Which side of the Danube?
Jan 9th, 2004, 05:14 AM
#2
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Many people have asked before, and the answers reflect individual preferences. I think it depends on what you want to do, how long you will stay, and personal choice.
"Downtown" Pest is more central, and most (but definitely not all) of what you are likely to want to see is likely in Pest.
Buda offers some more remote places, many with somewhat lower prices, but generally less convenient and/or frequent public transportation -- save the castle district. The castle district is preferred by some for the ambiance, as well as accessability to sites within its walls, but it is 10-15 minutes "extra" by bus to get most anywhere else. (A taxi would shave some time off that.)
So ... you pay your money and take your choice. I prefer Pest.
"Downtown" Pest is more central, and most (but definitely not all) of what you are likely to want to see is likely in Pest.
Buda offers some more remote places, many with somewhat lower prices, but generally less convenient and/or frequent public transportation -- save the castle district. The castle district is preferred by some for the ambiance, as well as accessability to sites within its walls, but it is 10-15 minutes "extra" by bus to get most anywhere else. (A taxi would shave some time off that.)
So ... you pay your money and take your choice. I prefer Pest.
Jan 9th, 2004, 05:38 AM
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If this is your first visit to Budapest, I would suggest the Pest side. Get a hotel room with a view of the Danube, the Castle, and the Chain Bridge. You will love it. As the previous poster said, being in Pest makes it easier to get around, whether by metro or on foot, especially for a first timer. Enjoy Budapest!!
Jan 9th, 2004, 06:29 AM
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There's a thrid option -- look ACOSS at Pest. There are a number of hotels on Bem Rakpart not far from the funicular to Castle Hill or the red line on the metro. I've stayed at Hotel Victoria several times and like the amenities/view for the money -- it's just a 15 minute walk to Pest over the Chain Bridge --- so .. that's my 2 cents 
Jan 9th, 2004, 06:50 AM
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We stayed at the Hotel Victoria last May on our first visit to Budapest and thought it was great. Each room has a huge picture window overlooking the Danube with a view of the beautiful Parliamant buildings on the left and the Chain Bridge on the right. It was wonderful waking up to those sites every morning.
We had no problem getting around from the Buda side and were actually rather glad to leave the Pest side and return to the hotel after a day's sightseeing.
We had no problem getting around from the Buda side and were actually rather glad to leave the Pest side and return to the hotel after a day's sightseeing.
