Hungary’s vibrant and enigmatic capital, Budapest, has emerged as one of Europe’s hotspots. The former soviet city has blossomed as a cosmopolitan retreat for professionals and travellers around the world, keen to immerse themselves in the charming culture, bolstered by an ever-strengthening economy. Routinely named among the most beautiful cities in Europe, it is little surprise that more and more people are turning to Budapest when looking to lay roots overseas.
With residences ranging from vibrant, urban dwellings to quiet, leafy retreats; Budapest’s expat community is as varied and eclectic as the city itself.
One such expat is the writer and broadcaster, Nick Thorpe, who has shared his experiences of Budapest, what made him move to the city and what made him stay. The Central Europe correspondent for the BBC, Thorpe has lived in Budapest since the mid-1980s, when the city was still under Soviet rule. Utterly charmed by the city, he has remained a local whilst still working for the BBC, the Guardian, the Observer and the Independent amongst others.
Thorpe has kindly agreed to share his Budapest with Emerald Waterways, exploring the city’s past, present and people. In a video created with the help of Budapest Local, we get to see the Budapest through the eyes of a local.
In this video, exclusively made for Emerald Waterways, Thorpe details exactly what makes Budapest so special, outlining its architectural highlights and relationship with the mighty River Danube. Please watch the video below for Budapest through the eyes of a local.