Address: Budapest, Thököly út 18, 1076                   Menu: asianstreetfood.hu               Hours: Open · Closes 9 pm

If you’re anything like me, sometimes a craving for a good wonton soup kicks in on a chilly day, or a savory fried rice craving at lunch time sounds perfect, or maybe a sweet boba craving to finish off a hard school day. Well, with our campus location, we are in luck! There is a marketplace about a 10-minute walk from our school, and inside it houses individual stands that sell their own variety of Asian food. You’ll find places that specialize in pho, sushi, Thai food, dumplings, Vietnamese recipes, boba, and more. 8 individual stalls are guaranteed to deliver delicious delicacies.

I’m not going to lie to you, this place can feel a bit hectic sometimes, so possibly brace for that to be your experience as you walk through the doors. The first two stalls will be a boba drink place called Addictea to your right- and trust me when I say that every drink here is good. They have dozens of different flavor options guaranteed to satisfy whatever craving you are having that day. Personally, my favorite is the brown sugar tapioca drink, but sadly, they have been out of tapioca every time I visit recently. I tried asking if they would be getting any more eventually, but there was a bit of a language barrier, and I’m not sure we understood each other properly. But anyway, there are still dozens of flavors to choose from, and every time it is a delightful drink.

On the right side of the entrance is a restaurant that offers some comforting flavors in its soups and good dumplings, but make sure you bring cash! I would say that every time I buy from there, it is a 75% chance that their machine isn’t working and can only accept cash payments, so be prepared for that if your heart is set on eating here. One time when my family was visiting me here in Budapest, my little cousin tried the fried rice from this stall, and well…it wasn’t particularly checking off the boxes for us. It seemed a little burnt, and the flavors weren’t our favorites. However, I got bao dumplings from there, and they were some of the best I’ve ever had. So sometimes you might be ordering the wrong thing, it’s important to keep an open mind when trying new places.

To continue into the marketplace, you will have to go up a set of about 5 steps that will lead you to a little seating area and the third stall in this market – Tai He Lou. This one is one of my favorites, particularly one dish- their pork and green onion fried dumplings. One order of them costs 1900 forints, and you get about 10 dumplings that are extremely filling. Between that and maybe a side of rice, and a boba drink, I’ve had a delicious and filling meal with a sweet treat all under 3500 forints. Besides the appealing price range, these dumplings are just hands-down delicious. As I mentioned before, my family visited me, and of the four people visiting, everyone loved them so much that we had to get another order before the rest of our food even came out. If I’m going to recommend one food item, it would probably be this one from all the options.

Continuing from that stall and the little seating area, you will walk into the main seating area of the market. Above you is a massive skylight window that makes this place wonderfully lit up during the day. Decor is all around you, with fake vines scaling from the walls to the ceiling and parasol umbrellas placed to be looked up at. There are a few tables that are small and designed for one or two people, but as you continue, you’ll come upon the larger, high-top tables that can hold up to six people. In this open area, is where you’ll come upon most of the stalls and a much wider selection of food options.

The first restaurant is YY LiangPi, which specializes in Pho recipes. By just briefly scanning the menu, they have dozens of different options. Some with pork, some with chicken, some with sesame sauce, and others with hot and sour noodles. Just from the looks of it, this stall is the place to come if you’re craving any sort of soup. Directly across from that is Thai Food- the stall where you guessed it- get your Thai food cravings met. A quick glance at their menu and I see classic Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Pad Khi Mao, and even more options that look delicious as they hand them off to customers. Adjacent to the Thai stall is Sushi Yitian. This stall has dozens of different sushi rolls but also fried dish options like spring rolls or shrimp tempura. This stall also has a deli case out in the front that holds yummy Asian sweets like mochi, crepe cakes, and even more unique sweet treats. I talked to the store worker, and she told me the mochi is made fresh every day, and from my experience, it is very flavorful and extremely delicate. I got their mixed flavor pack one day, and it was delicious. It came with matcha, mango, chocolate, and strawberry as the flavors, and each one was good in its own way. My favorite was the mango because it tasted so fresh, with the matcha flavor coming in as a close second.

Next to the sushi and dessert place I just mentioned is a Korean BBQ-style place. They offer up a selection of different skewers of squid, prawns, beef, chicken, and more! The chicken fillets are one of my favorite quick bites here that always leave me feeling perfectly full. My boyfriend really enjoyed the beef skewers, and he said he would be coming back for them, so I think that means they’re pretty good.

