I’ve been living in Budapest for three months already. I came during early March, and I’m leaving during mid June so I wanted to talk about my experiences here and specially everything that caught my attention and heart since minute zero. From my favorite places, to the foods I liked the most, and the bars and hobbies that stole part of my time here. So, join me as I share with you the best bits of my Hungarian escapade, from food-finds to my go-to hangouts.
Exploring Budapest: Where the Magic Happens
Budapest is the capital of Hungary, after all, and it had me hooked from day one. The architecture, the markets, the vibe – it’s pretty different from Spain. For example, we have really big markets in Spain, but The Great Market Hall was super nice to visit. Not just because of all the food and stands that it has, but because of how good it looks. It’s like a foodie’s dream come true, with all sorts of local goodies to try. Paprika-spiced sausages, cheesy delights, freshly baked . . .
I can’t really choose any favorites from the things I tried, but everyone that visits the capital should go there and try it by their own hand.
Diving into Culture: Margaret Island and the Opera House
I think that Hungary’s got culture for days, and you only have to do a little research about their history to find out. That reflects and a lot of its places as they’ve absorbed all of that essence. Two of those places that I found extremely appealing were Margaret Island, that’s surrounded by nature’s beauty, and the Budapest Opera House. I was lucky enough to witness a few of their acts, and honestly, each performance was like a mini getaway, taking me to a whole new world.
Hidden Hangouts: Ruin Bars and Cozy Cafés
Now, I’ll talk about the spots that aren’t on every tourist’s radar. I got the chance to visit the Szimpla Kert, a bar with a “ruinous ambience” tucked away in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter. It’s got a quicky vibe, chill, and totally Instagram-worthy, because I know that some of us look for that a lot when traveling. And if you’re craving to relax a bit, Gerbeaud is where it’s at. Their pastries? To die for, and its quite a fancy place.
Foodie Finds: Goulash and Dobos Torte
So, about the food. To be honest, I’m a student: I dont’ have the best diet and I procrastinate cooking a lot, so I ended up using Wolt (the Hungarian Uber Eats) a lot. But there was a special charm about Hungarian food, let me tell you. Let it be by following recipes or by visiting some restaurants, their dishes and deserts are something that I’m taking with me to Spain. Not literally, but as something I’ll try to cook to show my friend and family.
Goulash, that hearty stew? Perfect for warming you up on a chilly day. And don’t even get me started on Dobos Torte – layers of yumminess in every bite. Hungary’s cuisine is very, very different from the western European one, but they know how to do food right, no doubt about it. Specially from a healthy point of view. Oh, and let’s not forget about the desert you see everywhere: Kürtőskalács. Sweet and quick, easy to get as a snack. Some places do it simple, and some other go over the top and make it with some condiments that give it that extra punch.
Wrapping It Up: Memories to Cherish
As my Erasmus experience winds down, I’m left with a ton of memories to cherish. Let it be people, from the hustle of the city center, to the calm of some other places, Hungary’s left its mark on me. Saying goodbye isn’t easy, but I’ll carry these memories with me wherever I go. And who knows! Maybe I will come back.
This article is my thanks to all the people that I met along the way.
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