Things to do in the 'Pest' part of Budapest
If you are not getting what I mean by 'Pest' part of Budapest, then let me tell brief you quickly. Budapest, the capital of Hungary is actually made of two cities: Buda and Pest on both sides of the Danube river before it was connected by the Chain Bridge. The entire city has a rich cultural background with lots of spots to explore including the ancient and modern ones. I decided to divide the city tour of Budapest into three parts: Buda, Pest and along the Danube river for better understanding. Pest (the flat, lively side of Budapest) has tons to offer — from grand architecture and history to great food, nightlife, and relaxing green spaces. Depending on your interests, here are some of the top things to do + a few less touristy gems.
We started our excursion at around 6 30 AM at the Szechenyi Thermal bath.
So practically our first stop was the Hero's square.
Hősök tere or the Hero's Square: This is an iconic landmark and one of the major squares of the city. You can correlate it with the India Gate of Delhi or Independence Square of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia or the Rizal Garden of Manila, Philippines. I mean it's the independence square of this country.
Hungary became an independent state in 1896; hence its construction started in this very year. This place is also a part of the city's first subway line. This place pays homage to all the heroes who sacrificed themselves for the independence of the country.
The square has important parts on all its four sides: The Museum of fine Arts, the Palace of Arts and the Embassy of Serbia. There are innumerable statues made by a sculptor from Lendava and features the seven chieftains of Magyar.
Museum of Hungarian Agriculture: This is not an usual stop on a tourist list but it's at a walking distance from the Hero's Square.
Terror Haza or the House of Terror:
Terror Háza (House of Terror) is a museum in Budapest, Hungary, located on Andrássy Avenue.
It’s a striking and rather chilling place that documents the fascist and communist regimes that ruled Hungary in the 20th century. The building itself was once the headquarters of both the Arrow Cross Party (Hungary’s Nazi-affiliated group during WWII) and later the ÁVH, the communist secret police.
Inside, you’ll find:
Exhibits on Nazi and Soviet occupations of Hungary.
Prison cells in the basement, showing how political prisoners were interrogated and tortured.
Multimedia installations, photos, and personal stories of victims and survivors.
A memorial wall honoring those who lost their lives.
The building’s exterior is instantly recognizable because of the large steel awning with cut-out letters spelling TERROR, casting dramatic shadows on the walls.
It’s one of the most impactful museums in Budapest — very heavy and emotional, but highly recommended if you want to understand Hungary’s modern history.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
A spectacular church, worth going inside and climbing up to the dome for city views.
Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd)
The iconic bridge connecting Pest and Buda. Walking across gives you great views. Best at sunrise/sunset.
Great (Central) Market Hall (Nagy Vásárcsarnok)
A feast for senses — fresh produce, local foods, souvenirs. Try Hungarian specialties like lángos, paprika, sausages.
Jewish Quarter & Dohány Street Synagogue
The synagogue is Europe’s largest, very rich in history and architectural beauty. The surrounding Jewish Quarter is now full of cafés, ruin bars, restaurants.
City Park (Városliget) + Heroes’ Square + Vajdahunyad Castle
Great for a relaxing walk, rowing on the lake, exploring the castle, and getting away from the crowded centre.
Thermal Baths
Pest has some of the famous ones. The Széchenyi Bath is huge and beautiful; Gellért Bath is another lovely choice. A quintessential Budapest experience.
Walk along the Danube Promenade
The stretch along the river (especially between Chain Bridge and Elizabeth Bridge) offers lovely views of Buda, the Parliament building, and is nice for evening walks.
Gasztro-streets, cafés & Ruin Bars
Kazinczy Street and Gozsdu Courtyard for food and drinks.
Szimpla Kert — probably the most famous ruin bar.
Try local cuisine: goulash, chimney cake (“kürtős”), lángos, etc.
I can't recommend Budapest enough, it's known as the poor man's Rome and Paris, but is definitely the most underrated capital city in Europe. It's beauty is unmatched, architecture as mesmerizing as the overrated ones in the above said cities, individualistic culture while being much better priced than the touristy cities of Europe.
Have you been to Budapest? What impressed you the most?
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Mads’ Cookhouse.
13 comments
I sure wish to go someday, the architecture and the heritage is rich.Did not at all have any idea theta Budapest is Buda +Pest as in two parts of a city.
ReplyDeleteI’ve never visited Budapest (it’s not on my list yet!), your post, the pictures & information shared made me feel like I was walking those streets — the architecture, the thermal baths, the cafés in the Jewish Quarter — all of it felt alive.
ReplyDeleteI have learnt something new today. I never knew that BUDA and PEST are two separate words joined together to make a name. I wish to go there someday.Your pictures and description show that the architecture and the city is worth visiting.
ReplyDeleteJust finished reading your guide and I have to say, it's a delightful blend of history, culture, and personal insight. Your vivid descriptions made me feel like I was strolling through Hero's Square and savouring a langos at the Central Market Hall. It's clear you've captured the essence beautifully!
ReplyDeleteSuch a comprehensive guide to Budapest’s vibrant Pest side! From the poignant House of Terror to the lively Jewish Quarter and the relaxing thermal baths, this post covers it all. Great mix of must-see landmarks and hidden gems
ReplyDeleteI'm all for history and architecture so the Pest side will appeal to me too. The House of Terror seems grim but am sure shares and important part of history through its exhibits.
ReplyDeleteYou brilliantly captures Pest’s vibrant charm, blending iconic landmarks, hidden gems, history, and local experiences. Its detailed, engaging narrative makes exploring Budapest effortless, informative, and inspiring, perfect for travelers seeking both culture and adventure.
ReplyDeleteLearnt something new today about Budapest. Ruin bar is such a unique concept. As usual your pictures are so happy.
ReplyDeleteMust revisit this rather exhaustive list just in case I visit Budapest.
ReplyDeleteA travel blog turns interesting because of the sorytelling skill of the writer and you nailed in this art form. Perfect pictures, quality description perfect to take the reader on a tour with you virtually and at the end create that spark in the reader's heart to include the place in the To-Do list. Awesome Mandira
ReplyDeleteYour detailed posts with amazing pictures are always such a delight to read. This post helped me refresh the memories of my viist to Budapest. Mayuri/Sirimiri
ReplyDeleteSuch aesthetic and beautiful pictures.. Loved it! Can't wait to visit this place.
ReplyDeleteA well-written and helpful post - i enjoy your writing style shows such a fun vibe to the place.
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