Across from the BBQ place is Desi Flavors, a restaurant that has a more Indian based menu, with Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Korma, veg biryani, and more stars on the menu. I never grew up eating Indian food, so it always felt a little out of my wheelhouse, but my friend got Veg Biryani one time, and one bite of that seriously changed my life. Such a unique blend of flavors and spices, and the naan on the side just sent it right to the top of one of the best meals I’ve had at this marketplace. I now love trying new Indian foods, so I think this place is a great restaurant for anyone.

Desi Flavors is the last of the restaurants in the main seating area, but there is one more back room that houses a more laid-back atmosphere and one more food stall. Now I will say, there used to be two more stalls back here, but one has just recently shut down, which is why I think it is super important to support this place and these local vendors! The last stall standing in this backroom is the Vietnamese stall here at the Asian market. I personally haven’t tried this restaurant yet, but they are always making a meal, helping a customer, or sending a meal off. I think that because this is the only Vietnamese place within this market, it does well as it can offer a new type of food and flavors for people. One day, I will order from this stall, and I implore you to as well.

All in all, if you ever do make your way over there, you will realize there’s no proper way to summarize this market. It’s bustling and hectic, yes, but it also offers up just about any flavor or spice your mind could dream up and a real sense of community within its confines. Now, with today’s ever-growing world of big corporations taking over, I think it’s extremely important to be mindful about what we are supporting. When you go there and support these businesses with your money, you can tell that it’s going somewhere meaningful. The workers are all so kind and willing to help anyone with an open mind, and I can always tell that they want to have customers. They want to have customers, not just to get their money, but so that they can make good meals for the people around them. They want to care for the community, just as the community continues to care for them. So, if you ever find yourself craving any sort of Asian food, I highly recommend this as the place to fulfil your every craving.

Photos by Riley Moore

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It was an ideal spring day when I was walking down Tompa utca (street) to interview Dat, the manager of my and my friend’s favorite restaurant, Pho 1993 (Tompa utca 21, 1094). The trees were full of bright leaves, illuminated by the rays of the late-afternoon sun. We made remarks about how this weather was a reward for all the difficult winter days of trudging through slush and snow on the unshoveled sidewalks and the freezing wind. But today, people were walking their dogs, and children were walking home from school. The thick jackets and sweaters of the past five months were gone, and people were wearing shorts and tees. It seemed like everyone felt the refreshing change of seasons and embraced the weather.

The first time I ate at Pho 1993, it was a cold October night. I had been dealing with a stubborn cold (typical with the weather at the time) and craved a warm soup to warm me up. Pho soup with beef seemed to be the perfect remedy. I was with a couple of my friends and decided it would be a good idea to try to order in Vietnamese. So, I pulled up Google Translate and (barely) memorized “Cho tôi gọi món phở bò với nước lọc ạ” (Can I please order the beef pho and a still water?), followed by “Cảm ơn” (Thank you). Our waitress, Minh, was extremely friendly and chuckled at my broken Vietnamese. From that day on, my friend Dani and I became regulars there. We even made a food review TikTok account where our first (and only) video was a review of our meals at Pho 1993, filled with praise (of course).

That beautiful spring day, I stopped in the restaurant for a quick interview with Dat, the manager, only after saying hi to the always-friendly staff. The terrace was buzzing with patrons relishing the long-awaited spring sunshine, and the inside, where I spoke with Dat, had the ambiance of small conversations and clinking utensils of those who decided to enjoy their food inside. Whenever I’d visit Pho 1993 in the winter, the terrace would be empty, but the inside would be packed with people escaping the cold and looking for some warm, comforting food.

A waitress at Pho 1993, Minh, helped translate my questions for Dat. She had been our waitress the time I attempted to order in Vietnamese, and she is always friendly, especially when I played this one Vietnamese song I had heard on TikTok, “Con Gái Miền Tây”.

Dat had moved to Budapest 13 years prior with his wife, Mimi. When I asked why he chose Budapest Dat said it was because he had relatives already living here, and it was easier to move to a new country when you already have connections to help you adapt to a new environment. Dat and Mimi opened their first location in 2023, naming it “Pho 1993”. I had thought 1993 was the year the restaurant opened, but Minh corrected me that “1993 actually was his birth year, together with his wife. They’re the same age”.

Dat told me that it took around half a year for their restaurant to get a solid foothold and then another six months for it to really start to take off. If you look around the restaurant today, you can see that the business really did take off.

Each time I went to Pho 1993, I would order something different off the menu, and everything was fantastic. The curry with rice is perfectly sweet with a comfortable amount of spice, the fried wontons have the best crunch, and the shrimp soup dumplings are incredibly tender and are the best appetizer to order to start your meal. Personally, I love the pho soup with beef, which also happened to be Dat’s favorite. “That’s classic,” Minh added to that remark.

