January 29th 2025.
Could it be possible that the glitz and glamour of Dubai is making its way to Europe? Well, it seems like Budapest, known for its unique ruin bars and stunning art nouveau architecture, is preparing for a Middle Eastern transformation. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has struck a deal with the Hungarian government, which will result in a whopping €5 billion being invested into the creation of a new, flashy neighborhood. This project, nicknamed "mini-Dubai" but officially known as "Grand Budapest," is expected to revitalize the currently abandoned 100 hectares of land near the Rákosrendező train station in the northeastern part of the city.
The project, officially named Grand Budapest, has some grand proposals in store. If approved by the property developers Eagle Hills, the neighborhood will receive brand new infrastructure, including a railway track, extended metro line, cycle lane, and pedestrian zone. Additionally, there will be 35-40 hectares of parks and vibrant public spaces, schools, and community facilities. This new, modern district is sure to stand out amongst Budapest's charming castles and buildings.
Eagle Hills' ambitious proposals also include the construction of buildings up to 500m tall in certain areas, surpassing the height of Europe's current tallest skyscraper, The Lakhta Center in Saint Petersburg, Russia. For comparison, London's iconic Shard stands at 390.6m. However, these plans have faced opposition from some government departments as the current legislation only allows buildings up to 90m high in Budapest.
Metro's Alice Murphy recently spent a weekend in Budapest and took the opportunity to explore some of the city's popular attractions. She highly recommends visiting the historic Szechenyi Thermal Baths, the largest medicinal bath in Europe. For a day pass costing £25 on weekends and £21.50 on weekdays, visitors can enjoy access to 15 indoor baths, steam rooms, and three breathtaking outdoor pools. There is even a rooftop greenhouse that opens during the summer and a set of saunas for an additional fee.
Alice also took a TikTok-inspired night river cruise on the Danube for £21 per person, complete with unlimited prosecco and a friendly tour guide pointing out the best sights. The 90-minute cruise offers stunning views of Budapest's parliament building, especially after sunset when it sparkles against the night sky. One of the best things about European cities is the abundance of free attractions, including architecture, churches, and public parks. Alice and her companions took full advantage of this, walking 20,000 steps across the city to the hilly "Buda" side, which boasts a 758-year-old castle and a mosaic-covered church from 1050. Their favorite spot was Fisherman's Bastion, a panoramic terrace with fairytale turrets and a breathtaking view of Budapest. Entry is free between October 15 and March 10.
As for food and drinks, Alice recommends a standout dinner at the reasonably priced Mazel Tov restaurant and some delicious pancakes, pastries, and dangerously strong cocktails at the TikTok-approved Rumpus Tiki Bar.
However, not everyone is excited about the Grand Budapest project. Dávid Vitézy, a member of the General Assembly of Budapest, believes that a 500m high building on the edge of the city center would threaten the city's architectural, cultural, tourist, and world heritage values. Even the Mayor of Budapest, Gergely Karacsony, opposes the project and has filed a motion for the city to use its preemptive right to acquire the land. This "Right of First Refusal" in Hungary allows an individual or entity (including government bodies) to purchase a property or land before anyone else if it is put up for sale.
The Mayor has also urged the Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, to prioritize affordable housing instead. Eagle Hills, the company behind the Grand Budapest project, has developments in 16 countries, including Albania, Croatia, and Morocco. They are also responsible for Dubai's iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Do you have a story to share about your travels? We'd love to hear from you. Get in touch by emailing us.
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