By Cansin Erdogan
Morning coffee & slow starts
For many international students, mornings in Budapest begin with a coffee and a quiet moment before classes. Since our school is located near Keleti, at Bethlen Gábor tér (square), many students grab a coffee from one of the cozy cafés just outside the metro station before heading to class. These cafés have become favorite spots for studying, catching up with friends, or just enjoying a slow start to the day before busy lectures begin.
Between classes: life around the city
Student life in Budapest is not limited to the campus. From our school, students can reach the metro within a five-minute walk, making it easy to explore the city between lectures. Many students take the M2 line toward Deák Ferenc tér and the city center, while others head to Kalvin tér or Fővám tér with the M4 line.
These areas are known for their beautiful cafés, views of the Danube, and lively student atmosphere. Since other Hungarian universities are nearby, cafés are often filled with students studying, socializing, and enjoying the city between classes.
Walking through Városliget
For students who prefer staying closer to campus instead of going into the city center, Városliget is a perfect escape. Located only a short scooter ride away from school, this huge park becomes especially popular during spring. Sitting by the lake with ducks, walking through the greenery, or simply relaxing in nature offers students a peaceful break from the stress and fast pace of everyday life.
Visiting the Budapest Zoo
Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of those places that can feel like a small break from everything. For some students, it might even be the first time seeing certain animals up close. It’s not just about the animals, though — walking around the greenery, hearing the birds, and spending a few hours away from the usual city rhythm makes it a really calm and different experience in Budapest. I personally had the chance to see an elephant for the first time in Budapest.
Evenings by the Danube
Walking along the Danube River is something that quickly becomes part of everyday life in Budapest. The city lights, bridges, and calm atmosphere make it one of the most peaceful spots after a long day.
Many students also like to end their evenings here — sometimes grabbing a pizza and sitting on the bridge to watch the sunset. It’s a simple routine, but one of those moments that makes the city feel a little more like home.
Weekends at Margaret Island
Margaret Island is a small island in the middle of the Danube and one of the most loved weekend spots for students. It feels completely separate from the busy city, even though it is right in the center.
From Keleti, you can easily get there in around 20–25 minutes by metro and tram, and from the city center it’s even quicker — just a short ride or walk depending on where you are. On weekends, people go there to run, cycle, have picnics, or simply lie on the grass and relax. Some students spend the whole day there with friends, playing music, eating, or watching the sunset by the river. It’s one of those places where time slows down a bit, and you forget you’re in a capital city.
A cultural stop near campus: Fine Arts Museum
Another interesting place for students in Budapest is the Museum of Fine Arts, located close to the city park area and easily reachable from our school. It is especially popular among art students because of its rich and inspiring collection. The museum includes works from many European masters, but it also features Hungarian artists such as Mihály Munkácsy, one of the most important Hungarian painters. His dramatic and detailed paintings are among the highlights of the collection. Inside, you can find a wide range of artworks. For students studying art or anyone interested in creativity, it’s a great place to visit.
Photos by Cancin Erdogan
