Budapest, Hungary - Twin Cities on the Danube River

Buda and Pest Are Fascinating Cities with Intriguing History

The Danube River runs right through the center of Budapest, dividing the city into two parts--Buda and Pest. Since the city links western and eastern Europe, Budapest has long had an intriguing history. River ships sailing the Danube always stopover in Budapest for the day, docking in a perfect place, with a marvelous view of Fishermen's Bastion and the Palace in Buda on one side and the downtown area of Pest on the other. The ships often wait until after dark to sail away since the city lights on the river are truly memorable.

Budapest has many fascinating sites on both sides of the river. Many of these sites are diverse, with fascinating histories. They range from churches such as St. Stephen's and Matthias to monuments, parks, and beautiful bridges across the Danube.

Since the ships dock conveniently near many of the tourist areas, passengers can explore the city on their own. In addition, river cruises usually include an overview tour of the city as part of the fare.

Budapest is also one of my favorite sail away ports in the world.

The Chain Bridge was named after count Széchenyi, who sponsored the building of the bridge.

The Chain Bridge was built by Scotsmen William Tierney Clark and Adam Clark and opened in 1849.

The Erzsebet (Elizabeth) Bridge over the Danube River in Budapest was named after Queen Elizabeth, a popular empress of Austria-Hungary assassinated in 1898.

The Palace of Art in Budapest, Hungary sits on Heroes' Square. The Palace of Art was built in 1895 and contains exhibits of Hungarian as well as other artists.

The Széchenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest is the largest medicinal bath in Europe. The Széchenyi bath is found in the City Park of Pest.

St. Stephen's is the largest church in Budapest and holds about 8500 people.

The Budapest Central Market is a short walk from where the river ships dock. Is has many fascinating food products, handicrafts, and other wares for sale.

The Millennium Monument was started in 1896 and completed in 1929.

The base of the Corinthian column of the Millennium Monument at Heroes' Square in Budapest.

The column is topped with a statue of the archangel Gabriel and surrounded by seven mounted men representing the Magyar chiefs who led the Hungarian people over 1100 years ago.

Heroes' Square in Budapest is at the end of Andrassy Avenue. Heroes' Square is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sixty pairs of cast iron shoes, cast in the styles of the 1940's, stand in remembrance of the people shot into the Danube during the Arrow Cross terror.

Pest is on the flat side of the Danube River, and Buda is on the hilly side of the river.

Fishermen's Bastion is part of the Buda Castle District and is near Matthias Church and the Palace.

In the Middle Ages, fishermen set up their defense positions at the area known as Fishermen's Bastion. The site is filled with towers, turrets, and river views.

The Buda Castle complex was once the palace of Hungarian kings. It was once called the royal palace. This monument is one of many in the castle district.

Budapest, including the banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter, and Andrássy Avenue up to Heroes' Square are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The monument was erected in 1947 on Gellert Hill in Buda to mark the liberation of the capital from the Germans in 1945 by Soviet troops.