Lifestyle in Budapest

Budapest is a beautiful and inspiring city that is fast regaining its status as a creative hub in the heart of Europe. With incredible architecture and a rich cultural heritage, Hungary’s capital deserves its reputation as the ‘Paris of Central Europe’.

The picturesque setting on both sides of the Danube, the nine connecting bridges and the villas and historic public buildings all make Budapest easily one of the most picturesque cities in Europe.

Shopping in Budapest

For the shopaholic who wants a bit of everything, the malls in Budapest have a lot to offer. Some of the most popular include the WestEnd City Center, Corvin Plaza, and the Mammut Shopping and Entertainment Centre, which combine familiar international brands with local shops.

While there are many international brands in Budapest, young Hungarian designers offer an exciting shopping alternative. Király Street is known as Budapest’s ‘Design Street’. Here, you can visit local fashion boutiques and browse the numerous home design shops full of locally made furniture.

Entertainment and eating out in Budapest

Hungarian wine is highly underrated. Aside from the well-known Tokaji, the country boasts several great wines. You can head to the city’s numerous wine bars to sample various blends in beautiful surroundings, such as the area around the famous St Stephen’s Basilica.

You should also be sure to try out the city’s infamous ‘ruin’ bars. Constructed in abandoned properties in Budapest’s old Jewish Quarter, these bars have taken a largely minimalist approach to their settings and have become a defining symbol of Budapest culture. Each bar has its own distinct personality, with an eclectic mix of art and design and diverse music and decor.

Those looking to eat out in Budapest should banish all images of grey and unappetising goulash. The city has an amazingly wide array of restaurants catering to all budgets and palates. Downtown offers the most variety, where you can find almost anything.

Those looking for global flavours will be spoilt for choice, as the city offers many international restaurants, including Mexican, Italian, Chinese, and American. Those in the mood for something local can sample authentic Hungarian cuisine, which is famed for its stews and pastries.

Drinking coffee is a serious business in Budapest, and there are many great coffee houses in the city where you can sit and savour your favourite roasts. Downtown Budapest houses many coffee shops and cafés that are always full of locals, students, and entrepreneurs, and it can be a perfect place to meet new people.

Outdoor activities and sports in Budapest

Budapest offers many outdoor activities and sports opportunities, making it an excellent city for active expats. The Buda Hills provide scenic hiking routes, including trails around Normafa and Hármashatár-hegy, perfect for weekend escapes.

Margaret Island and City Park (Városliget) are popular for running, cycling, and recreational sports, while the Danube River offers kayaking and paddleboarding, especially in summer. Cyclists can also enjoy the well-maintained EuroVelo 6 route that follows the river, and beach lovers flock to Palatinus Strand or the nearby Lupa Beach for a relaxing swim.

You can join local clubs or use the public sports facilities scattered across the city for team sports. If you’re keen on watching professional games, you can head to the Puskás Aréna, home to the Hungarian national football team and Ferencvárosi TC, Budapest’s most popular club with a passionate fan base.

Meeting people and making friends in Budapest

Meeting people and making friends in Budapest can be a rewarding experience, especially for expats who tap into the city’s many social and cultural opportunities. Shared interests are a great starting point. Whether it’s joining a local hiking group, taking part in yoga classes, or attending one of Budapest’s many music and arts festivals, there are many opportunities to meet people in Budapest.

Volunteering for a local charity or community initiative contributes to a good cause and helps build genuine connections. Expats often find camaraderie through expat clubs, international meetups, or platforms like Meetup.com, which hosts various social and professional events. Business networking functions are also popular, particularly among entrepreneurs and professionals looking to expand both their social and career circles.

Useful links

• Meetup – Budapest
• Budapest English Theatre
• The North American Women’s Association (NAWA) Budapest
• British Chamber of Commerce