Budapest

Controversy erupts over €12 Billion Grand Budapest development: critics raise strong objections

Grand Budapest presents an urban development opportunity to the Hungarian capital on an unprecedented scale, but not everyone is pleased. Critics have already begun speaking out against the project and its implications for urban growth.

As reported immediately yesterday, the sale of the Rákosrendező railway station, which has been neglected for decades, has been officially concluded. The real estate development, called Grand Budapest, aims to create a modern, world-class district. Here are the details: Goodbye mini-Dubai, hello Grand Budapest: The €12 billion urban transformation!

Debate over Grand Budapest within the Government

In Budapest, under current legislation, buildings may be up to 90 metres high. However, according to the Ministry of National Economy the Eagle Hills’ Grand Budapest proposal allows for buildings up to 250–500 metres high in some parts of the area. This implies that the Government will support the construction of these taller buildings.

However, another ministry has expressed the opposite view regarding the Grand Budapest project, as Telex was informed:

“The Ministry of Construction and Transport continues to insist on compliance with the relevant provisions of the Hungarian Architecture Act (Act C of 2023), which prohibit the construction of buildings up to 500 metres. We do not support the construction of 500-metre-high buildings or skyscrapers.”

The ministry did not clarify why it considers such skyscrapers harmful in a designated area of the Hungarian capital, particularly given the examples of other global cities. London and Paris, for instance, attract hundreds of thousands of tourists who come to admire their skyscrapers.

The Government has stated that the area’s development will not be neglected. Around €800 million worth of public infrastructure improvements are planned, including the construction of a pedestrian and railway overpass, upgrades to railway tracks, the extension of the M1 metro line, the creation of a cycle and pedestrian path, and the covering of railway tracks to establish a park above them.

Read also: Liget City Project received the green light in Budapest downtown: new apartments, offices, garages – VISUALS

Budapest Mayor files data request for Grand Budapest project contract

Following the announcement of the land sale, Gergely Karácsony, the Mayor of Budapest, described the move as a “net betrayal of the country”, claiming that the government had sold off one of Budapest’s “gold reserves” to an Arab investor who had previously destroyed a similar area in Belgrade. He remarked: “Instead of unaffordable luxury skyscrapers, we need affordable housing and greening in Rákosrendező.”

On Monday, Karácsony stated that he had filed a public interest data request with the railway company MÁV and the National Asset Manager for the contract related to the redevelopment of the city’s Rákosrendező district.

“We have repeatedly demanded that the government’s dealings with the Arab investors on the mini-Dubai project be made public,” Karácsony wrote in a Facebook post.

“Yet they signed a contract without any competition whatsoever, keeping every detail secret, including the purchase price and the investor’s true intentions.” He explained that his public data request, filed in accordance with freedom of information laws, applies to “all of the contract’s annexes and appendices”. The mayor also warned that the city council would take legal action if the documents were not disclosed within the legally mandated deadline.

Vitézy: 500-metre skyscrapers are out of the question in Budapest

Dávid Vitézy, leader of the Podmaniczky Movement in the city assembly, agreed with the Mayor’s concerns, describing the Grand Budapest proposal as nonsensical for the Hungarian capital.

“Budapest is a uniquely valuable historic city,” he stated. “There are only a handful of places worldwide that can boast a historic city centre as large and as coherently preserved as ours. Its architectural, cultural, tourist, and world heritage values would be threatened by a 500-metre-high building on the edge of the city centre, which rivals János Hill. Such a building would be 3.5 times taller than the MOL Tower. For comparison, the tallest buildings in Warsaw or London, such as the Warsaw Tower or the Shard, are 310 metres high, and even the Empire State Building in New York is not 500 metres tall.”

In his view, Budapest does not require skyscrapers. Neither additional office space nor luxury apartments in such buildings are among the city’s most pressing needs—unlike the shortage of affordable rental housing.

The Airbnb ban didn’t stop them: Budapest’s largest condo finds a loophole!

The referendum to ban Airbnb in Terézváros has brought significant changes to local accommodation services, particularly in the Central Passage condominium. Residents and property owners in the building are adapting to the new regulations with innovative solutions that are set to impact the district’s tourism industry and community dynamics.

Situated between Király Street and Paulay Ede Street, the Central Passage condominium was built in the mid-2000s. The seven-storey, 270-apartment complex was developed by a Spanish company that went bankrupt following the 2008 economic crisis. The building then experienced a prolonged period of stagnation until the early 2010s when property service companies began to emerge.

airbnb short term rental budapest tourism Airbnb in Budapest — Photo: depositphotos.com

Over time, one company acquired the vacant retail spaces and part of the car park, assets which have since become central to the operation of accommodation services. Today, most of the apartments are operated by 7Seasons Apartments, which has established a reception in the building and has extensive experience in the short-term accommodation market.

The Airbnb situation in Terézváros

In autumn 2023, residents of Terézváros voted in a referendum to ban Airbnb and similar services in the district. This decision posed a significant challenge for Central Passage, where more than 88% of apartments were used for private or other short-term accommodations. Under the ordinance, owners were faced with a choice: cease offering accommodation or convert their properties into commercial accommodations.

