Buda + Pest= BUDAPEST

Fun facts about Budapest:

1. The residents of the city are called Budapesters or Budapestians
2. The largest Synagogue in Europe, the Great Synagogue is located in Budapest.
3. The largest medicinal bath in Europe, Széchenyi Medicinal Bath is also located in the city.
4. the third largest Parliament building in the world is in Budapest
5. It even houses the third largest church in Europe, Esztergom Basilica.
6. The first underground railway in Europe was built in Budapest, which is known as the Millennium Underground railway. (The metro-cars look like they are still the original cars- rather scary!)
7. Budapest is designated as one of the top 100 most livable cities in the world.

While roaming the streets of Budapest I learned a number of interesting facts, the best part of the trip was learning about the history of Budapest. The first thing I noticed is that the city of Budapest is so decentralized, with major landmarks really far apart, and the lack of a true city center. Then I learned this is the reason… Budapest is basically merger of two cities, Buda and Pest, which have always been and still are considered two separate cities that are separated by the river Danube. The right or the west bank is occupied by Buda while the left or the east bank is flanked by Pest.

The next interesting thing I learned about Budapest is that it is the place where the concept of an Avenue came from. The definition of Avenue is: A way or opening for entrance into a place; a passage by which a place may by reached; a way of approach or of exit. In the center of Buda and Pest runs the Danube River. Then the city was created as a circle with the Danube River running straight through it. Then the King created straight ways or openings from the river to the outskirts of the city creating Avenues…

Lastly our last night there we were able to take a city tour and a night boat cruise of the Danube River. While the Danube river is gorgeous the day and acts as the front yard of some of Budapest major landmarks it is an extremely important river for Budapest and Hungary. Acting as a major source of transportation of goods and provides rich soil for Hungary’s farmers. But besides that the river cruise was absolutely gorgeous!