When asked about what the hardest part of starting a business is in Budapest, Dat answered that for him, “the hardest part is how to manage human resources, how to find trustworthy people and trust them on a daily basis”.

Dat said with a smile that his favorite part of owning a business is “when he receives a good positive review on Google Maps”. Sitting at an impressive 4.9 stars, Pho 1993 has close to 950 glowing reviews citing the exceptional staff, delicious food, and praise-worthy service (all descriptions I also attest to).

On November 21, 2025, Pho 1993 opened its second location near Kálvin tér (square) (Kecskeméti utca 9, 1053). While I have yet to visit this location, I have a feeling it is just as good as my regular spot on Tompa utca.

Every experience at Pho 1993 is memorable. Whether you’re grabbing lunch alone between classes or going out for dinner with friends, it’s the perfect place for great food and even better service. Make sure to check out either of its locations, on Tompa and on Kecskeméti utca.

Photos by Julius Hendricks

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There’s something special about being able to turn the corner after leaving your apartment in the morning and being engulfed in a wonderful aroma coming from your nearby cukrászda.

Cukrászda culture in Budapest is a living tradition that reflects Hungary’s history and social life. A cukrászda is a traditional confectionery shop specializing in cakes, distinct from a bakery in both its offerings and its culinary focus. When you hear cukrászda, a bakery or a Starbucks isn’t what should pop into your head. A true cukrászda isn’t rushed; it’s an invitation to sit with a coffee and enjoy recipes that have been passed down multiple generations, all with a unique history behind the taste.

Just off the 4/6 tram, near Jászai Mari tér (square), Maródi is a classic example of a true cukrászda. Its surroundings are all part of the charm. After a coffee and a pastry, you can take a scenic walk with galleries, antique shops, and beautiful views of the Danube nearby. It is an ideal place to be able to meet friends and spend a relaxed afternoon. There are no words to explain the feeling of stepping out of a warm cukrászda into streets that feel like they are alive and filled with history. 

Eszterházy Cake

Maródi isn’t somewhere you go for reinvented deserts, but rather to enjoy recipes that generations before us have grown up on. The display is lined with mouth-watering traditional Hungarian sweets. For example, the Dobos torta (cake) is arguably one of the most classic Hungarian cakes. With multiple layers of sponge cake with a chocolate buttercream, topped with a brittle caramel top that not only puts the image of the cake over the top, but also the taste. Representing the peak of the Austro-Hungarian tradition, we have Eszterházy torta, with walnut meringue layers, and of course, the chocolate web pattern on the classic white icing makes it as distinguishable as the taste. Rákóczi túrós is a staple, with a thin buttery base and a thick layer of Hungarian curd with a hint of lemony zest, and of course, my favorite: apricot jam. Served in little rectangles or squares, there may not be a better sweet treat meant for you. Last but most definitely not least, as it’s my favorite, they have an absolutely incredible krémes (custard slice). More on the simple side, a rather puffy pastry, it has a flaky crust with a wonderfully creamy interior, making it rather messy but amazing.

Dobos Cake

The traditional aspect of these pastries doesn’t stem from their ingredients, but from the consistency throughout generations. These recipes have remained unchanged for longer than my grandma can tell me. Preserving the techniques and flavors defines Hungarian cake culture, instead of a lot of bakeries flooding displays with brand-new recipes and pastries. Maródi is a prime example of preserving authenticity, with each bite tasting the same as it did in the generations before us.

Krémes (Custard Slice)

Similarly, Bocskai Cukrászda runs at a slower pace. This is somewhere you would see families sit down together, with stories older than us. Located in a more residential area, there is a very calm atmosphere and, of course, a focus on traditional “torták.” With affordable prices reflecting the fact that going for a quick pastry and slowing down in the middle of your day is supposed to be a daily thing, not a special experience. The heart and soul of a cukrászda like this isn’t just about the pastries, it’s about how incredibly food, culture, and community can blend, ultimately creating a culture of its own.

Together, we have two wonderful examples of two different sides, both rooted deep in this culture created by our predecessors. It doesn’t matter what you order; it matters that you take part in such a sacred situation.

Photos by Daniel Galambos

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What began as a small gathering has grown into a lasting tradition. Instead of lectures and deadlines, right after the mid-term examination week, students found themselves in a relaxed space for creativity, discussion, and community. For one evening, the campus transformed into a space where art and conversation flowed as freely as the wine. The college marked the fifth annual wine and art event with the highest turnout thus far.

The event was organized by the Student Advisory Council (SAC), with the key support and a presentation from wine journalist and our college professor, Robert Smyth. Attendees had the opportunity to sample four carefully selected wines, two red and two white wines. An engaging presentation preceded the blind tasting, during which the atmosphere quickly became lively as guests tried to guess the wines they were tasting.