In early 2024, Central Passage’s owners convened a general meeting, where the majority voted to continue using the apartments as Airbnb accommodations. This decision necessitated several adaptations, including installing a fire alarm system, operating a reception, and providing breakfast for guests. A large majority of owners supported these changes, enabling the complex to comply with the stricter regulatory framework.

budapest hungary real estate flat — Photo: Alpár Kató – Daily News Hungary ©

Tamás Soproni, Mayor of District VI, recognised the unique position of Central Passage, as reported by 24.hu. He noted that the building exemplifies how a condominium can comply with the stringent regulations for commercial accommodations. However, he emphasised that similar transformations would be unfeasible in other traditional apartment buildings in the district, primarily due to inadequate infrastructure.

The new regime poses challenges not only for accommodation providers but also for local communities. The experience of Central Passage underscores the difficulties many condominiums face in meeting the requirements for operating commercial accommodations. This has inevitably led to disputes among residents and shifts in business models.

The example set by 7Seasons Apartments and other operators demonstrates that adaptation is possible despite strict regulations, albeit under specific conditions. This new model could have a lasting impact on the district’s tourism image and housing conditions. Constructive dialogue among stakeholders and the sharing of experiences may prove crucial in mitigating further conflicts. The case of Central Passage illustrates how a community can innovate and adapt to change while navigating the challenges of an urban environment.

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January 21, 2025

City Hall Park to be renovated in the heart of Budapest

“Here is the city’s new, very green and very cool main square, which will finally free the courtyard of the City Hall 3 from its confinement and become the city’s meeting point in the heart of Budapest, where the green space per capita is now the smallest. We are ready with the concept plans for the City Hall Park” – writes Mayor Gergely Karácsony on Facebook.

But when is still a question, Gergely Karácsony writes that it won’t be up to them to start construction next year, but an investment of this size always takes time, and the historic environment and the changed building law don’t make it any easier.
Some work has already begun: the courtyard is no longer a car park, the Merlin is once again a cultural and community space, and the City Hall Park has been returned to the people of Budapest and is being regenerated.

80 trees have been planted and will be irrigated with rainwater from the roofs. The proportion of green space has been increased to 50% and accessibility is planned.

Foreign property buyers reshape Hungary’s real estate landscape

Hungary is experiencing a significant increase in foreign property purchases, particularly from non-EU buyers, which is affecting its housing market, especially in Budapest and certain counties. This trend has sparked discussions about potential measures to address the situation.

Current trends in foreign property purchases

In 2023, Hungary saw a notable rise in property acquisition requests from non-EU buyers: 2,981 applications were submitted, marking an 18% increase from 2022. This number represents a 10% increase compared to 2021 and a 36% rise from 2020. Chinese buyers led with 647 applications, typically seeking higher-priced properties in Budapest, G7 reports.

The distribution of these purchases is not uniform across the country: Budapest’s inner districts (V., VI., VII., VIII., IX.) saw 17% of purchases by foreign buyers. Overall, foreign buyers accounted for over 6% of purchases in the Hungarian capital. As for counties, Somogy and Zala experienced 14% of purchases by foreign buyers, while the national average stands at around 5%.

Impact on specific areas

Chinese buyers show a preference for certain Budapest districts: 13% of their purchases were in District XIII, while 11% were in District X. Russian buyers, the second largest group, favoured District VI, which saw 17% of their purchases, and District VII, with 9% of their purchases. Ukrainians constituted the third largest group of non-EEA property buyers.

Proposed measures and challenges

The Budapest City Council, led by Mayor Gergely Karácsony, is considering a two-year ban on property purchases by non-European Economic Area citizens. This proposal is part of a broader ten-point program aimed at addressing the city’s housing crisis. However, this potential measure faces challenges, as it would require cooperation from the national government. Additionally, it conflicts with the government’s golden visa programme, which aims to attract non-EU investors. The golden visa program currently requires a EUR 250,000 investment in special real estate funds. A plan to extend this to direct property purchases of EUR 500,000 or more was unexpectedly withdrawn in December.

Current regulations

Presently, non-EEA buyers must obtain permission from government offices to purchase property in Hungary. In 2023, 72% of applications were submitted for properties in Budapest, while several districts saw over 100 applications each, with Districts XIII and VI being the most popular.

As Hungary grapples with these trends, the effectiveness of any implemented measures will be closely watched, potentially influencing future policies in the Hungarian real estate market.

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Featured image: depositphotos.com

January 20, 2025

Ryanair forced landing at Budapest Airport, more than 100 police deployed

A Ryanair flight from Copenhagen to Budapest was met with a massive police response upon landing at Liszt Ferenc International Airport on Monday afternoon, following a suspected bomb threat.

The plane’s crew conducted thorough onboard searches mid-flight, and after landing, over 100 police officers, including K9 units and armored vehicles, were deployed to inspect passengers and luggage.

An eyewitness reported that the flight departed with a one-hour delay and that tensions arose when a passenger caused a disturbance. Around 40 minutes from Budapest, the cabin crew instructed passengers to stand while they searched the aircraft and personal belongings. According to Blikk, passengers were required to stay seated with seatbelts fastened for the remainder of the flight, which was expedited, covering the remaining distance in just 20 minutes.

After landing, the plane stopped on the runway, and passengers were initially not allowed to disembark. They were later transported by bus to a secure area for further checks. A woman involved in the pre-flight disturbance was escorted away by police, while other passengers were released without further explanation.

Budapest Airport confirmed that the flight received a bomb threat but landed safely at 12:33 PM local time. Authorities inspected the aircraft and luggage thoroughly before clearing it for normal operations. The incident temporarily closed Runway 1 but caused no major disruptions to airport traffic.

