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Buda has Castle Hill and the Independence Monument on Gellert Hill...
...but Pest is Budapest too.
Two-thirds of the city lies on the flat east bank of the Danube.
Pest has no castle.... No castle?
Well then, what has it got?
One of the major landmarks on the Pest side is the Parliament building. This huge Neo-Gothic -- and castle-like -- structure sits right on the river north of the Chain Bridge. You can take a guided tour and see paintings, tapestries and the Hungarian Holy Crown and the Crown Jewels as well as the sumptuous interiors.
Large squares and other government buildings dominate this immediate area.
Wandering south along the river you come to the Chain Bridge and Roosevelt Square. Go ahead and take time to walk over the bridge and back. The Chain Bridge, Szechenyi Ianchid, is one of Budapest's most famous landmarks, and it was the first permanent bridge over the River to unify the two halves of the city. We enjoyed the walk and the changing perspectives of the city from the bridge.... and the bridge itself is beautiful day and night.
Spreading south from the Chain Bridge you can walk along the Danube promenade, also known as the Duna Korzo. River Cruise boats and restaurant boats are parked along the river here. There are statues and flower shops all along the walk. It runs from the Chain Bridge to the Elizabeth Bridge.
Pest is Budapest where the "downtown" is. Parallel to the Duna Korzo you will find Vaci Street (Utca Vaci). Part of this street is pedestrian only... and along this street you'll find high-end shops and some great architecture. Utca Vaci also has great cafes. We found a great little wine shop... they had a tasting room in their cellar. The proprietor was very helpful in teaching us about Hungarian wines and recommending wine regions to visit and places to stay.
Stroll through the colorful Great Market Hall...
It's a treasure trove of fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, fish and local delicacies.
Try some paprika... which can be hot or sweet... and get some to take home for a souvenir.
Taste some real Hungarian goulash.
You can even find Hungarian folk textiles and embroidery which make great souvenirs.
Running out from the River is Andrassy Avenue where you'll find museums and nightclubs and the Opera House. This broad avenue runs all the way out to the Heros Square and the City Park, Varosliget. You'll find more museums in the park and a castle... which really isn't a castle, but a castle-like building which now showcases Hungary's architectural styles. Sure looks like a castle!
You'll also find one of Budapest's largest thermal baths. You can join in the experience at the baths or just stop by for a look. You may have seen pictures of men sitting in hot pools playing chess.... this is where you'll see that.
Walk along the promenade in the late afternoon.... take a twilight cruise on the river... or have a beer or dinner or both on one of the boats permanently tied up along the promenade. Sure it's touristy..., but you're a tourist! And any of those boat restaurants offer dining with a great view of Castle Hill and the bridges.... all lit up at night.
Pest is Budapest's best bet for a sweet treat late in the evening. Find the Gerbeaud Cafe on the Vorosmarty Ter (Square) at one end of Utca Vaci. For a hundred and fifty years it has been one of the finest coffee houses and pastry shops in Europe. It was renovated in the late 1990s and has a very nostalgic feel with brocade wall coverings, fine wood panels and little marble tables.... oh yea, and the pastries are yummy too!
Buda may have the castle, but you need to see both sides of the Danube.... yes, definitely Pest is Budapest too.
Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it! Judy and Mark
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