"Two-toned Budapest" Budapest by acemj

Budapest Travel Guide: 7,469 reviews and 17,323 photos

There is something so fascinating about a city that literally wears the scars of its past on its proverbial sleeve. Budapest's buildings are pock-marked and graying reminders of a violent war and an oppressive era. But at the same time, its collection of architectural structures is magnificent and awe-inspiring. The Houses of Parliament along the Danube, in my opinion, are a far more glorious sight than London's Buckingham-Thames answer.

The dualing natures of the city can be found in its people as well. From an outsider's perspective, it seems that the locals are caught between two opposite forces. From the past comes the pull of conservatism and a life of limitations. From the future comes the pull of promise and freedom and to me, it seems that many Hungarians are unsure which step to take. <I>Should we walk boldly into a wonderfully uncertain future or should we continue to exist in the dim familiarity of the past?</I>

The romance of Budapest is best discovered from its center, the River Danube. Whether walking across the historic Chain Bridge, taking a boat ride on its green-gray waters, or strolling through the peaceful paths of Margaret Island, you will get the best perspective of Budapest from the river. You will see the past when you look at the quiet hills of Obuda or the sovereign dominance of the Citadella, or the Austro-Hungarian magnificence of the House of Parliament. And you will see the future when you see the busy streets of Pest and the capitalistic influences of tourism and commercialism.

Last visit to Budapest: May 2001
Intro Updated Mar 18, 2004
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Reviews (45)

Vajdahunyad Castle Things to Do (18)

This castle in City Park was constructed for Budapest's Millennium exhibition of 1896. Its purpose was to display many... more travel advice

Royal Palace Things to Do (18)

The Royal Palace on the Buda side of the Danube, has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, but the present... more travel advice

City Park Things to Do (18)

In the middle of the park is the lake, which becomes a picturesque setting for ice-skating in the winter and is a great... more travel advice

Funicular to Castle Hill Transportation (5)

The best way to get up to Castle Hill is to take the Funicular, which was built in 1870. It runs daily from morning to... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (2)
See All Quiet in the middle of Budapest
Restaurants (2)
See All Fancy plate of fruit
Favorites (5)
See All Imposing, grand architecture
Hotels (3)
See All The View
Shopping (1)
More than just paprika . . .

Local Customs (2)
See All Tough language
Warnings and Dangers (1)
A few things to consider . . .
Tourist Traps (1)
Gerbeaud Cafe, located in the...
What to Pack (2)
See All Packing List
Nightlife (3)
See All Academy of Music

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Comments (153)

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zstam May 9, 2007 at 5:02 AM

Nice pictures! I live close to Budapest and I work there. Yes, it is an unforgettable city. I don' forget it. I see it 5 times a week:)
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DaDrifter Aug 26, 2005 at 9:20 PM

Fantastic page, Mark! Beautiful views by the Danube, lovely architecture. Sorozo, Borozo and Palinka, I think I have it all covered ... Koszonom :)
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tini58de Aug 14, 2005 at 10:18 PM

Looking forward to our stay in Budapest! Nice impressions!
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shirez Sep 24, 2004 at 8:46 AM

beautiful page on my beautiful town!! thank you, made my heart feel warm:-))
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Levente_D Jul 27, 2004 at 2:42 AM

Great picture and very good comments about my home city! I always reed the "warnings and dangers" to see what should be improved! Thank you and come again! Greetings from Budapest!
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Sharrie Apr 26, 2004 at 7:36 PM

Heading this way in June. Any idea if there's a mountain nearby where I can hike?
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Jmill42 Mar 18, 2004 at 10:31 AM

Well, I didn't have Palinka, but I did find a GREAT restaurant... Fatal's. Goulosch Galore! Had subway troubles myself; excellent page!
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herzog63 Dec 12, 2003 at 1:20 PM

I never knew that Buda and Pest were two separate cities...haha Koszonom for teaching me something new!! Fantastic as usual!!
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d_d Nov 8, 2003 at 2:26 PM

Wonderful page! ...and lake balaton recalls always nice remembers in my mind...
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dr.firas Nov 4, 2003 at 9:50 AM

Academy of Music is gorgouse like your page :-)