Despite the alarming situation, passengers felt reassured by the strong police presence and noted that officers were professional and courteous throughout the ordeal.

We will update this article if we receive further information on what is happening. Until then, read our latest article about Ryanair: Unexpected Ryanair decision concerning summer 2025 flights affects Hungary

Goodbye mini-Dubai, hello Grand Budapest: The €12 billion urban transformation!

Following a major government decision, the sale of the Rákosrendező railway station, which has been neglected for decades, was officially closed on 16th January 2025. The real estate development called Grand Budapest aims to create a modern, world-class district that will bring profound changes to the transport and economic life of Budapest.

The Eagle Hills Group from the United Arab Emirates has taken on the Grand Budapest project, which covers 85 hectares of land and was acquired for a net purchase price of HUF 50.9 billion (EUR 123.5 million). The redevelopment will focus on sustainability and becoming a smart city. The plan is to create 35 to 40 hectares of parks and community spaces in the 100-hectare area. The new district will promote sustainable urban living through energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy systems, and smart waste management. The project will include a range of sports, education, and leisure facilities, with a strong focus on improving the quality of life for city residents.

rákosrendező railway station intergovernmental agreement Mini-Dubai — The Rákosrendező railway station. Source: Wikimedia Commons/12akd

The Grand Budapest: a new neighbourhood!

The project’s official name, Grand Budapest, reflects its scale and ambition. According to the Hungarian Government, buildings between 250 and 500 meters tall are planned to form a new district that will be a dominant feature of the cityscape. The UAE government has committed to encourage an investor from the UAE to invest at least HUF 2 trillion (EUR 5 billion) in the area, which will positively impact other sectors of the economy besides the construction industry.

The investment will create thousands of new jobs, both during construction and operation, and is expected to contribute to a 2% increase in Hungary’s GDP. Property values will rise, local businesses will be boosted, and Budapest’s attractiveness as a tourist destination will be significantly enhanced. Eagle Hills emphasised that the development will pay particular attention to the interests of the local communities and will strictly comply with all architectural and environmental standards.

Eagle Hills and investors

According to Abu Dhabi investors, the Grand Budapest project aims to create an urban environment that offers sustainability, innovation, and community experiences. According to VIlággazdaság, the new neighbourhood could be a model for the world on how to transform a derelict industrial site into a liveable and modern urban district.

Eagle Hills will pay the purchase price for the land in three instalments. Upon completion of the first instalment, the company will acquire title, which will allow the project to begin. The payment of subsequent instalments is closely linked to the fulfilment of commitments made by the Hungarian government, including the creation of the necessary legal environment and ensuring the priority status of the project. The payment of the final instalment is conditional on the implementation of public infrastructure improvements worth some HUF 329.6 billion (EUR 800 million), including new road and rail links and the extension of the M1 metro.

The final deadline for the Grand Budapest project is 2039, by which time the improvements will have been completed in stages. Once the inflation-adjusted purchase price has been paid in full, Eagle Hills will complete its investment, leaving behind a vibrant new neighbourhood that could become one of Budapest’s most prominent.

UPDATE

Controversy erupts over €12 Billion Grand Budapest development: critics raise alarms

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Featured image: depositphotos.com

January 20, 2025

Hungarian record store proudly makes it to world rankings

A Hungarian record store has achieved notable recognition by being included in the Financial Times world rankings. Kalóz Records, based in Budapest, has earned a spot on the prestigious list, joining renowned stores in New York, London, and Stockholm.

The best record store

The Financial Times praises the Budapest shop in a brief review, describing it as small but a place where visitors can spend hours browsing. The store offers a diverse range of music, including Hungarian progressive music, techno, classic Indian raga and a unique selection of records from behind the old Iron Curtain. While there are no dedicated turntables for listening, the staff will gladly play a record of your choice upon request.

Record store also commented

Kalóz Records expressed their delight on Instagram: “The Financial Times, a prestigious music magazine, has published a list of the best record shops in the world, and we’re in it. Of course, we know that such lists are arbitrary and that the media lie, but there’s just something tingly about being in the same league as such temples as @academyrecords in New York, @superfly.records in Paris, @sounds_of_the_universe in London, or The Thing in Brooklyn. Of course we’re not. We’ve been to the good record shops, we know what it’s like. You could say the world is ripe for destruction, where this performance could put you among the best. But thank you very much!! “

The now world-famous Kalóz Records is located at 25 Bródy Sándor Street in Budapest.

Another record store from CEE region

The inclusion of Kalóz Records on the list is particularly significant, as only one other store from the Central and Eastern European region made the rankings: Paul’s Boutique in Kraków.

Located in the heart of Kazimierz, this is one of many cool shops in Kraków’s historic Jewish quarter. Named after perhaps the best album by the Beastie Boys, the shop offers a decent collection of Polish jazz – one of the continent’s best and liveliest scenes – as well as jazz and hip hop. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful, even open on a holiday to collect some records.

Budapest’s dazzling winter jewellery exhibition

An exhibition entitled “Shine! – The Time of Jewellery” opened at the Hungarian National Museum, which attracted many visitors.

