From Pest to Buda – Walking the Chain Bridge in Budapest

The most picturesque scene in Budapest is without a doubt, the Chain Bridge. Connecting the Buda and Pest sides across the Danube river, this bridge connects the city.

The Chain Bridge was the first permanent stone-bridge connecting Pest and Buda, and only the second permanent crossing on the whole length of the river Danube. It is one of the symbolic buildings of Budapest, the most widely known bridge of the beaut Hungarian capital.

It’s a must stop along your travels and for your first time visiting Budapest. A walk alongside the river doesn’t go amiss either.

Visiting the Chain Bridge in Budapest

We decided to start our day with a journey across the river. Following a hearty breakfast at our hotel, we walked down to the bridge late in the morning. If it’s your first time visiting and if you’re coming from the Pest side, I’d dedicate at least half a day to exploring the Buda side following the chain bridge. We walked along the river with misty views of the city.

It seems like the Chain Bridge is both a definite destination of sightseeing for tourists and a great footpath for locals to get from side to side.

Upon crossing into the Buda side, you’re greeted with views of a massive tunnel as well as an incline passage. It’s called a Funicular and takes you to the top of the hill. Visually, I’m reminded of when we lived in Pittsburgh. It’s like the Fort Pitt tunnel combined with the incline to the top of Mt. Washington treating you to pretty city views.

The Funicular

We skipped the incline this time. There’s a cost associated to go up and you can read more about that here. The thing is, we kind of wanted the exercise.

So, we hiked it (shiny silver boots and all) to the top. There’s an opportunity to walk up to the incline and overlook. There are small bridges across that treat you to those epic Chain Bridge views. Been stalking someone’s Instagram from their Budapest travels? This is the money shot.

It’s only about a 15-minute walk up to the top. That is, if you don’t stop to take 3000 photos along the way.

At the top of the hill

When you get to the top you have the options taking you left to the Buda Castle or right up towards the Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion. These are at the heart of Buda’s Castle District.

We didn’t actually explore the Buda Castle on this trip. I know. It looks beautiful.

Next time when we aren’t so desperate for lunch, we’ll explore it more. Instead we walked to the Church and Fisherman’s Bastion. Such gorgeous views of the city.

Once you’re up on the Buda side and up the hill, it’s incredibly important for you to make a pit-stop at the Pest-Buda Hotel. The most amazing goulash awaits.

More on that later.

Kelly xoxo