The evening’s selection of white wines offered both familiarity and discovery. The Irsai Olivér, a Hungarian cross known for its intensely aromatic profile, stood out with its floral and fruity character. Featuring pronounced aromas of citrus and tropical fruits, as well as floral perfume, followed by a soft, light palate, creating an easy-drinking style. In contrast, the Olaszrizling presented a more subtle and versatile expression. Widely grown across Central Europe, it reflected its terroir with delicate flavors of pear, apple, and white flowers, balanced by a fresh acidity. Together, the two wines highlighted the diversity of white varieties, giving participants a chance to compare both vibrant aromatics and more restrained elegance.

The red wines brought a deeper, more complex dimension to the tasting. Kadarka, a historic variety with roots in the Balkans, offered a lighter, more delicate profile, marked by its vibrant acidity. Its aromatic character stood out with notes of rose hip, raspberry, and spices, creating a lively and slightly zesty palate. In contrast, Cabernet Franc provided a more structured and full-bodied experience. It revealed layers of red and black fruit alongside subtle hints of tobacco and graphite. With its balanced tannins and refined acidity, it added an elegant depth to the evening’s selection, highlighting the contrast between lighter and more robust red styles.

As the evening progressed, the focus gradually shifted from tasting to visual expression, introducing the art portion of the event. Inspired by themes of Easter and spring, the students’ works were filled with soft colors and a vibrant sense of renewal, reflecting the season’s atmosphere. With the guidance and support of the art professors, students were given the opportunity not only to unwrap their creativity but also to contribute to the McDaniel community by donating selected pieces to the SAC. These artworks will then be featured in the art sale, adding a meaningful dimension to the event by combining creativity with a sense of contribution.

More than just an evening of wine and art, the event created a space for connection, creativity, and shared experience. As it continues to grow each year, it remains a highlight of campus life — one that students will likely look forward to long after this fifth edition.

For those who may have missed this event, there is no need to worry; the SAC still has several exciting programs planned for the second half of the semester. Among them is a brand-new Shark Tank–style event, offering business-minded students the chance to test their ideas and skills in a simulation inspired by the well-known show. In addition, a poetry competition will provide a platform for creative expression, while an upcoming charity event for Mother’s Day aims to support single mothers in need. The Council looks forward to seeing many familiar McDaniel faces at these events, as it continues to foster a strong and welcoming sense of community on campus.

Pictures by Krisztina Géczi

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Recounts of pop’s prince return to the stage for the first time in years

Harry Styles is arguably the only true male pop star out there today. With audiences collapsing at the sound of his voice, fan girls buying concert tickets like madmen, and pop music that makes people feel good – it’s no surprise he’s the current prince of pop.  

He got his big break from music all the way back in 2016 on X-Factor and became a part of the world-famous boy band, One Direction. His band was much like any other boy band, a worldwide phenomenon for fan girls. Only lasting five years before their “hiatus,” the five boys put out five albums and did five world tours, pushing the limits of their abilities and pushing fan girl culture into another dimension. When the band went on hiatus in 2015, they effectively disbanded, with all members going on to release solo projects and further develop their fanbases.

Of the five members, Harry Styles has gone on to be the most commercially successful, with chart-topping hits like “Watermelon Sugar” and “As It Was” and an extremely successful two-year world tour. Following his global domination with his albums and tour, he took a long break. Completely disappeared from the spotlight, leaving devoted fans distraught and leaving the pop world a little duller. During this time, he took about three years away to recharge himself and find the music he wanted to make. Needless to say, his fans were missing his presence and his musical style. 

Just when pop culture needed back its prince of pop, Harry Styles announced his fourth album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. released March 6th. Along with the album, Styles announced a One Night Only concert for the day of the launch, where he would play the album for fans in his hometown of Manchester. Receiving tickets for this concert was much different than anything I’d ever experienced. Due to the extremely high demand for Harry Styles, his tour dates sold out like crazy, with prices being sky-high. With this show, I think his team wanted to do a different approach, so people were only able to receive tickets via raffle. Fans could answer one question only: whether they wanted to be seated or standing, and then put in their bank card information to get two tickets at 20 pounds each. If they happened to be chosen, they would receive an email with their ticket confirmation and soon be heading to the ONO (One Night Only) show.  

My mom, quite literally the luckiest person I know, got chosen! Soon we’d be heading to Manchester for this concert! A lot of people call us crazy for that, but it’s just something that my mom and I do. Concerts have always been a connection point for us, and because it’s just us two, we’ve always been able to make them a fun time. As I’ve gotten older and moved abroad, our range of concerts has just expanded. Call us crazy, but it’s a good way to see a new city and plan it around something fun. Her coming from the United States, she had more of a travel to Manchester, but we finally met up on March 5th. Excited to hear Style’s new album and see him on a stage for the first time in three years! 