Jewellery exhibition in Budapest

The exhibition presents the most exceptional pieces from the museum’s jewellery collection, as well as contemporary jewellery by art collector Katalin Spengler and former and current students and lecturers of the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design, the press release says. The exhibition spans 40,000 years, from Hun-Aryan, medieval and Baroque works to contemporary Hungarian jewellery design. The Hungarian press hailed Shine! The Time of Jewellery as the most beautiful Advent exhibition in 2024, and its popularity is proven by the fact that less than three months after its opening, the 30,000th visitor arrived, and the museum presented them with a gift.” – said Dr. Gábor Zsigmond, Director General of the Hungarian National Museum.

The world-class collection of jewellery includes objects such as the poison ring of King Béla III, the 900-year-old ring of Kálmán Könyves and the mourning jewellery of Hungarian women who were concerned for the fate of the nation after the 1848-49 War of Independence, who stood up for the homeland and mourned the martyrs of Arad even 10 years later. In addition to the unique treasures of the Carpathian Basin, the exhibition also features contemporary jewellery art, represented by pieces from Katalin Spengler’s collection, which is renowned throughout Europe, and by the works of students and teachers from MOME – Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design.

jelwellery exhibition in Budapest Hungary — An exhibition entitled “Shine! – The Time of Jewellery” opened at the Hungarian National Museum.

The jewellery exhibition is also enriched by the ever-changing content of the National Museum building, making it worth returning to several times. Katalin Spengler’s jewellery, among others, is housed in the museum’s magnificent staircase island. The “contemporary jewellery island”, which opened at the same time as the exhibition, was reorganised at the end of December with a new concept: contemporary jewellery is now about structure, structures, harmony, rhythm and sequences.

On 17 December, a new pop-up exhibition entitled On Boundaries – Jewellery at the Intersections of Man, Nature and the Built Environment was added to the exhibition in the Dome Room, featuring works by current and former students and teachers of MOME.

Coming months

In the coming months, the jewellery exhibition will be accompanied by a series of exciting accompanying programmes, museum education activities and workshops, and the 3000-year-old Somló necklace will remain on display in the Széchényi Room of the Museum.

The good news is that the museum has extended the exhibition until 13 April, 2025.

Ruby Hotels to open its first hotel in Budapest in an iconic building – PHOTOS

Ruby Hotels opens its first hotel in Budapest, Hungary, in the iconic Corvin Palace. The hotel chain is transforming the historic building into a vibrant hub for visitors and locals alike. The project is being carried out in partnership with the Balogh family, a renowned local developer known for their innovative transformation projects and commitment to preserving the city’s architectural heritage.

Ruby Hotels in Budapest

Under the leadership of founder and CEO Michael Struck, Ruby Hotels continues its expansion across Europe by introducing its first hotel in Budapest. This mixed-use conversion will feature a Ruby Hotel with 181 stylish rooms, alongside retail and gastronomic outlets, as well as a food and cultural market. The new hotel will be spread across four floors of the building. Public areas, including a bar and lounge, will be located on the 5th floor in the building’s impressive attic, which features over six-meter-high ceilings and offers stunning views of Budapest’s skyline and the iconic ‘Lady on the Hill’ statue.

Corvin Palace, Budapest’s oldest department store and a listed building from 1926, is undergoing a transformation into a vibrant hub for both locals and visitors. Strategically situated at Blaha Lujza Square, one of the city’s main squares, the hotel benefits from excellent public transport connections, including metro, bus, and tram lines, ensuring seamless travel within the city. Adjacent to the lively and scenic Jewish Quarter, home to some of the city’s hottest restaurants and bars, it offers guests easy access to the city’s rich cultural and leisure attractions. Additionally, Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is just 25 minutes away, providing convenient access for international travelers.

Renowned for its historic charm and vibrant cultural scene, Budapest continues to attract global adventurers, with growing demand for high-quality accommodations. Elena Günther-Jakobs, Associate Director Development Northern & Central Europe, remarks: “Budapest is a city of incredible energy and creativity, making it an ideal destination for our target group. The hotel market in Budapest shows sustainable growth and offers a lot of potential for our Lean Luxury concept which we believe fills a gap in the market for stylish, high-quality, yet affordable hospitality options. We are excited to continue our great collaboration with the Balogh family to bring our unique blend of style, functionality, and affordability to Eastern Europe.”

Olivér Balogh, Co-Owner of Corvin Palace, comments on the partnership: “We truly think that Ruby’s Lean Luxury concept is the future of hospitality in a city like Budapest. With Time Out Market Budapest opening in Corvin Palace alongside Ruby, we believe we have found the perfect tenant mix for our heritage building to celebrate its 100th birthday in 2026.”

The Balogh family, a respected force in the local real estate market, is recognized for their forward-thinking redevelopment projects and unwavering commitment to protecting architectural heritage. Ruby’s in-house design team, led by Matthew Balon, will be responsible for outfitting the hotel with its signature blend of aesthetics and practicality creating spaces that reflect Ruby‘s Lean Luxury philosophy while honoring the historic character of Corvin Palace.

Construction is set to begin in late 2025, with the hotel’s opening anticipated by the end of 2026.

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January 20, 2025

Unique ruin bar in Budapest among Europe’s top 3 bars

The European Bar Guide’s 2025 rankings spotlight Szimpla Kert as Europe’s second-best bar. As the OG ruin bar in Budapest, it’s famed for its eclectic décor, buzzing vibe, and bohemian charm, making it a must-visit destination for nightlife enthusiasts.

