Experience in Budapest, Hungary by Katalin

What is it like to live in Budapest? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

This city has many faces. Everyone can find something they enjoy. You have to open-minded and be ready to experience many new things. The transportation at night is awesome like the whole city wants you to party. Even during the night the trams come very often.

What is the student lifestyle like in Budapest?

From ruin pubs to fancy party places and cosy cafés everything is available. Most students like to go to teahouse and just chill. There are many options for you and your friends to spend your free time well.

How much does it cost to live in Budapest?

I would say compared to many western and especially northern countries Hungary can be considered as a pretty ok (for some terribly cheap) country.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Budapest? Is there any advice you can give?

I would recommend asking friends or anybody who knows the city well enough in order to find a nice district and avoid the less friendly ones.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Amazing. Might be heavy for some. If you are not so experimenting try the desserts. They are so delicious and cottage cheese is considered as a sweet thing here. My favorite dishes are: Pörkölt and Palacsinta.

What places would you recommend visiting in Budapest?

The Castle district - must see, Heroes square, Andrássy street, The National Gallery, Parliament, Bazilika, Metro line 1.

Is it good to eat out in Budapest? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

I would recommend going once to Liszt Ferenc Tér, especially in the evening. The atmosphere is amazing not to mention there are a lot of brilliant (not so cheap) restaurants here. My favorite spots are Kálvin Bisztró, Pata Negra, Sphinx, Karma (Noir chocobar is also great).

Is the nightlife good in Budapest? Where is good to go?

Wow it's crazy. You can dance, drink and have fun all night long everywhere in the city.

• Instant is one of my favorite places - no entrance fee, you can dance and talk in the same time without shouting, it's a ruin club(? ).
• Szimplakert, a ruin pub where you can talk and drink with your friends.
• Doboz or Ötkertif you want to dance.

What advice would you give future students heading to Budapest?

Not many Hungarians speak English so it's worth knowing some essential phrases in Hungarian. Enjoy!