I had the opportunity to be a student in my birthplace through the Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship after 20 years of being educated through the American system. As a scholarship recipient in the Summer University program, I received tuition-free education, housing, a transportation card, meals and cultural experiences, including field trips and seminars.
The four-week program, a cultural preservation mission funded by the local government, brought together Hungarians and cultural contributors living abroad. I made life-long friends from Australia, Angola, Argentina and the United Kingdom, whom I studied with at the Balassi Institute and lived with at the Danubius Hotel Hungaria. I originally heard about these government programs from my Hungarian American friends in Los Angeles who had participated in the year-long option. As I prepared to apply to master’s programs through this full-ride scholarship, I convinced my mom to let me apply to the shorter summer program to experience student life firsthand.
The free accommodation was, interestingly enough, two entire floors of the Danubius Hotel, designated to student dorms for scholarship recipients. The main benefit was living in the city center, which tends to be expensive, not only when looking for a local apartment but in general for tourists. I absolutely loved the variety of transportation: trams, trolley buses, city buses, trains and both modern and older metros.
I lived close to the Eastern Railway Station, which was a good area, while also living a 10-minute walk to Blaha Lujza Square, an area known for late-night drifters. After 80 hours of Hungarian lessons, I learned that my classmates and I were categorized as heritage speakers, an actual name for our bilingual upbringings, and received certificates at a C1 level. When I wasn’t in language classes, I explored barcades, thrift shops, nightlife and took gymnastics classes an hour away. After sharing my travel recommendations with the SLU-Madrid community over the years, here are my insider tips:
House of Music Tour
Tip: Make sure you are signed up for the permanent exhibit, not the temporary one, because it will not compare to the permanent exhibit. You will know that you are at the right place if they give you headphones to wear for the tour. I think it is only open during the week, though, so you should check beforehand.
An interactive headphone experience, walking through the history of music, incorporating genres and techniques from various parts of the world, starting from early woodland sounds, folk music, all the way to present-day genres by the end. It is unique as your movement in each room unlocks audios such as documentary shorts, songs, while also being able to view early and modern instruments.
Bike Rental on Margaret Island
Tip: Take the tram across the Danube to Margaret Island on the Chain Bridge (remember to validate your ticket). If you are in a group of four, it is fun to rent out the four-person bike near the entrance of Margaret Island. You can bike around the island and bring the bike back afterwards. On the island, there is the music fountain, mini zoo, lunch spots, Palatinus bath, and more. Spring and summer are probably the best times to visit, as the flowers are blooming and there is a rose garden section of the island.
Fisherman’s Bastion Architecture
Fun Fact: Selena Gomez filmed the Round & Round music video here. Matthias Church (13th century, Gothic, Neo-Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque architecture) is located on the premises, where royal coronations and weddings take place.
New York Cafe for Notable Beauty
Tip: If you are traveling during a busy time period, I recommend making a reservation. Food and drinks are overpriced but for a quality result.
Thermal Baths (Széchenyi, Rudas, Gellért)
Tip: Check what the opening times are because some do not offer night swimming. Another thing that took time for me to realize is that the Rudas thermal bath is actually bigger than it seems. For example, at Rudas, I discovered that there are multiple sections of the bathhouse, so you need to search until you find the panorama pool on top with the view.
Buy tickets online for the thermal baths at Rudas.
Still have time? Here are some more suggestions:
On The Move:
- Parliament
- Gellert Hill for Hiking
- Central Market Hall (a food hall with souvenirs upstairs)
- Váci Street (“Rodeo Drive” Shopping Street, good for souvenirs)
- House of Terror Museum (History)
- St. Stephen’s Basilica
- Hero’s Square
- Buda Castle
Entertainment:
- Rumpus Tiki Bar (Reggaeton Music)
- Szimpla Kert Bar (Ruin Bar)
Must-Try Foods:
- Lángos (deep-fried flatbread traditionally with cheese, sour cream, and garlic)
- Chimney Cake (dessert with topping of your choice)
- Pálinka (strong alcohol – fruit brandy – do not underestimate)
- Unicum (strong alcohol – herbal liquor)
- Goulash (stew)