The Concert 

 My mom and I got to the Co-op Live Arena at 6:20 pm for a 7 pm doors opening, and the line was already wrapped around the building. I wasn’t too shocked because I knew it was going to be crazy busy, but it just continued to evolve into madness. My mom and I were probably about 40 people away from where the line formed with actual barricades, and from the time we got in line, the line continued to spread all the way down. Wrapping itself around the parking lot and gardens, and people wrapping themselves around each other. I think there definitely could have been better planning here. I mean, they knew exactly how many tickets were sold, so the lack of queue planning felt odd. Ultimately, I was grateful for our position because we lucked out in getting in line just before it devolved. From where we were standing, we could see the doors open and security start moving at 7 pm, but our place in line didn’t start moving until 7:15 pm. Once we got through security, the staff scanned our tickets, and then we went to the next set of people.

Styles had made a deal with Netflix, so this ONO would be recorded and put onto the streaming platform as a way to memorialize this night. Netflix wanted the wow factor, so fans had to place their phones into plastic baggies that made it impossible to record on the camera. Because fans had their cameras taken away, Styles’ team offered each pair of tickets one disposable camera so fans could capture memories of the night. For the first time, I’d get to experience what a concert was like before cellphones were a thing – and I seriously loved it. Without the worry of trying to get the perfect picture or video of your favorite song, I could just live in the moment and fully experience the music in the way it was intended.  

Harry Styles came on stage around 9 pm, and the arena absolutely erupted. He walked through crowds of fans, as I tried to look at the big screens to see him. He took his steps up on stage, and if I thought the screams were loud before, now they were amplified tenfold. The tension in the room was palpable; everyone was so excited to be a part of this monumental moment.  

On stage, he wore wide-legged, banana-yellow pants and a royal blue jumper on top. Underneath the jumper, he had on a black buttoned-up shirt with white flowers printed randomly, and a big pink tie. Seemingly a wacky outfit, but Styles pulls it off- as he does with everything.  

Without speaking a word into the microphone, he begins crafting a beat on what seems to be a small DJ stand. He plays around with different notes, tones, and sounds for a few minutes before finally settling on the correct one. He begins tapping out the beat to “Aperture”- the first track of his album and the only single released before the album drop. The lights begin to flicker along to the beat of the song, creating a sonic world for the audience to fully be a part of. The rest of his band has now joined in to add musical texture to the beat. Once they all find the groove of the song, Styles approaches the mic to sing the first verse. 

As he takes his steps into the spotlight, the crowd erupts into screams once again. We can’t contain the energy. We’re all about to hear Harry Styles sing live for the first time in years. From where I am in the crowd, his back is more to me, but I can see him take a deep breath and grab onto the microphone. 

His voice begins to sing “Take no prisoners for me, I’m told you’re elevating. Drinks go straight to my knees, I’m sold, I’m going on clean.” My entire body is covered in goosebumps as he goes into the next verse. He goes into the next part of the verse, and when he gets to the line “it’s complicated,” there’s a part in the song where his voice alters to exaggerate the “ed” part for a few beats. The crowd took it upon themselves to do that part of the song, and we all screamed out “aye, aye, aye, aye, aye” to the beat of the song. Seriously, it was one of the coolest parts of a live crowd I’ve ever been a part of. Without even taking a beat or planning it, we completed a part of the song that wasn’t necessarily able to be translated live – and as the crowd, we made that happen. There’s another part in the second verse where he does the same thing with the word “cadence,” and as the crowd, we did it again. Immediately, the crowd felt connected to each other and to Harry. 

As the first song finishes, Styles steps away from the microphone to take a 30-second breather. He takes a few large sips of water and a few deep breaths before the beat of the next song kicks on. “American Girls”, a song mainly driven by the kick-drum beat, allows Styles an opportunity to dance to the song’s intro before stepping up to the mic. 

Going into the concert, this track was probably my favorite of the album, so it makes sense it’s one of my favorites of the night. This track is a bit livelier, with more flowing melodies, and that definitely translated well into the live version. This might have been a favorite of everyone, because this is one of the songs I remember everyone really dancing to. People screamed the lyrics, raised their hands to the lyrics, and dropped them to the beat. We all jumped up and down until we could no longer. 

After song two wraps up, Styles finally takes a few minutes to address the crowd. He thanks us all for being here tonight and extends his thankfulness to the fans who waited and stuck around while he disappeared from the spotlight. He tells us that he needed a break in order to find out who he was now as a 30-year-old performer, and he felt it necessary to find the music he wanted to make. As he continues to speak, I can feel the gratitude oozing out of him as he thanks the crowd one last time and encourages us to dance our hearts away!  

