Buda was capital of Hungary from the year 1361 until it was captured by the Ottomans in 1541, when Pressburg became the new capital. Pressburg is today called Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. In 1686, Buda was occupied by the Austrians and not declared a free city until 1703. However, it had to wait another eighty years to become the capital of Hungary again. Later, in 1873, Buda was united with the cities of Óbuda and Pest to make up what we nowadays know as Budapest. 

So Buda became what it is today: the western part of the Hungarian capital. Located on the right bank of the river Danube, its name is said to come from its founder, however it is more likely that it is derived from the local word for ´water`, probably referring to the Danube itself. 

Buda makes up a third of the capital’s territory and is largely forested and mountainous. In addition, it is normally associated with a high level of living, although this can well depend on what part you visit. Whatever the case, you will find it a pleasure to stroll around this small architectural paradise, have a beer in one of the many bars and visit one of the area’s museums. What’s more, you will also find here some of the most historically important places in Budapest, such as ´Castle Hill` and the ´Citadel`.