The top 100 bars in Europe

The European Bar Guide has released its highly anticipated 2025 list of the best bars in Europe, helping travellers discover the top spots for a memorable drink. Bars are evaluated on five key criteria: the quality and variety of drinks, style and décor, character and local buzz, events and services, and overall value for money. Claiming the top spot is La Fleur En Papier Doré in Brussels, renowned for its artistic medieval décor and distinct charm.

Coming in second is Szimpla Kert, the oldest and most iconic ruin bar in Budapest. This legendary venue is celebrated for its eclectic style, lively atmosphere, and its role in defining the ruin pub culture that has made Budapest a top destination for nightlife enthusiasts.

The best ruin bar in Budapest

According to the European Bar Guide, Szimpla Kert, the original ruin bar in Budapest, has become a global icon since its opening in 2002, setting the standard for this unique concept. Its eclectic, layered décor of graffiti, vintage furniture, and quirky look creates a hyper-real atmosphere, offering an otherworldly escape from the ordinary. This sprawling venue features a lush atrium with a dramatic chimney stack, tropical greenery, and countless nooks to explore, blending industrial heritage with bohemian charm.

By day, it’s a relaxed haven, hosting a lively Sunday farmer’s market with local traders and folk music, while by night, it transforms into a vibrant hub with live performances, craft beer bars, and a carefree vibe that lasts until 4 AM. Free to enter, Szimpla’s ever-changing character, mist-cooled summer days, and unpretentious spirit make it an essential destination for anyone seeking the best of Budapest’s nightlife.

Where to go next?

If you like the vibe of Szimpla Kert, you might enjoy Instant-Fogas and Púder Bárszínház, two standout options for experiencing a ruin bar in Budapest. Instant-Fogas combines the charm of a historic ruin pub with the energy of a sprawling nightlife complex, featuring a maze-like layout. With multiple dance floors, themed rooms, and bars catering to all tastes, it’s a buzzing hotspot for everything from electronic beats to Latin music, offering an unforgettable late-night experience.

For a more artistic twist, Púder Bárszínház blends theatrical flair with the eclectic charm of a ruin bar. Its surreal interior, complete with whimsical sculptures and vibrant murals, creates a lively yet sophisticated atmosphere. The venue combines dining, cultural events, and an impressive selection of wines and cocktails. It is a must-visit for anyone seeking to explore a chic ruin bar in Budapest.

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January 19, 2025

VISUALS – Liget City Project received the green light in Budapest downtown: new apartments, offices, garages

According to the leadership of Erzsébetváros, Budapest’s 7th district, the area surrounded by the Rottenbiller Street – Damjanich Street – Bethlen Gábor Street – Dembinszky Street is a rust zone that needs renewal. Therefore, they would allow Liget City Projekt Ltd, the owner of the territory, to build new apartments, offices, and garages, creating new green spaces and renewing the buildings under monumental protection in the area. The gigantic Liget City Project will be one of Budapest’s biggest construction initiatives when it starts.

Gigantic Liget City Project given green light

According to Építészfórum, the local council of Erzsébetváros, Budapest’s 7th district, gave the green light to start the so-called Liget City Project. However, according to the district’s chief architect, Benedek Sólyom, that only means some legal work to unite the parcels and create an area for construction. Several political, public, etc. consultations will follow that step.

Péter Niedermüller, the district’s Democratic Coalition (former PM Gyurcsány’s party) mayor, said they aimed to renew that neglected zone and create buildings attracting new residents to move in. Therefore, the local council agreed to modify relevant agreements and unite the construction parcels.

The long-term plan is to create approximately 375 new apartments, 4,700 sqm of green spaces, 500 parking places in the garage, a new playground and EUR 800,000 paid by the investor to the local government as city development subsidy to renew neighbouring streets and create more green spaces.

The project already started before

The project started in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic brought it to a complete halt because public consultations could not be carried out. That’s what the local councillor of Színes Erzsébetváros (Colourful Elizabethtown) slammed in the first place after last year’s decision. Béla Lajos said the project’s socialisation and public consultations were unsuccessful.

Liget City Budapest rust belt zone — The current situation. Photo: PrtScr/FB Video Péter Niedermüller

The local representatives of PM Orbán’s Fidesz criticised the Liget City Project due to the low number of apartments and parking places planned to be built. They said there should be fewer office buildings and more apartments and garages available for the residents and future residents. They also said the investor should pay a higher city development subsidy.

According to Építészfórum, the area affected is 45 thousand sqm, and there would be a dormitory and several buildings for apartments, shops and offices, as well, which the mayor forgot to mention in his relevant post. The University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest is close to the project’s venue, which is probably why they plan to build a dormitory. They added that some of the buildings in the area are under monumental protection and, according to the plans, those would be renewed. The roofs of the new buildings would be green.

Designated as a “rust belt area”

The project received the green light with the support of the councillors of the DK-Momentum-Socialists-Dialogue for Hungary. Fidesz, the Hungarian Two-Tailed Dog Party and Színes Erzsébetváros did not support the plans. Péter Niedermüller and his coalition enjoy a solid majority in the city council, so we can expect the project to continue.

The rehabilitation of the area started in the summer of 2020 with the dismantling of several ruined store and office buildings on Rottenbiller Street. In July 2023, the Hungarian government designated the territory as a “rust belt action area”.