Sad as I am to say it, a lot of the songs from there blended, but I still remember distinct moments from each track. “Ready, Steady, Go” was an extremely lively song, with Styles running around basically doing laps on stage while still effortlessly singing along. In this song, there is a different microphone (almost like autotune on his voice) on the chorus, and in the live version, Styles brought a sort of radio mic on stage to sing that bit. It was a cool thing to experience, and on the Netflix special, they captured that moment very well. 

Similarly, “Are You Listening Yet?” had Styles running around like a madman while pointing the microphone to the crowd when we would all scream the question “are you listening yet?” over and over.  

The first slower, more melancholic song on the album is “Taste Back,” which gave Styles and the crowd a chance to simmer down while still enjoying the music. Towards the end of this song, in the bridge, Styles begs the question “Did you” repeatedly, and hearing this bit live is where I got the full experience of the drums bringing the beat back in, the synths livening the tune, and the backing vocals take this song to the next level. Finally, the music comes together in a serendipitous symphony, and Styles belts out the last chorus. Truly a wonderful experience that elevated the song to new heights.  

The next song, “The Waiting Game”, I quite literally do not remember at all…oops. Funny enough, when Harry talked to the crowd before this song he thanked us for spreading joy with him, saying “You’re the greatest group of people I’ve ever met in my life,” then announcing the next song played would be “Season 2 Weight Loss” for a moment then actually remembering the next song should actually be “The Waiting Game.” So maybe even Harry felt the song was a little forgettable…overall I think the song felt a little bland, and the live experience didn’t really heighten it for me. 

However, the song after that - “Season 2 Weight Loss” was an undoubtedly beautiful experience. Styles brought out a choir on stage, as this song relies heavily on backing vocals. From my place in the crowd, I hear the loud synthesizers begin, and Styles moves his arms in a conductor-like manner, then the overwhelming drum beat kicks in, and he transforms into a rockstar. He’s got this demeanor that comes over him that really drives his stage presence, and specifically this song. Styles and the choir take on this song and make a good song into a great one as Styles begs the crowd to still love him even as he goes through changes, “hoping that love will come around.” 

Following pleas for love, “Coming Up Roses” is the next song played, and here Harry sits down at the piano to deliver this ballad in a beautifully intimate way. On stage, Styles sits at the piano, and behind him are violin players who really transform this song into a beautiful symphony.  

Straying away from the softer side of the album, Styles pushes the audience into the pop world with his song, “Pop.” I remember this song being an enormous amount of fun. Maybe the crowd was ready to relinquish all those sad songs and start the fun again, because this song truly took the crowd to another level. Along with Harry, we danced and jumped and sang along until the song was over. The chorus of the song says, you guessed it, “pop” with a beat drop, and every time that would happen, all the hands in the crowd would go up in the air. This song I could really tell connected with the crowd and gave us a chance to dance along to a true “pop” song. 

Keeping it in a lively world, Styles delivers his dance-pop track off the album, “Dance No More.” From the title, one might think we wouldn’t be dancing to this song, but in fact, this is one of the grooviest songs on the album. Using a lot of call-and-response, Styles tells the crowd that “DJs don’t dance no more, but we want to dance with all our friends.” 

The last two songs to be played are more downbeat but are truly at the heart of the album’s themes. In “Paint by Numbers,” the audience sees how fame has impacted Styles and him trying to deal with it while still being grateful. A very intimate song with an equally intimate live performance.  

Lastly, “Carla’s Song” is an integral part of the album and this night. Styles shares with the crowd that while he took time away from the spotlight, he made wonderful, healthy, normal friendships that have really helped him have different views on life. He shares a story on Carla, a newly made friend of his, and how they were together, and she brought up a song by Paul Simon how she had never heard of him or any of his music before. Harry recounts how he grew up with Simon and Garfunkel vinyls in his house, and how he was so excited to be able to share that music with a new friend. He puts on “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and watches as Carla has a listening experience that leaves her in shock and awe. Styles tells us in the crowd that watching her listen to this piece of wonderful music for the first time reminded him why he is even making music. It helped him resonate with an inner experience of himself, and now he has a passion again for making music that leaves listeners with true starstruck feelings. And “Carla’s Song” does just that. 

