Kimmie

After a two-year absence, I returned to one of my favorite cities in the world: Budapest! Two years ago, I spent five months here during a study exchange. Coming back now feels less like a city break and more like coming home.

That exchange period was one of the best times of my life. The people I met, the memories I made, the lessons I learned—I’ll carry them with me forever. Living somewhere is very different from visiting it for a few days, and returning as a traveler gave me a fresh perspective. This time, I visited Budapest as part of a city trip, but it was still clear why I love this city so much.

Buda & Pest: Two Sides, One Soul

Budapest is split by the Danube into Buda and Pest, each with its own rhythm. Buda, the western side, is calm and hilly, full of viewpoints and historic charm. Pest, on the eastern bank, is flat, lively, and buzzing with cafés, nightlife, and culture. Together, they create a perfect balance between serenity and energy.

What immediately stands out is how clean and well-kept the city feels. Wide boulevards, elegant façades, and quiet residential streets make wandering around a pleasure. The elegant architecture often evokes the atmosphere of Paris, and because Budapest is a more affordable filming location, many movies set in Paris are actually shot there.

Layers of History & Architecture

Budapest’s history is rich and complex, shaped by Roman foundations, Ottoman rule, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the scars of the Second World War. You can see this past reflected everywhere—from Gothic details to neo-Romanesque churches and grand 19th-century buildings. Every street seems to tell a story, making the city endlessly fascinating for history lovers. The legacy of the Second World War can still be felt at times when meeting Hungarians. A certain caution in trusting others remains, shaped by a past in which betrayal was often a matter of survival.

From Ruin Bars to Opera Houses

Despite its historic roots, Budapest feels young and modern. Its nightlife is famous, especially the ruin bars—abandoned buildings turned into eclectic bars filled with mismatched furniture, street art, and character. At the same time, the city takes pride in high culture, with opera, classical concerts, and elegant theaters still playing a major role.

Spa Culture & Hungarian Flavors

One of the most unique things about Budapest is its spa culture. Built on thermal springs, the city is dotted with historic bathhouses where locals and visitors alike come to relax year-round.

Food is another highlight. Traditional dishes like goulash, chicken paprikash, and lángos are hearty and comforting, often paired with a shot of pálinka. Sweet treats such as kürtőskalács (chimney cake) are impossible to resist. Alongside classic cuisine, Budapest also boasts a growing number of hip food spots that reinterpret Hungarian flavors in a modern way.

My exchange period in the city

Going on exchange was terrifying at first, but it turned out to be the most valuable learning experience of my life. Once I arrived, I quickly made friends who became incredibly close to me. I soon realized that most exchange students are in the same situation—arriving alone and eager to connect. Putting yourself out there and joining activities that other students attend makes all the difference. That’s how I met my friend group at Lake Balaton. Together, we explored the city, tried countless restaurants, traveled to Krakow, Vienna, and Prague, and shared more unforgettable moments than I can count. I would highly recommend an exchange semester to anyone.

Some must-do’s in Budapest

• Tour the Hungarian Parliament
• Relax in a thermal bath
• Go ice skating in winter
• Hike up Gellért Hill for panoramic views
• Walk through Heroes’ Square
• Attend a music show or ballet at the opera
• Visit Hero Square Garden and take a walk through the city park
• Try to find some of the artistic antics of  Mihály Kolodko
• Tour the Danube on a Prosecco boat

My favorite spots

• Gettó Gulyás – authentic Hungarian comfort food
• Hotsy Totsy – great cocktails in a stylish setting
• Espresso Embassy – specialty coffee done right
• Lui – small bakery with tasty pastries
• QUI – Asian fine dining experience
• Grund Garden – relaxed ruin-bar vibes with food and happy hours
• Marlu Wine Bar & Store – perfect for wine lovers
• Academia Italia – Italian dishes freshly made
• Instant – a large club with 7 different dance floors
• Pörc & Prézli Étterem – classic Hungarian food with live music
• Kis Fecske Presszó – terrace with plenty of students
  

Whether you live there for months or visit for a long weekend, Budapest leaves a lasting impression. For me, returning after two years felt like reconnecting with an old friend—familiar, comforting, and still full of surprises.