Read also:

The old Elisabeth Bridge in Budapest: one of the world’s most beautiful and longest chain bridges was demolished 80 years ago – read more HERE
Budapest mayor: busiest metro line may undergo major upgrade – details in THIS article

January 19, 2025

Budapest university offers unique scholarship for thousands of students

At Corvinus University, tuition-free education is made possible not through state scholarships but via the unique Corvinus Scholarship, funded by the Maecenas Universitatis Corvini Foundation. The scholarship is performance-based, its regulations are more flexible than those of state scholarships, and more than three-quarters of the university’s students receive it. In the upcoming academic year, Corvinus expects to welcome approximately 1,500 tuition-free students once again.

Among foundation-maintained universities, Corvinus is the only institution that offers tuition-free places to students without relying on state funding. The Corvinus Scholarship, provided by the Maecenas Universitatis Corvini Foundation, covers the tuition fees, enabling recipients to study free of charge. Applicants from Hungary for this scholarship must select the “Supported Program” (“A” code) option when applying through felvi.hu.

The Corvinus Scholarship also differs from state scholarships in that self-funded students can reapply for the scholarship every academic year. Additionally, recipients are not required to undertake mandatory employment in Hungary after graduation to compensate for their years of tuition-free study.

Hundreds of tuition-free places at Budapest university

In the 2024/25 academic year, Corvinus University admitted a total of 1,871 students through the central admission procedure: 1,376 to bachelor’s programs, 439 to master’s programs, and 56 to single-cycled programs. Of those enrolled in full-time bachelor’s programs, 75% received the Corvinus Scholarship, as did 93% of those admitted to full-time master’s programs. In total, this means that over 1,500 first-year students were able to study free of charge at Corvinus.

The exact number of tuition-free places for the upcoming academic year will be determined based on admission results, but Corvinus plans to maintain at least the same number as last year, ensuring around 1,500 tuition-free opportunities for the 2025/26 academic year.

The claim made by the Academic Workers’ Forum from Hungary, as reported in the press, that Corvinus is reducing the number of tuition-free places, is not true. We covered that issue in THIS article.

Read also:

Top 3 in the region: Corvinus University gains prestigious recognition – read more HERE
Hungary’s universities break through in 2024 Shanghai Rankings—HERE is the ones that are in the top 200

January 18, 2025

Fire at one of Budapest’s main railway stations: arson not ruled out – UPDATED: hospitalised man, VIDEO

A fire broke out on a locomotive at Keleti railway station near Verseny Street in Budapest, spreading quickly and engulfing another locomotive on the siding. Firefighters faced considerable challenges in extinguishing the blaze. One injury was reported. Authorities have stated that arson cannot yet be ruled out.

Readers of Telex, an independent Hungarian news outlet, reported the incident and provided photographs, which are featured in their coverage. Ádám István Kiss, spokesperson for the Budapest Directorate General for Disaster Management, confirmed that while the flames spread to a second locomotive, three other nearby engines escaped damage. The affected locomotives were stationed on sidings at the time.

Authorities cannot exclude arson

Professional firefighters from Budapest, assisted by volunteers from Lőrinc-Kertváros, managed to bring the fire under control by 8 PM, though some glowing embers persisted in the locomotives. Crews completed their work by 8.30 PM.

A Telex correspondent reported that traffic at Keleti railway station was temporarily restricted due to the spread of smoke. According to Mávinform, the restrictions were lifted by 8 p.m.

Fire at Budapest railway station arson (Copy) — Photo: PrtScr/MÁV/FB

The Hungarian State Railways (MÁV) began a thorough investigation to detect the reason for the fire. Currently, even arson cannot be ruled out.The Hungarian State Railways (MÁV) has launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the fire. At this stage, the possibility of arson has not been excluded.

Here is a video of the incident:

UPDATE: One man hospitalized

Mávinform shared an update yesterday night that their employees did a great job pulling away 30 carriages with the help of diesel locomotives and preventing them from being consumed by the flames. They said only one carriage suffered minor damage. They added that one employee was hospitalized for suspicion of smoke inhalation. Authorities still do not know the reason for the fire and they do not exclude arson. The investigation goes on.

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January 17, 2025

Budapest mayor: busiest metro line may undergo major upgrade

Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony will propose ensuring disabled accessibility along the entirety of the city’s M2 metro line, the Mayor’s Office said on Friday.

Karácsony will submit a proposal to the municipal assembly for an upgrade involving European funding that would see old escalators in need of repair replaced with new ones and platform lifts, the office said. This would not only help those with mobility issues, the elderly and parents with small children, but it would also help with saving energy, the statement added.

In a video posted on Facebook, Karácsony said the M2 line was Budapest’s second busiest metro line with roughly 300,000 passengers using it daily. Of the 11 stations on the line, only 3 offer disabled accessibility, he added. The project to be proposed by Karácsony would involve transport company BKV replacing 27 escalators and installing eight platform lifts at eight stations, the Mayor’s Office said. The project is currently estimated to cost 21 billion forints (EUR 50.9m) , they said.

Here is the project’s announcement published by Mayor Karácsony:

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The old Elisabeth Bridge in Budapest: one of the world’s most beautiful and longest chain bridges was demolished 80 years ago

By Jácint Mayer, HellóMagyar.

