When first entering Budapest you’re aware of it’s heat, dry in the mid-summer weather and made still by the setting sun of late afternoon. The heat overlays a city of brown, dark colors blend together with the occasional  creme bringing much needed contrast in the passing scenery. Buses run along the corner, no traditional trams, and crowds mil about getting food from the shops that line the street next to the station. Heading closer to our destination we notice more shops and food places that fall under the category of low-key and bohemian. Our street has a club, bank, 24 hr corner store, food, and second hand shops. The buildings here are old and show their age, paint flakes on their walls, the statues stand roughened by time and there is a bustle to the street that picks up in energy the later the day becomes. Our hostel is located above a club separated by staircase and code, upstairs is a vine covered terrace, rough paintings and bright colored walls. It’s is most definitely a hostel for the young which becomes the theme for this part of the city in general. Off brand food and shops catering to a clientele with small wallets but hipster sensibilities. This half of the city is for the wanderer, the bohemian, the painter with tattoos, and college student with nose piercings.

The corner turns and the city morphs. The streets are cleaner, the buildings are brighter, and the clothes are more expensive. This is where the tourist are found taking in the city, visiting ancient landmarks and perusing the shops found there, occasionally stopping at a restaurant or Starbucks. Further on is the Danube river running through the city, large and beautiful, creating a picturesque scene and carrying a light welcomed breeze in the summer heat. There are grand buildings in the distance, large intricate cathedrals and Roman style palace like structures filling the scenery and covering the hillside. All this gives way to a part of the city that seems more suburban, where the inhabitants most likely live a quieter life away from hipster streets and silly tourist.

Budapest is a dual city attracting certain people and answering certain needs. A bohemian soul will find interest in this city. The ones that will veer away from the pretty over layer and sift through the second had shops off the beaten path. And maybe enjoy a late night in a dance club(the recommendation, Instant). The conclusion is that Budapest is interesting but probably more so to a certain type of people. Visit once to see if your one of them.