Lifestyle in Budapest
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Budapest is a beautiful and inspiring city 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 public buildings all make Budapest easily one of the most beautiful 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, where a combination of familiar international brands and local shops can be found.
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, expats can visit local fashion boutiques and browse the numerous home design shops full of locally made furniture.
Nightlife in Budapest
Hungarian wine is highly underrated abroad and, aside from the well-known Tokaji, the country boasts a number of great wines. Expats can head to the city’s numerous wine bars to sample various wines in beautiful surroundings, such as the area around the famous St Stephen's Basilica.
Expats in Budapest should be sure to try out the city’s infamous 'ruin' bars. Built in abandoned buildings in Budapest's old Jewish Quarter, these bars have taken a largely minimalist approach to décor and setting 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.
Eating out in Budapest
Expats looking to eat out in Budapest should banish all images of grey and unappetising goulash, as the city has an amazing array of restaurants catering for both local and international tastes. Downtown offers the most variety, where expats can find almost anything.
Those looking for global flavours will be spoilt for choice, as the city offers a variety of international restaurants, including Mexican, Italian, Chinese and American. Those looking 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, as such, there are many great coffee houses where expats can watch the world go by while savouring the finest blends. Downtown Budapest houses many coffee shops and cafés that are always full of locals, students and entrepreneurs, and can be a perfect place to sit and enjoy some coffee.