A dignified symbol of modern Hungary, the Elisabeth Bridge stood as a testament to the nation’s ingenuity and spirit, capturing global attention for its size and aesthetic appeal. Together with the other iconic Danube crossings, the Hungarian Parliament, and Buda Castle, the Elisabeth Bridge cemented Budapest’s reputation as one of Europe’s most picturesque capitals. Yet, unlike its counterparts, it could not withstand the upheavals of history.

An international competition to design the bridge was won by German engineer Julius Kübler, in collaboration with architects Eisenlohr and Weigle, with a cable-stayed design. However, the bridge was ultimately built using Hungarian materials—foregoing the original design—due to the unavailability of suitable cables in Hungary at the time.

It was one of the most beautiful bridges of Europe. Photo: Fortepan/Deutsche Fotothek/Brüch und Sohn

Budapest’s Elisabeth Bridge, the most beautiful chain bridge

The ochre-hued crossing, initially known as the Eskü Square Bridge, opened to traffic on 10 October 1903 and was named after Queen Elisabeth, the beloved consort of Emperor Franz Joseph, who was assassinated in Geneva in 1898. At 378.6 metres in length, it was the longest chain bridge in the world at the time, with an unprecedented 290-metre span, a record it held until 1926. Its elegant structure and pioneering engineering earned it a place among the most beautiful bridges in Europe.

Elizabeth Bridge Budapest 2 — Trams on the Elisabeth Bridge. Photo: Fortepan/Korner Veronika

The bridge’s construction necessitated significant alterations to the city’s layout. Kossuth Lajos Street, a major thoroughfare today, did not yet lead to the Danube, requiring extensive urban redesign. The initial plan would have placed the bridge to the north, endangering the historic Downtown Parish Church. While the church was ultimately spared, the new bridge’s approach passed perilously close, and the Italian Renaissance-style Town Hall was lost to progress.

Elizabeth Bridge Budapest 3 — The Gellért Hill in the background. Photo: Fortepan/Erky-Nagy Tibor

It may come as a surprise, but the large piers of the Elisabeth Bridge were not fixed; rather, they were supported by the chains themselves, resting on hinges that moved at their base, meaning they were not necessarily vertical. Their dimensions were significantly larger than those of the neighbouring Ferenc József Bridge, which bore a superficial resemblance to the Elizabeth Bridge.

Budapest’s Soviet siege destroyed almost everything

The Soviet siege of Budapest in 1944–45 is remembered as one of the longest and most destructive urban battles of the Second World War. The Red Army’s offensive against Pest achieved its objective in mid-January 1945, as the eastern part of the Hungarian capital was wrested from the control of German-Hungarian forces. Following the military evacuation of Pest, the last two remaining crossings, the Chain Bridge and the Elisabeth Bridge, were destroyed on 18 January 1945. While the precise moment of the Chain Bridge’s collapse into the Danube is documented in several memoirs, the destruction of the Elisabeth Bridge is estimated to have occurred at approximately 7 a.m. This marked the cessation of fighting on the Pest side and the subsequent transfer of hostilities to Buda.

Elizabeth Bridge Budapest 4 — The demolished Elizabeth Bridge, Photo: Fortepan/Kurutz Márton

The ordeal of the Danube bridges had commenced earlier with American air force attacks in 1944, necessitating the establishment of specialised air defences to protect these critical structures. During the subsequent siege of the capital, relentless Soviet air and artillery assaults aimed to sever the connection between Pest’s defences and Buda. The bridges suffered extensive damage and required constant repairs by road crews, who were also ultimately tasked with their destruction.

It is a little-known fact that the bridges’ destruction was carried out in what could be considered the most “humane” manner possible by the Germans. By this, it is meant that efforts were made to ensure that the bridges could be rebuilt swiftly. The aim was to damage the structural integrity of the roadways sufficiently, without obliterating the supporting pillars entirely. In the case of the Elisabeth Bridge, only one of its four chain girders was detonated. However, this partial explosion caused the structure to twist violently, dragging the Buda Gate along with it.

Elizabeth Bridge Budapest 5 — The remains of the Buda Gate. Photo: Fortepan/Fortepan

Out of service for decades

While other bridges, including the Árpád and temporary Kossuth bridges, were reopened by the early 1950s, the Elisabeth Bridge remained out of service for two decades. Engineers faced a significant dilemma regarding how to reconstruct this once world-famous crossing. Until 1958, the official intention was to restore the bridge in its original chain structure, which is why the remaining pillar of the old bridge on the Pest side was left standing.

Earlier, during the reconstruction of the Chain Bridge and the Liberty Bridge, designers had prioritised preserving the monumental character of these structures. However, this approach meant that the bridges struggled to accommodate the increasing volume of traffic in Budapest. Consequently, the new Elisabeth Bridge needed to bear the brunt of this demand, making its widening essential.

Elizabeth Bridge — Dismantling the remains of the Pest bridgehead. Photo: Fortepan / UVATERV

Given that the original Elisabeth Bridge’s pillars could not support the weight of a motorway-scale structure, the decision was made to adopt a cable-stayed design. Returning to the plans of the engineer János Kübler, a new bridge was conceived. Between 1959 and 1960, the remaining pylon of the old bridge was dismantled, bringing the story of the original Elisabeth Bridge to a close.

