two words make up the one name. It is also very interesting that each side is very different from the other. Great post!
Interesting and fascinating indeed.
The Buda Castle looks magnificent. Is it available for tourist and public for viewing?
Yes it is. I visited whole of it took several hours.
I loved seeing Budapest through your eyes. It definitely is worth exploring through a cruise. Thanks!
Thanks Puja.
I always wanted to visit Budapest when i lived in Eastern Europe but never made it. Hopefully i can go next time i visit, i loved your post, so educational.
Thanks Sonila.
How pretty! I’ve never been to Budapest before. I’ve heard many great things about it, though! Would love to visit someday!
You will love being there.