Budapest residents fed up with illegal street parties and endless movie shoots

Constant film shoots in Budapest’s 7th District and late-night street parties in the 6th District are testing the patience of many locals. Both district mayors say the situation is no longer sustainable, and they have already begun taking steps to restore order.

7th District moves to rein in non-stop film productions

Budapest’s 7th District has been a favourite location for film crews for years. That in itself isn’t a problem, but some streets have been repeatedly taken over by productions, leaving residents without parking and dealing with blocked roads for long stretches.

Mayor Péter Niedermüller has now announced new rules aimed at ending what many describe as “permanent filming season.”

No street or square can be reserved for filming for more than 15 days a year.

In practice, this means crews will no longer be able to occupy the same street for weeks at a time, and long-term parking chaos should ease. Film crews will also be required to notify residents, shop owners and businesses at least one week in advance about the exact time and location of filming.

Another key change: productions must provide alternative parking for residents whose buildings are directly affected. If they cannot arrange this, they must reimburse parking fees for the days concerned. Apartment buildings can also reclaim 30 percent of the public-space usage fee, provided their residents vote for it.

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6th District outraged after viral video shows street party

A TikTok video spread over the weekend showing a popular nightlife spot Peaches & Cream on Nagymező Street closing off the road, blasting loud music, and drawing a crowd that spilled out onto the roadway.

Under the clip, the venue’s owner commented that there are hardly any residents left in the area, “only offices.” This sparked a strong reaction from district mayor Tamás Soproni, who publicly addressed the situation:

“For people living here, this place isn’t a party — it’s a nightmare: shouting, people urinating in the street, vandalism, rubbish. And now a crowd dancing in the middle of the road.”

Soproni said he had spoken with Budapest’s chief of police and the local police commander, who both promised increased patrols in the area. He also urged residents to report every similar incident, stressing that district streets “must not turn into an open-air bar.” The mayor added:

“We will take every necessary step to restore order at the corner of Nagymező and Dessewffy,”

Finding a balance in a crowded city

The new rules raise practical questions — especially for film productions, which need time, space and predictable schedules. A strict limit could complicate work in Budapest, a city that has become an important European filming hub.

Even so, district leaders insist that residents’ peace must come first.
A similar balancing act is underway in the 6th District, where weekend street parties have triggered repeated complaints. Authorities now rely heavily on residents’ reports as they try to find a workable compromise between nightlife and a livable environment.