A new bridge opened in 1964

The pendulum design of the gates and their height remained consistent in the new structure. The new pylon was erected on the same foundation as its predecessor and retained the inscription “Díósgyőr 1898.” The cables were installed along the same lines as the original chains, maintaining the same spacing. The increased width of the new bridge stemmed from a design change: in the old structure, the walkways were positioned within the chains, whereas in the new bridge, they were relocated outside the cables.

Elizabeth Bridge Budapest 7 — The new, minimalist-style Elizabeth Bridge is under construction, Photo: Fortepan/UVATERV

The Elisabeth Bridge, the last Danube crossing destroyed during the Second World War, was finally reopened to traffic on 21 November 1964. It re-established a crucial link between the foot of Gellért Hill and the city centre, accommodating Budapest’s growing transport needs. While the new structure embodied a minimalist aesthetic, the grandeur and dignity of its predecessor had given way to the pragmatic demands of a rapidly modernising capital.

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Domonkos Csaba: Az új Erzsébet hidat 55 évvel ezelőtt adták át, in: PestBuda

Tarján M. Tamás: Az új Erzsébet híd megnyitása Budapesten, in: Rubicon online

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January 17, 2025

Underage perpetrators of Budapest arson attack killing father of four may get harsher sentence – VIDEO

Prosecutors have appealed for a harsher sentence in the case of an arson attack at a dormitory in Budapest’s 9th district in 2019 that left one person dead.

The Budapest Chief Prosecutor’s Office in 2020 charged three young men as accomplices in the case with causing death resulting from public endangerment. On the evening of January 23, 2019, the three defendants, who were minors at the time, poured nail polish remover on a mattress placed against the entrance of the Ráday Street dormitory in Budapest’s 9th district and set it on fire with a lighter.

The flames spread to several floors in the building, resulting in the death of one person. Fifty people had to be evacuated from the dormitory. In a first-instance ruling last October, the Budapest Municipal Court found one of the three suspects guilty of public endangerment by way of negligence and sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment suspended for four years. His two accomplices were sentenced to 240 and 280 hours of community service, respectively, for disorderly conduct.

The Appellate Chief Prosecutor of Budapest is asking the court to charge all three defendants with causing death resulting from public endangerment and sentence them to prison. The attorney representing the defendant who set the mattress on fire has appealed for a lighter sentence, while the other two defendants have accepted their sentences.

Here is a video made by the firefighters:

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January 17, 2025

Good news for property buyers: Real estate prices decline in the heart of Budapest

Budapest’s 6th district, Terézváros, has long been a coveted destination for both Hungarian and foreign investors, as well as homebuyers. Its central location places it within walking distance of many of the Hungarian capital’s iconic landmarks. With a reputation for clean and relatively safe public spaces, the district has remained a prime choice for those seeking property. However, a recent referendum banning short-term rentals, including Airbnb, has begun to reshape the local real estate market, leading to a notable decrease in real estate prices.

Real estate prices start to decline following Airbnb ban

Last autumn, Budapest’s 6th district, Terézváros, held a landmark referendum, posing a question to residents: should short-term rentals be banned or allowed to continue? The liberal mayor, Tamás Soproni, argued that Airbnb had placed an unsustainable burden on the community. He stated that investors had bought up nearly all available properties, converting them into short-term rental units. This trend, Soproni noted, led to a sharp rise in real estate prices, making it increasingly difficult for families to settle in the district. Furthermore, he suggested that the proliferation of short-term rentals had significantly contributed to the district’s declining population.

Despite a modest turnout of 20.5%, the referendum ultimately resulted in a ban on all short-term rentals in Terézváros, effective from 1 January 2026. Early indicators suggest that this policy is already having an impact on the local property market and the real estate prices. According to figures from ingatlan.com cited by 24.hu, the average price per square metre for apartments under 50 square metres decreased by 5% last autumn, settling at HUF 1.037 million (approximately €2,507).

The number of available apartments is on the rise

The number of available apartments in this category has also risen dramatically, jumping from 130 to 200 within just three months—a significant 50% increase. This surge in supply is likely to provide more opportunities for buyers in the district, particularly those previously priced out of the market.

As of August, according to data shared by Mayor Soproni, there were 468 short-term rental units in Terézváros—representing 8% of all apartments in the district. Prior to the referendum, one in five Airbnb listings in Budapest was located in this neighbourhood. With the ban now in effect, this figure is expected to drop to nearly zero, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the district and the broader Hungarian tourism sector.

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Cars to be banned from one of Budapest’s busiest avenues on weekends, holidays – UPDATED

Like in past years, the lower Danube embankment road on the Pest side of the capital city will be opened to pedestrians, bicyclists and users of scooters and roller skates every weekend this summer, the mayor of Budapest said on Thursday.

Gergely Karácsony said in a post on Facebook that the road’s full width will be free of cars and lorries from spring to autumn every weekend between March 15 and October 26 and during public holidays. At the same time, the viaduct next to the Jane Haining embankment and several other sections along the river bank may be renovated starting this year or in 2026, he said.

Pest lower embankment budapest — Photo: FB/Gergely Karácsony

Budapest Pest embankment — Photo: FB/Gergely Karácsony

The central section of the embankment will be fully opened to pedestrians from June 21, after the end of the school year, until mid-August, when preparations will begin for the August 20 national holiday.

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The management and unions of Budapest public transport company BKV have reached an agreement on an 8pc base wage increase for 2025, BKV said on Friday. The agreement contains an additional 1pc increase comprising a “Budapest bonus”, vouchers and seniority perquisites.

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