It was a full, multifaceted learning experience – starting from cultural adjustment, visiting local markets, figuring out transportation, falling into tourist traps, making friends, getting lost, and registering for classes!
Budapest is super lively and vibrant!
Budapest is so full of life! I got to live near Deák Ferenc tér (It’s literally the center of Budapest). AIT students are scattered across districts 5, 6, 7, and 13, where all facilities, including restaurants from literally every cuisine, markets, malls, shopping centers, clinics, and supermarkets are. Mostly, everything is within a walking distance. Below you will see the street that my apartment is on, and literally my balcony. Just on the street that I am living on, there are 3 bars, 2 coffee shops, one breakfast/lunch restaurant, a Mexican restaurant, a Greek restaurant, and a Hungarian restaurant. YES! All of that is just below my apartment. Most bars (though not all!) in Budapest are turned into coffee shops in the morning, so that makes more coffee shops below my apartment. However, some students got apartments in quieter areas (I live in one of the most touristy and crowded areas, which has its pros and cons – will talk about the cons later!).
Fun Fact: The new marvel series Moon Knight was shot in the street that I am living in! How wonderful is that!
Also, a minute away from my house is the shopping area. Most international brands like Zara, H&M, COS, Berskha, etc. are there, along with international restaurants for fine dining. The image below is taken from “Fashion Street,” and I think the name speaks for itself.
In addition, unlike the US or most western European cities, Budapest is very cheap. You can get a large Frappuccino in a nice local café for $2-3. A nice meal in a cozy restaurant would cost around $5-9. I remember getting a full-course meal (4-courses) with a drink for $21-25, which – and let’s be honest – would be just one meal with a drink in a local restaurant in Walla Walla. Furthermore, most services are cheap, and as a student, you get a lot of discounts – check my next post about student discounts.
In conclusion, You will never struggle to find food, get groceries, find cool places to hang out or spend quality time. Plus, Budapest is like a museum! Everywhere you walk, you will stumble upon a historical building or a natural scene! See my first post to see some cool spots.
You will never get bored!!!
PS: In part two, I will be talking about living like a student in Budapest.