Buda vs Pest

I have stayed on both sides and never had a problem with either... there were things I wanted to see in each part, so I was walking or taking a bus either way. I would stay where its cheaper.

I was wondering if weather in December is a factor and whether better to be on the "busier" side.

Lori, where exactly is the hotel? By staying in Buda, you're only near the castle and Matthias church. We stayed in Buda only because we had a Hilton connection and they were able to get us a room for about $100 a night. Otherwise, we would have definitely stayed in Pest. We had to take public transportation for much of our stay. It would have been nice to be within walking distance of something besides the castle and some mediocre, expensive restaurants. Our views were to die for, but we felt a little isolated from where most of the sites were, or even just Vaci Utca... But like us, if you're going to save enough money, then go for it. Just be prepared to learn the public transportation system so you can get around.

it is an apartment for 40 euro/night -

Lori - how fit are you? We stayed at Bellevue B and B and had no problem with walking across the Chain Bridge to Pest almost daily. We are 58 and 57 (note - I do bike over 5,000 miles annually at recreational speeds and my wife does Bikram yoga at least 3x weekly)
Personally, since we use our room primarily for sleeping, we would rather sleep where it is quieter. We'd rather save the money. As for eating and drinking, there are many fine spots in Buda.

it really isn't the walking per se, if it were a different time of year but we will be there at christmas and weather may be a factor, and things closing early means we require an early start and getting two kids and myself out the door requires time - we are leaning toward the slightly more expensive Pest

We stayed on the Buda side. We were only a few blocks from a metro station and had no problem using the metro to get around the city. You can go from Buda to Pest quickly and easily. So I'd agree with Terry kathryn that it really doesn't make much difference which side you choose. If you've found a decent place in Buda, I'd say go for it. I should mention that we were there during the annual wine festival - which takes place in the Castle on the Buda side, so that might have prejudiced us for Buda.

Since there's good public transportation on each side of the Duna, where you stay does not matter. BUT, Buda is the hilly side, you're visiting in December, and you must walk to the bus, tram, or subway stop. If snow is on the ground during your stay, wouldn't you rather stay on flat land? Besides, the parliament, countless restaurants, the museum area, city park and Szecheni baths are in Pest...as well as long boulevards and interesting neighborhoods. I hope you have a great time. I really enjoyed Budapest last fall.

Let's not get our eastern European cities mixed up. Cesky Krumlov is a fine place to visit by easy bus from PRAGUE, along the Vltava river. The Danube divides Buda and Pest in Hungary. We stayed in Buda at the Bellview B&B as well and it was an easy 5-minute walk to the metro station. I would chose Buda over Pest in a heartbeat 8 months of the year - but probably not in winter.

We also stayed at B&B Bellevue on the Pest side and liked the area. Our room had a balconey and overlooked a wooded area below St Matthias Church. We walked most everywhere but public transportation is excellent. Owners of this B&B are great. Would stay there again for sure. We loved Budapest.

Correction: stayed on the Buda side.

Wow Lori, that is REALLY cheap!!! I can see why it's a dilemma!

I second the Bellevue B&B, we are in our 60's and had no trouble with the walks uphill. nice location actually very short distance to castle Hill and all it's sites, and easy walk to Chain Bridge or to Metro and tram stations. Train to the cute little town of Szentendre can be caught at the this same metro station.

Lori, My family and I lived in Budapest for three years, and I can assure you that whether you decide to stay on the Buda or the Pest side, either is fine in winter. Budapest does not get enough snow to be of any real concern. Depending on where you are staying, if you are in the Castle District, there are numerous bus stops and the bus will take you directly to Moskva Ter, and from there you can just hop on the tram or the metro and be on the Pest side within minutes. Even anywhere else in Buda, bus and tram stops are not very far from each other and the schedule does not change during the winter months. From Moskva Ter, the last tram is at midnight and the last bus is at 11 pm.
We just came back to Canada in 2010, and even during the winter season, museums and other public places do not change their hours all that much.....Of course, everything is closed Christmas Eve and Day, and Boxing day. I think you will be just fine :) I hope this helps! Enjoy your trip!!

Thanks everyone for all the advice. We are staying on the Pest side just because we were concerned with weather possibly playing a part in longer travel times to sites and perhaps reduced hours. Good to know sites may not close early - we had that problem in Italy a few years back. I just hope I pack correctly for the kids.

I stayed at Hotel Pest from Nov.14-16. The internet rate was very good and the hotel is excellent. Near the Opera.