Exploring both sides of the Danube

Inspiring choice

Budapest, a lively and cosmopolitan city, where Strauss’s Blue Danube is played all the time, is not just Hungary’s capital but its heart and soul.

It’s a spa capital with thermal baths, the medicinal effects of which were known to the Romans who took full advantage of them. To get the real feel of the city, the visitor can stroll through streets at night and see the brilliantly lit monuments.

The Danube runs between the twin cities of Buda and Pest. Along the river bank, there are charming old inns and wine cellars. Seven bridges, the most famous being the Chain Bridge built between 1839 and 1849, connect Buda and Pest. Away from the city centre, the outskirts have a lot of greenery that is very pleasing to the eye.

Budapest is full of historical and cultural sites.

There is a lot to see in Pest, east of the Danube, but what cannot be missed is Heroes’ Square which is a tribute to Hungary’s national identity. It was built as a memorial on the 1,000th anniversary of the Hungarian settlement. In the centre of the semicircular structure is the statue of Archangel Gabriel, atop a 36 m column, symbolising the spirit of victory.

The Millenium Monument dedicated to the founders of Hungary, the Art Gallery and the Museum of Fine Arts are located in this area. The Parliament Building, the third largest in the world, is impressive. It is the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary. The Hungarian Crown Jewels are housed and displayed here.

There are several museums. Of these, the House of Terror was a former secret police headquarters for the Nazis as well as the Soviet Union. After the chilling
experience of Auschwitz in Poland, I had no wish to repeat it.

St Stephen’s Basilica in downtown Pest is the largest church in Budapest. It is dedicated to St Stephen, Hungary’s first king. It has a seating capacity of 8,500. Musical programmes take place in the church around the year. Its most important treasure, the mummified right hand of St Stephen, is kept here. The Great Synagogue is the second largest Jewish place of worship in the world.

Across the river, on the west, Buda has two hills — Castle Hill and Gellert Hill. Buda Castle looks over the city from Castle Hill. There are, of course, the usual shops and cafes. The famed Herend porcelain, peasant embroidery and paprika are on sale.

From the towers of the picturesque Fisherman’s Bastion, we can get a panoramic view of the sprawling city. Gellert Hill offers spectacular views over the Danube from the citadel. The 13th century Matthias Coronation Church is in the centre of Buda Castle District. Officially, it is the Church of Our Lady. It was the scene of several coronations and has been popularly named after King Matthias.

Take a fascinating cruise on the Danube. It is said that you haven’t seen Budapest until you have taken a cruise on the Danube. It will make one realise the inspiration behind Johan Strauss’s achingly beautiful composition, Blue Danube. The hauntingly melodious music tends to stay with one for long afterwards.

A folklore programme will acquaint one with Hungarian dance and music. Visit a traditional restaurant to taste goulash, a soup or a stew of meat and vegetables
seasoned with paprika and other spices.

Explore Andrassy Avenue, a World Heritage site, a stylish boulevard and the main shopping street with fine cafes, restaurants, theatres and luxury boutiques.