Budapest

Budapest has a population of over two million people. One in every five Hungarians lives there. The River Danube divides the city into two parts. On the west bank there are the woods and hills of Buda and the old town. On the east bank, there is the bigger and more modern Pest, the business and shopping centre. From Buda there are wonderful views of Pest and the River. Six bridges join Buda and Pest.

For nearly a thousand years Buda and Pest were two towns. Then in 1873 they joined and became one city, Budapest. Until 1939 Budapest was one of the most important cultural capitals of Europe. Then World War II started. In 1945 the city was in ruins and the Communist took control. In 1956 the people tried to free themselves. They pulled down a statue of Stalin and ought the soldiers, but they were not successful. Communist rule did not end until 1989. 

Budapest is very unusual because it has two completely different parts. You can choose the peace and quiet of Buda’s wood or the excitement of Pest, where there are good theaters, restaurants, bars, and shop.

The public transport in Budapest is one the best and cheapest in the world. You can travel easily by underground, bus, tram, and taxi, but driving a car in Budapest is not a good ideal. There are no many car parks. Most cars are old, so pollution is very bad.

The healthiest thing to do in the city is to visit one of the thirty spa baths and swimming pools. The minerals waters of Budapest are famous, and very popular way to relax.

Taken from: UPT Bahasa Inggris Universitas Bengkulu “I will provide you with a key to a better future”