You’ve probably heard of Budapest, but you may not be quite sure where it is. The next time you are considering potential travel destinations with others, you may consider adding Budapest, Hungary to the mix.
This city in central Europe is an incredible vacation spot, worth exploring on its own or as part of a longer European travel itinerary. Its historic architecture, unique cuisine, and thermal baths are at the center of a bustling tourist industry in the capital city. Budapest is the center of Hungarian culture with its opera houses and museums. It is one of the largest cities in Europe with more than 1.7 million people.
Location of Budapest
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, should not be confused with Bucharest, the capital of neighboring Romania. The city is located in the north-central section of Hungary and is divided by the Danube River, which separates the Buda side from the Pest side. The two sides were linked by the Chain Bridge in the mid-19th century, and Obuda, another part, was linked a few years later. The three historical sections of Budapest make up the modern Hungarian capital. Three islands in the Danube River are also part of Budapest: Obuda Island, Margaret Island and the largest, only partially within the city limits, Csespel Island.
Budapest sits on top of the hot springs, which have created a thriving and well-established spa industry that is one of Budapest’s top attractions.
On the European continent, Hungary borders Slovakia to the north, Ukraine to the northeast, Austria to the northwest, Romania to the east, Serbia to the south, Croatia to the southwest and Slovenia to the west.
Some of the major European cities near Budapest are Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, which is 100 miles (163 kilometers) away; Vienna, the capital of Austria is 135 miles (217 kilometers) away; Krakow, Poland is 182 miles (293 kilometers) to the north; and Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, lies 275 miles (443 kilometers) to the northwest.
Arriving in Budapest
Budapest is considered a great center for exploring Central Europe. International flights to Budapest arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, and there are many direct connections from other major European cities. The airport is 15 miles (25 kilometers) from the city center. Cruises on the Danube River and tours of Eastern and Central Europe also stop frequently in Budapest.
If you visit Budapest by train, you will arrive at one of its three International Stations: Nyugati Train Station (West), Keleti Train Station (East) and Déli Train Station (South). Nyugati and Keleti stations are on the Pest side, Deli train station is on the Buda side. From the stations, you can continue your journey in Budapest by metro. Keleti and Deli stations are on the red subway line, while Nyugati station is on the blue line.
You can also travel by bus, which arrives at Nepliget central bus station, close to the blue metro line, giving you easy access to your Budapest hotel or other places in the city.
History of Budapest
The first inhabitants found Budapest a good place to settle, particularly due to its location on the Danube, a major European waterway and major trade route in the region.
Budapest was originally colonized by the Celtic people in the 4th century BC. But, due to the rise of the Roman Empire, the Romans called the settlement Aquincum in 89 AD. Visitors to the modern city can see the remains of the Roman settlement; they are some of the best preserved Roman ruins in Hungary.
The Magyars, or Hungarians, entered the Carpathian Basin, in which Budapest is located, in the 9th century. Hungarians are proud of their more than 1,000 years of history in the region.
