Hi Budapest folks,

I’m a Pole who’s been following the ongoing reconstruction of historic buildings on the Tabán side of the Castle Hill with great interest. While controversial to some, they are undeniably bringing back the city’s pre-war grandeur. This got me thinking about a potentially bolder step: the reconstruction of the entire lost Tabán district itself.

In my opinion, the demolition of Tabán in the 1930s was a huge mistake. It had a unique, bohemian atmosphere - almost like a Hungarian Montmartre - with narrow streets, taverns, artists and that special Balkan-Hungarian vibe that was a crucial part of the city’s historical identity. Its absence created a void that modern planning hasn’t really filled.

We already see individual palaces being rebuilt on the hill, but is there a valid case for recreating more of the old, low-rise, vernacular architecture of Tabán? Could it become a lively artistic quarter with cafés, galleries and that bohemian spirit again? Or is “urban continuity” better served by keeping the park and using modern infill?

I’d love to hear honest opinions from locals and regular visitors - especially from people who live in Budapest or know the area well. Is large-scale reconstruction of this lost district the right path, or is it better to leave it as green space and memory?

Thanks in advance!