Budapest: The ‘Twin Cities’ of Europe

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Allie Delury
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  As a former Minneapolis resident, I couldn't help but feel nostalgic as I crossed over a massive, glowing bridge connecting two sides of an iconic Eastern European city. Similar to how the 35W interstate looms over the Mississippi River, this bridge connects two distinct sections of the city of Budapest (commonly referred to as Buda and Pest). The suspension bridge, known as the Chain Bridge, became the first bridge to link both sides of the Hungarian capital, and is one of the many iconic attractions that Budapest has to offer.

Much like Prague, Budapest is located on a massive river that splits the city into two parts. The Danube River is the second longest river in Europe, and also home to a variety of river cruises and floating restaurants. Facing north, the traditional and historic Buda is located on the left side of the river, while the more modern and progressive Pest is located on the right.

The grand Budapest Castle, Parliament, and other palaces tower over Buda, and almost seem to look down in arrogance on the flat and populous Pest. Visitors can view Buda's historical panorama from the Pest side, or climb to the Budapest Castle in Buda for a bird's eye view of Pest--all in about an hour's hike. If you're looking for good food or a younger party scene, try Hungary's oldest restaurant for dinner and head over to a ruin bar for drinks.

Ruin bars are a distinct feature of Budapest. The eclectic demeanor of the crowded bars attracts a variety of people: from old men in their 60s to hipsters in their 20s. The first ruin bar established in Budapest boasts on being the third best bar in the world, according to a 2012 Lonely Planet ranking. Upon walking through the short door, my eyes were drawn to every piece of furniture, every sign, and every piece of décor in each of its dimly lit rooms. A phantasmagoria of knick-knacks, the bar is a Palinka hotspot for the old-fashioned folk and an Instagram wonderland for the younger generation.

Another iconic trait of Budapest is the availability of thermal baths during all seasons. Over New Years, the city opened the largest bath in Budapest to hundreds of young tourists--a jarring difference from the daytime scene of retired locals playing chess near the pool steps.

At the conclusion of my stay, our group headed back over the Chain Bridge toward Western Europe. Despite the divided qualities of Budapest, the city shares a proud history and a common outlook on Eastern European culture.

Budapest may be divided, but it will always remain one city--the Danube River nothing more than a shrinking cultural gap between its split personalities.