Budapest or Bucharest? – 11 facts helping in distinguishing these capitals

It is not only Romania that fights for putting an end to the confusion caused by the similar name of its capital, Bucharest, and the name of the Hungarian city, Budapest, but Hungary and Hungarians as well. It can create embarrassing situations if you mistakenly confuse Bucharest with Budapest or the other way around because neither Hungarians nor Romanians like pointing out the mistake to foreigners. Theculturetrip.com collected some useful facts that might help tourists in not confusing the Hungarian capital, Budapest, with the Romanian Bucharest anymore.

Do you remember that in 1992, Michel Jackson greeted his audience during his concert in Romania by saying “Hello, Budapest!”? During that time, this incident created a whirlwind, but similar subsequent situations occurred, for example, the one with some Spanish soccer fans. In 2012, 400 Spanish soccer fans wanted to see the 2012 Europa League Final organised in Bucharest, and guess where they did end up? Of course, in Budapest. In order to make it clear that the Hungarian capital, Budapest, is a different city from that of Bucharest, the capital of Romania, 11 amazing facts are collected here which will help you in distinguishing the two cities.

1. Two countries, two distinct languages

The most salient difference between the two cities is that their mother tongue is completely different from one another. Romanian is a Romance language which might be similar to Italian, Spanish or Portuguese given their common origin (though it has a decisively Slavic vocabulary). In contrast, Hungarian belongs to the Finno-Ugric language family like Finnish or Estonian, and it sounds completely different from Romanian (nor Romance, nor Slavic).

2. The Danube vs the Dambovita

Have you heard the expression the Pearl of the Danube? If yes, then you know that this refers to the Hungarian capital, Budapest, which is divided by the mighty Danube (Duna) river into Buda and Pest. Do not confuse it with the Dambovita river of Bucharest which is much smaller and maybe a bit less spectacular than the other river.

3. Little Paris vs the Queen of the Danube

Another important fact to know is that given the unique architecture of the Romanian capital inspired by Paris in the 19th century, it is frequently referred to as “the Little Paris” being the little replica of the city of love. An example of this architecture is the Calea Victoriei, an avenue, which exhibits all the breathtaking representatives of the Neo-classical and Art Deco styles. In contrast, Budapest is called “the Queen of the Danube” where a fantastic view unfolds before your eyes if you take a walk along the banks of the river.

4. National dishes: the sarmale vs the Hungarian goulash

No trip can pass in Bucharest without tasting its traditional food, the sarmale, which is cooked from stuffed cabbage rolls. There is an endless number of restaurants where you can try this dish, so you can easily immerse yourself in culinary pleasures.

However, no Hungarian food can be more famous than the traditional goulash, the specialty of the country.

It is more like a thick stew richly spiced with paprika, and its fantastic flavour is like heaven in your mouth.

5. Two countries, two unique Parliament buildings

There is no doubt that the Romanian House of Parliament is an imposing building rising above the capital. This Parliament is the biggest administrative building in the world, and it is incredible how elaborated it is paying attention to even the smallest details. The uniqueness of the Hungarian Parliament is that it is located on the bank of the Danube, in Kossuth Square, and it is a magnificent example of the Neo-Gothic architecture. Do not forget to go inside if you are there because it gives a home to the Hungarian Crown Jewels that can also be admired.