If Paris and New York moved to Istanbul and had a baby, it would be Budapest. And if you understood that metaphor, congratulations, because I only sort of do.
Budapest looks vaguely like Paris to me due to its plethora of tall, ornate buildings. The architecture is more varied, however. During the city's construction heyday in the late nineteenth century, Neo-Historicism was all the rage, meaning that architects picked and chose their designs from whatever past era they felt like. Hence, the Parliament building's crimson Renaissance-style dome is surrounded by a multitude of Neo-Gothic spires, and a flat, glossy Art Nouveau exterior coexists with the bas relief-ridden Baroque façade next door.
But the city feels gritty and urban, as if it were dreaming of New York. Budapesters are sassy and tough. During the 70s and 80s, even the Communist regime was a little afraid of them, and began to allow the Hungarians more freedoms than other satellite states in order to keep their rebellious spirit at bay.
The influence of the Ottomans, who occupied Hungary for a century and a half, can be seen in the cultural details. Soaking in one of the city's many Turkish baths is a top activity for tourists and locals alike. The food combines Eastern spices and fruits with Germanic meat and potatoes into something slightly exotic and utterly delicious.
Above all, Budapest is itself: stubborn in its uniqueness, it forces the traveler to conform to its customs, not the other way around. In other words, it's very, very cool.
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