Experience in Budapest, Hungary by Réka

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

Well, I don't live in the capital of Hungary, but near Budapest. To be honest, the prices of the apartments, hotels, and other accommodations are quite expensive.
Anyway, Budapest has a big culture, with many tourists sites that you have to visit once you arrive at Budapest. It is a big city, so you can find shops, bars, cafes, clubs easily. It's a beautiful city in the heart of Europe. Budapest is divided into 2 parts: Buda - which is hilly-, and Pest- which is flat.

What is the student lifestyle like in Budapest?

It is a good choice to be a uni student in Budapest because as it is the capital of Hungary, so you have many opportunities, with the best universities in the country (ELTE, Corvinus, BGE, Pázmány Péter University, BME). Erasmus Student Network also operates here, with friendly, helpful and empathetic ESN mentors, who help you to live your best life during your stay in Budapest. There is a club distinct, as well, so you can go to a party with your friends every night. There are also many discounts for students if you have an official student credit card accredited in Hungary.

How much does it cost to live in Budapest?

Living is the most expensive thing in Hungary. I recommend finding a flat with your friends, which is a bit cheaper. You can find many hostels or student apartments, as well. As I don't live in Budapest, I do not have personal experience, but there are student apartments connected to the university, which is the cheapest way to stay, and you can find classmates easily.

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

It is not really difficult to find accommodation, on the internet, there are many ads to find out which is suits you.

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

Hungarian cuisine is very unique with many flavours. Hungarian people's have one basic question: What to eat? :D Budapest is full of cosy restaurants, fast food restaurant, cafés, bars, etc. Typical Hungarian dishes: Goulas soup, Túró Rudi, poppy seed pasta, Stuffed Cabbage, Lángos, Somlói Galuska...etc. My favourite dishes are typical Hungarian dishes, fo course, but you can find dishes from other cultures: Italian, greek, Turkish....

What places would you recommend visiting in Budapest?

Parliament, Buda Castle and Buda Hill, Széchenyi Thermal Bath, St Stephen's Basilica, Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church, Museum of Fine Arts, Heroes' Square, Budapest Zoo. I also really recommend booking a boat trip to see the view from the River Danube. In Margaret Island, there is a Musical Fountain.

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

Eating out is always a good choice in Budapest because there are restaurants and café bars near the river Danube where the view is breathtaking. Best places: 9BAR, Bábel, Borkonyha, Hungarikum Bistro.

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

There is a party distinct in Budapest. According to your sense of music, you can find my clubs: Morrison's 2, Remix Retro Disco, Ötker CLub, Akvárium Club, Havana Salsa Bar.

What advice would you give future students heading to Budapest?

As a local in Hungary, I recommend to visit as many places as you can in Budapest, and also in Hungary, because there are many beautiful places besides Budapest that worth visiting. As many people can speak English, you don't have to worry about understanding things.