As a nod to his friend, the song starts with the line “there is a bridge that leads to troubled waters. If you know, then you know. If you don’t then you don’t- it’s heavenly.” And that is a wonderful synopsis of the song. He implores listeners to grab life by the hands, but also take their time because “it’s all waiting there for you.” And as the crowd can go out and chase their many glorious dreams, Styles will be the soundtrack as he says, “I know what you like, you can hear it anytime.” Needless to say, this is a wonderful song, and an even more powerful album closer. I know that I was certainly very moved by this song, and from the crying faces and screamed lyrics around me – I could tell this one was a crowd favorite.  

Styles exits stage along with the band, and just when you think he’s done – he’s coming back for an encore. With the original part of the concert, Harry told us that they would be following the album order track by track, so there wasn’t any surprise with the set list. However, Styles had some crazy song surprises up his sleeve for the encore.  

The Encore 

For the first song, it was just Harry and long-time guitar player Mitch Roland on stage. Roland plays three chords of the song, and the arena screams louder than they have all night. Styles is playing “From the Dining Table,” a song off his debut album and one that hadn’t been played live in nearly six years. From all the songs we heard that night, somehow that felt like the most special one. Styles then goes on to play his classic hits “Golden”, “Watermelon Sugar”, and “As It Was.” I mean, seriously, just absolute pop bangers back-to-back, rarely giving the crowd a chance to collect our bearings.  

He wraps up the concert with thank yous to his family, his new friends, and us fans. Styles reflects and tells the crowd how “in a world like we have today that feels so chaotic, it’s easy to become hopeless. But I look at these rooms and what you have created, and there is just so much hope in here.” Thanking us for being a part of this wild ride for nearly 20 years, and “being a light in his life.” He encourages the audience to “be the change in the world that you wanna see,” as the piano plays “Sign of the Times”. He delivers what might just be his best song on paper, in a truly spectacular way. This song is filled with an enormous amount of hope, and it truly rings home with the speech he has just given us.  

The song wraps up, but the house lights don’t come up. I remember looking around the crowd, and everyone seemed a bit confused. I mean, it just didn’t feel over quite yet; something felt missing. At this point, my brain starts racking what songs he could even play. I mean, he’s literally played all his new songs and nearly all his most popular ones. Styles, being a little cheeky, starts the beats to “Aperture” one more time. The crowd fully delivers and exceeds my expectations. Similar to the first time this track was played, the crowd has fun with the beat and dances around. This time, however, I can tell Harry is performing this differently. The first time, he was a bit more poised, putting on a show. Now it feels like he’s dancing and singing as if he’s one of us in the crowd. For a moment, we all felt like equals, just people in a room that were all dancing to the same tune. For one last song, all of us give it all we’ve got to make this dance floor rock and disco until we drop.  

From my very lengthy description, you might be able to tell this was one of my favorite nights of my life. I had seen Harry Styles in concert before, but this one was seriously on the next level. This performance felt special to all of us. He, his band, the crowd, the crew – we all felt connected in a way that I’m not sure I’ve felt before. Maybe it’s that we all knew we were a part of something entirely unique, or maybe Harry’s right and it’s just fun to dance with your friends. All concerts are special within their own right, but this one was in an entirely different realm. 

Maybe there’s something to be said about putting your phone away to truly experience a live moment. I think it’s fair to say that this is one of the reasons this concert felt so intimate and powerful. Whenever Styles would come onto my side of the arena, it wasn’t phones shoved in his and our faces – it was all about being able to savor a special and fleeting moment. I’m so grateful that I got this chance based purely on luck, and I’m very grateful I was able to experience a concert in another, phone-free way, and just let myself dance and enjoy the music. And enjoy the music, I certainly did, for my feet ached and my knees hurt from the dancing and jumping around, but I wouldn’t have changed it for the world. 

Photos by Riley Moore

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In the heart of the Hungarian capital, an American professor by the name of Dr. Christopher Cox was interviewed by a once baffled student, amused by his striking convictions, stark against the normative positions of society. Identifying as both a Buddhist and a Marxist, a seemingly contradictory make-up worth investigating.

These two frameworks, one spiritual and contemplative, the other political and economic, offer distinct perspectives on life, ethics, and society. In conversation, Cox reveals how these seemingly divergent philosophies coexist within him, shaping his outlook on life. What began as a baffled curiosity on my part soon unfolded into an exploration of how one individual navigates such beliefs, balancing contemplation with critique, detachment with resolve, and how these perspectives ripple through every facet of his existence.

That balance extends beyond philosophy into his personal passions. Music, that passion which was once eclipsed for decades by activism and academic life, is now returning to the foreground. In recent years, having begun easing himself back into the artistic world he once lived inside so completely, his station at McDaniel has been a liberating retreat. “I’m not caught up in all the craziness of academic life… trying to get research grants, playing that whole game, trying to publish in journals, which I’ve done before and hated.” Going on to express how “This job allows me to have a little bit of flexibility so I can go on these little tours—five-day, ten-day tours here and there—and it allows me to establish myself as a musician. It’s been great.”

