A stunning Neo-Gothic structure looms over the fifth district of Budapest, Belváros. Its actually the Hungarian Parliament, one of the more important political buildings in the city. But the place's outstanding beauty symbolizes the decadence once can experience in this beautiful part of Budapest. Here, an array of fine-dining restaurants and high-end shopping await those who live the jet-set lifestyle where money isn't an issue. The famous fashionable street, Váci Utca, further proves this district's devotion to glamour. And as for residence? Expect luxury apartments fit for modern-day kings and queens who sit and luxuriate atop the corporate ladder!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Generally referred to as the West Village of Budapest, you can liken it to the more famous West Village of NewYork City. After all, like the latter, the city's District XIII is all about a more bohemian spirit, communed by artists, musicians, and writers alike. While Paris has Montmartre, Budapest has its District XIII. Today, it's become a congregation of new ideas, full of boldness and excitement, enough to energize those who visit or even choose to live here. Every day, you get to be in the thick of the Hungarian capital's creativity, bursting with wild colors, beautiful melodies, and amazing stories!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Erzsébetváros, Budapest's 7th district, is also its Jewish Quarter. The relics of the country's once-strong Jewish past before it got hit by the Second World War can be seen in the Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest of its kind in Europe. But don't worry, it's not all sad and misery here. In fact, the district itself has become the foodie center of Budapest. From popular establishments to exciting hidden gems, this is where you'll want to eat to your heart's content whilst in the capital city of Hungary. And the best part? The places here are affordable. Luxury dining is more common in Belváros than here in Erzsébetváros.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The bustling local life is alive and well in Budapest's 9th district, Ferencváros. This is thanks in large part to the Central Market Hall, a covered-market where local all flock to when they shop for food, drinks, alcohol, and more. It helps that this district is also the most diverse, so the stalls here offer up goodies you otherwise wouldn't see in the other parts of the city. Beyond the market, however, is a relatively quiet neighborhood where people just go about their business. It's busy but noisy, crowded but not suffocating. You might even say it's "just right."
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Ironically, Józsefváros, also known as "The Palace Quarter," is, in fact, one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Budapest. Sure, it's more known to lined with centuries-old palaces that exhibit the sort of "old world" charm that most European capital cities have, but beyond these tourist spots is a district full of youthful energy and a hipster scene. Think cafés that have writers typing away on their laptops. Bars that light up at night, full of university students and young professionals alike. You might even see a few good co-working spaces here as well. That's the sort of vibe to expect in this part of the city!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
If you thought the downtown area of Belváros was glamorous, wait until you get to Terézváros! Nestled in the busier Pest side of the Hungarian capital, this district has the famous Andrássy Avenue, a street that's actually become a UNESCO World Heritage site. While Paris has Saint Honoré and New York has Fifth Avenue, Budapest has this luxurious street lined with the most famous brands you know. From fashion favorites like Chanel and Gucci to sportswear behemoths Nike and Adidas, shopping is the name of the game here. And it helps that it's in a central part of town, making it easy to get to via public transport!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Very rarely can you expect a capital city like Budapest to have neighborhoods that are peaceful as the rural suburbs. But at least there's still Újbuda, the city's 11th district. It's peaceful enough, despite being one of the most populous parts of the Hungarian capital. Though shouldn't the fact that many people chose to live here prove just how residential the place is? Correct! A whole community of residents makes up most of this part of the city, making it more suburban-like than urban compared to the other districts. And it helps that there are a ton of family-friendly hotspots here!
Source: Flickr.com/ Fred Romero
For all you nature-bound and Mother Earth-loving people out there, you'll fit right in Újlipótváros, Budapest's 13th district. Firstly, its main attraction, Margit Sziget, is an island oasis of botanical bliss and outdoor fun perfect for the entire family. It helps that there are a water park and a sports center here as well. But beyond that, the area itself is bursting with fabulous flora, all while maintaining the peace of a truly residential area within a bustling capital city. Going home here would feel like going on a quiet retreat every time! You can't say that about the other districts!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Budapest's first district, Várkerület, is also known as "The Castle District." This monicker alone should tell you what to expect in this area. A whole series of medieval, gothic, and baroque structures await tourists ready to snapshot their way throughout the Hungarian capital. But don't think this place isn't a fine one for locals. Because despite its popularity among travelers, Várkerület itself is a calm neighborhood to live in. It's not necessarily as quiet as the other districts. But peaceful enough to live out a simple and humble lifestyle in one of the most beautiful parts of the city.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Budapest deserves more attention from many people looking to live in Europe. Its neighborhoods each have their own unique charms, allowing for many types of people to live out their own preferred lifestyles in a completely underrated capital city.
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