The Danube River, which separates Buda and Pest, provides the perfect platform for observing both sides of Budapest from the water. There are a number of cruise operators in Budapest providing a range of cruises including upscale sunset dinner, wining and dining.

If you are spending the day getting about by foot however, a great way to move between these two distinct regions of Budapest is via The Szabadság híd – The Liberty Bridge.

With it’s arches each end and the backdrop of Gellért Hill on one side and the old city of Pest on the other, it is the shortest of several bridges in Budapest which cross the Danube.

I have stayed only in the Pest part of Budapest – it is flat, has a well run tram system and a lot of character. From there making your way to the Liberty Bridge is easy, and the walk across to Buda is a highlight be it night or day.

You can explore Fővám Square on the Pest side: the largest undercover market in Hungary; which is immediately at the foot of the bridge, or cross to Buda and explore Gellért Square which is at the foot of Gellért Hill, visit the Cave Church, or wander up Gellért Hill to the Liberty Statue, which takes about half an hour.

I believe plans are to make it eventually pedestrian only, but for now it takes its share of traffic.

By night it is attractively lit.

The Liberty Bridge, along with all other of Budapest’s bridges, was destroyed in World War II, and was the first to be rebuilt and is by far my favourite bridge for crossing the Danube.