about Budapest
The Danube River divides Budapest into two unbalanced parts. The east bank Pest is almost twice as big as the hilly west bank Buda. However, the older Buda features most of the historic treasures, the government buildings and a beautiful hilltop 13th century castle. Budapest was founded as a trading centre and urbanized by the Romans. Later on, it suffered invasions by the Goths, Huns and Turks, the latter occupying the city for more than 150 years. Budapest's zenith was in late 19th and early 20th century, when together with Vienna, the city was a capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Nowadays Budapest, free from former Soviet's influences, boasts a flourishing cultural scene, strong coffee and interesting architecture.