The Pest district

In Budapest, it’s the Danube that draws the line between the city’s two very different personalities: a natural divide that’s as much social as it is geographical. And it’s been that way for a long time. Before becoming one capital, Budapest was actually three separate cities: hilly, aristocratic Buda; ancient, laid-back Óbuda; and lively, flat Pest, which you’re exploring right now. These three places officially came together in 1873, forming the city we know today. Pest has always been the energetic side of the river, no matter the era. It was once home to both the rising bourgeoisie and the working classes, and today, it’s still where the action is. You’ll find the Hungarian Parliament, the Opera House, elegant boulevards, historic cafés, museums, theatres, trendy ruin bars, and a vibrant cultural scene. In short, Pest is the heartbeat of Budapest, and it’s not about to slow down.