Bucharest vs Budapest - what is the difference?

Here are the key differences between Bucharest (Romania) and Budapest (Hungary) for those who might confuse them:

1. Location & Country

• Bucharest is the capital of Romania.
• Budapest is the capital of Hungary.
• Though they sound similar, they are roughly 800 km apart in different countries.

2. Language

• Bucharest: Romanian, a Romance language related to Italian, Spanish, and French.
• Budapest: Hungarian (Magyar), a completely different Uralic language unrelated to most European languages.

3. Currency

• Bucharest: Romanian Leu (RON).
• Budapest: Hungarian Forint (HUF) (Hungary is in the EU but hasn’t adopted the Euro).

4. Architecture & History

• Bucharest: A mix of French-inspired 19th-century architecture, Communist-era blocks, and modern skyscrapers.
• Budapest: More Austro-Hungarian and Baroque architecture, with grand palaces and bridges over the Danube.

5. Famous Landmarks

• Bucharest: Palace of the Parliament (the world’s second-largest administrative building), the Old Town, and Her?str?u Park.
• Budapest: Buda Castle, Hungarian Parliament, Fisherman’s Bastion, Széchenyi Thermal Baths.

6. River

• Bucharest: No major river runs through the city centre (though the Dambovita River is present).
• Budapest: The Danube River divides Buda and Pest, making for scenic views.

7. Thermal Baths

• Bucharest: There are few thermal baths, but spa resorts exist outside the city.
• Budapest is famous for its thermal baths (Széchenyi, Gellért, Rudas).

8. Food & Drink

• Bucharest: Romanian food features mamaliga (polenta), sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), mici (grilled sausages), and Tuica (plum brandy).
• Budapest: Hungarian cuisine is known for goulash, paprika-seasoned dishes, chimney cake (kürt?skalács), and pálinka (fruit brandy).

9. Tourism & Popularity

• Budapest: A major European tourist destination with millions of visitors per year.
• Bucharest: Gaining popularity but less visited than Budapest.

10. Transportation

• Bucharest: Metro system, buses, trams, and lots of traffic congestion.
• Budapest: More developed public transport, with trams, metro, buses, and scenic boat rides on the Danube.

11. Cultural Influence

• Bucharest is more influenced by Latin and Balkan cultures.
• Budapest: Strong Austro-Hungarian cultural heritage.

12. Mistaken Identity

• Tourists sometimes confuse Bucharest and Budapest, leading to mix-ups in travel plans.
• Even Michael Jackson, during a concert in Bucharest, greeted the crowd with "Hello, Budapest!" 

 

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