How did the city change in the last 15 years?
Posted by AtlantisMantis@reddit | budapest | View on Reddit | 18 comments
I've been to Budapest two times. 17 and 15 years ago. First time I saw lots of homeless people, second time I saw almost none, which was strange.
Did some tourist stuff, regretted going to a thermal bath. Saw a couple of nice houses had a good time with lots of cheap drinks (egészségedre) but overall I was kind of disappointed. Everything was kind of shabby and dirty. But I was young back then and maybe not mature enough to get the whole appeal.
Now, since your dictatorship has ended I'm thinking of visiting again and give it another try with a less touristic approach.
I'm wondering how life in the city has changed or is everything still the same? Is it still possible to life a good life or has everything become expensive? Is there overtourism with large crowds in summer or can you go to the center without the urge to punch people?
What part of the city would you consider the most beautiful (nice architecture and green) with almost no tourists?
Thanks for answering my stupid questions. Köszönöm szépen.
Fulcrum11@reddit
It's not cheap anymore. Touristy areas are more crowded all year around, than it used to be.
never_know_anything@reddit
Not cheap anymore. Prices have at least doubled, maybe tripled in some cases since 15 years ago. Quadrupled even, esp food. More English speaking Hungarians in town, more crowded generally. Still beautiful.
AtlantisMantis@reddit (OP)
I was looking at apartment prices and noticed that it's not much different to other European cities.
Last time I was there I was staying in a nice hotel for maybe 40 euros the night.
never_know_anything@reddit
Sadly true. On our street (VI District)the property values are up 3x in 15 years. But that’s for a separate thread. Enjoy your visit!
Norbee97@reddit
The dictatorship ended, but it doesn't means that anything changed, the new prime minister didn't do anything yet.
AtlantisMantis@reddit (OP)
Well I'm confident it will only get better. At least you're not an extended arm of russia anymore.
pontleszarom@reddit
If these are your main points/questions, then it is the same.
AtlantisMantis@reddit (OP)
My question is not only regarding touristic stuff.
I'm curious in general because you guys are so near to me but still so far.
polishprocessors@reddit
How close are you? If you're from a nearby country i imagine things have changed about as much as for you. But overall: less shabby, less cheap, more tourists than 15y ago
AtlantisMantis@reddit (OP)
I'm from Austria near Szentgotthárd.
So I'm familiar with Hungarian culture.
Here everything got more expensive but it's more or less the same as it was 15 years ago.
polishprocessors@reddit
Then it'll be MUCH different than the last time you were here. Lots of new builds and old buildings cleaned up and far more varied and better food. But also it's far more expensive
Far_Plastic_8639@reddit
It wasn't a dictatorship, just a hacked democracy that gave unrestricted power to the winner and an arrogant governing party. They got absolutely whacked when somebody started to play their own game.
The city became much better since your time here. A lot of areas got renovated and cleaned up, tourism is thriving and the hospitality industry mostly got elevated to european standards. A lot of new places opened, market halls and attractions got renovated like the citadella just now. There's a lot of cultural stuff going on as well. However the peak was before covid, since then due to lack of funds and govt-city major beef, it became a bit dirtier again with more homless people around. Although overall still cleaner and safer that a lot of european cities and even the shabbier places are safe.
AtlantisMantis@reddit (OP)
Thank you for your answer. I had no doubt on safety!
Love_and_Sausages@reddit
I've lived in BP for half a year 20 years ago and did visit every 1-2 years for the last 10 years as I have family there.
The city got a MAJOR glow-up during that time, which is good and bad at the same time. They invested a lot in public places and buildings, so those got more beautiful.
The homeless where pushed out of the center a bit (?) - I still remember large groups in the underground around Nyugati in winter and I think they can no longer camp there? So you don't see them anymore if you're a tourist, but if you're for example visiting the VIII., they are still there (ofc, they have to live somewhere).
Even areas like the VIII. changed a LOT.
Tourism got huge, especially in the V. and VII. I spent a lot of time in the VII. 15-20 years ago and the vibe was totally different, whereas now there is a ton of party tourism and it's not as nice to wander those streets.
Gentifrication hit hard, especially in the VII., so most of the cafés and restaurants could be in any western European city and don't have a lot to do with Hungarian culture (prices as well).
Prices went through the roof in all areas. I come from an expensive area in Germany and the prices are no longer that different. Supermarkets are similar or more expensive in BP, rent is a bit cheaper, hotels/airbnbs depend on the time of the year. Restaurants and bars can be a bit cheaper, but i totally depends on where you go and if you're looking for the local gems. I was especially shocked by prices for the thermal baths. Prices for everything are even more shocking if you know what people earn in Hungary.
(Ofc many European capitals are more expensive, but people have more money there.)
It still is a beautiful experience, so you totally should visit, but expect some tourist crowds here and there and you should research some authentic locations beforehand.
AtlantisMantis@reddit (OP)
Thank you for your answer and your recommendations!
Das ist die Antwort, die ich leider befürchtet habe.
PixAlan@reddit
technically they can't camp anywhere anymore, homelessness was outlawed a few years ago, "living in public spaces" is illegal, police can give you a notice and after 3 notices they can put you either in jail or force you to do public service
ofc there isn't enough space in shelters nor jail so in practice they only enforce this is the especially visible areas.
arguably the most tbh(outside of the areas that were redone to attract tourists like kossuth tér etc)
Additional_Help1071@reddit
there are cheap and expensive bars. alot revamped areas but some not. about the city: open instagram or tiktok then type in the city and look around whats going on. young tourists still rocking the city. if you have no cultural or etc ingterests, you will be bored everywhere.
AtlantisMantis@reddit (OP)
I'm not really looking for tourist recommendations. I have lots of interests and I'm sure I'm not gonna be bored. But I was wondering if the appearance and quality of life has changed.
Maybe my post is kinda confusing.