Introduction:  Budapest – Our story

We left Italy thinking of Erasmus as a mix of work, travel, and new friendships.
But Budapest gave us much more a city that welcomed us, challenged us, and surprised us every single day.
Between unexpected adventures, new friendships, and unforgettable moments, we lived an experience that went far beyond our expectations.
Let us take you through the places and experiences that made our Erasmus in Budapest unique.

Here are the places we enjoyed the most and recommend visiting:

A Majestic building: The Hungarian Parliament

One of the first buildings we saw was the Hungarian Parliament, which can be considered one of Budapest’s most iconic monuments. With its neo-Gothic architecture, soaring spires and imposing dome, it is a symbol of the city’s history and grandeur.

Relax and Tradition: The Széchenyi Baths Experience

A true symbol of relaxation in Budapest, the Széchenyi Thermal Baths are among the largest and most famous thermal complexes in Europe. Known for their neo-baroque architecture and outdoor pools filled with naturally warm waters, they offer a unique experience where wellness, tradition, and history meet in the heart of the city.

Between Stone and Silence: Discovering Gellért Hill

Gellért Hill is one of the most captivating spots in Budapest: a scenic, green-covered climb that leads to a church carved into the rock and the iconic Liberty Statue. Surrounded by nature, history, and breathtaking views of the Danube, every step offers a new emotion. A must visit for those seeking beauty, tranquility, and a unique perspective on the city.

Római Park is one of the most authentic places in Budapest to experience the Danube up close. You can walk along the riverbank, relax at open-air kiosks, rent a bike or a canoe, or simply enjoy a sunset from the wooden pier. In the summer months, the atmosphere comes alive with local bars, street food, and perfect spots for a beer by the water. It’s the ideal place for those looking for nature, water sports, and a break from the city rush.

 Nightlife in Budapest

While exploring Budapest, we found many bars and pubs, but the ones that impressed us the most were those recommended by the locals, which are as follows:

Szimpla Kert:

Raqpart

Raqpart is one of the most scenic open-air venues in Budapest, located on the Danube riverside right next to the Chain Bridge, on the Pest side. Open mainly during the warmer months, it offers a stunning view of Buda Castle and the river, all within a modern and laid-back setting.

How did we find with food?

During our stay in Budapest, we also enjoyed exploring the local supermarkets. It was interesting to see how, even in a different country, many of the same products we use every day in Italy were available.

Among the various foods we tried, we also found pasta. It wasn’t the best pasta we’ve ever eaten, but it was still pasta—and for an Italian, that already means something.

Overall, we can say that even if the quality of some products doesn’t match what we’re used to, you can still eat well. You just need to adapt a little and be open to discovering new local flavors.

In addition to familiar foods, we also had the chance to try goulash, one of Hungary’s most traditional dishes. It’s a hearty soup made with meat, vegetables, and plenty of paprika. Tasting it gave us a real sense of the local culinary culture and added something special to our experience.

To wrap up our food journey, we had a pleasant surprise: “Salve”, a Neapolitan pizzeria right in the heart of Budapest. Despite being far from Italy, we were able to enjoy an authentic pizza, with well-risen dough, fresh ingredients, and perfect baking in a wood-fired oven. It was surprising to find such a high level of quality and to see how the Italian pizza tradition is respected even abroad.

A Chapeter We’ll Always Remember

As our time in Budapest came to a close, we looked back on a city that had become more than just a temporary stop. It gave us new friends, new habits, and a thousand little moments that made each day different from the one before.

From its iconic landmarks to a simple pizza at Salve, from getting lost in the streets to sharing late-night talks, Budapest gave us more than we expected—and maybe even more than we were looking for.

Leaving won’t be easy, but we’re going home with stories, memories, and the feeling that this chapter will stay with us for a long time.