Thus, a man found in constant transition and reevaluation, a reliably mobile existence upon a spectrum in temperament and thought, passion and focus found in his person. Always seemingly capable of dismantling and restructuring a set of components in character that revitalize the life endured, his own subscription to Marxism and Buddhism being merely fractions of a greater whole being discussed. The critics that would cry out ‘contradiction’, pointing to how Buddhism’s detached, stoic-like approach to struggle will necessarily clash with Marxism’s striking resolve to attack and recreate, miss the human fractures that come to define us all. As Cox himself puts it, “I think everything is a balancing act… nothing is black and white… either-or thinking is one of the most destructive forces in human society. Everything is actually a scale, a spectrum.” Man’s consistent confrontation with his own contradictions, he suggests, is foundational to his human experience.

From the onset onwards through life, Dr. Cox exhibited a set of constants which varied in focus and value as his march through time unfolded. Despite feeling to have only become actively political in thought and action by his late twenties, his own left-wing political orientation in approach and attitude was ever-present starting from childhood. The family of Cox, having been clearly enveloped with 60s counterculture, rebelling against the status quo alongside the hippies and the Black Panthers, was already influenced by eastern philosophy and anti-establishment socio-political critique, even if it was so merely through aesthetic appeal.

One memory stands out sharply for him: “I went to a rally or a meeting or something with my parents, and Black Panthers were there. I was actually old enough to have had that experience of being a little kid and seeing Black Panthers—and that impressed me. Not politically, but socio-culturally. They looked so fucking cool. Big afros, black leather jackets, cool scarves, trippy tattoos… I just thought, ‘wow, who are these guys?’ It was burnt into my brain that they were cool.” Such features of his individuality, simply having been left in the foreground, were vastly overshadowed by his youth’s absorption into the world of music.

An odd middle ground I find him in now as he returns, discussing the spectrum in temperament and thought lived between the two pillars of Buddhism and Marxism. Simultaneously riled-up by the perceived injustices of the day, the destruction of the environment and cultures left wounded before us, whilst also welcoming a restrained detachment, a form of stoicism to the struggles to maintain a cautious peace in mind. Indeed, he recognizes a pacification by Buddhism in tandem with his aging, whereby a step back helps retain a level of sanity while still caring deeply about the world. “One of the main sources of suffering is attachment,” he reflects, “attachment to outcomes you can’t control.”

Marxism is now strictly an ideological framework, a theory to use in critique; its sophisticated intellectual make-up in terminology and approach is still regarded as adept at explaining with accuracy the social mechanisms and outcomes. In conversation, he grounds it not in abstraction but in the concrete, the material, there in his office: “The door is the door, right, it’s not a mystical being… for Marxism that is just a door, but within that door is evidence of the ‘materialist conception of history’. What material is that made with? What resources needed to be used to make that door? Where did it come from? How much did the workers make when they made the door?”

The theories of Karl Marx never left so securely between his ears; Cox is no longer willing to be kin to those called ‘Communists’, wishing to implement these ideas dogmatically upon the lived experience. The greys of the spectrum embraced for a flourishing intellectual life, distanced from those positions of power sure to corrupt, the privatization of ideology perhaps ironically bringing the man a most fulfilling march as a thinker.

In the end, Dr. Christopher Cox emerges not as a contradiction but as a testament to the complexity of the human intellect and experience. His life, rooted in counterculture, sharpened by political critique, softened by Buddhist reflection, and revitalized through music, illustrates how identities need not be confined to rigid categories. Instead, they can coexist, overlap, and evolve, naturally forming a spectrum that resists easy definition. For Cox, the balance between activism and detachment, theory and practice, passion and restraint is not a flaw but a philosophy in itself, an ongoing negotiation that mirrors the very contradictions of the world he seeks to understand.

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Getting news in today’s modern world is somehow more turbulent than ever, with global powerhouses going to war at the drop of a hat, pedophilic files being released by government agencies, and more shocking news every day. More than ever before, civilians have unlimited access to news right at the tip of their fingers through their cell phones, yet we seem more misinformed than ever.

Younger generations are constantly in an information-overload space, where headlines and fake news are flying at us from all angles – so it’s up to us to figure out how to consume news in easier, digestible ways. There are, however, some people who feel such a heightened sense of information overload that their brain starts to check out when it comes to consuming news. 

According to Jang, a digital platforms and technology expert, the public has such distrust in journalists and news sources that people become bored and exhausted by never ending information. Jang notes that “news fatigue can become a problem when it turns into what is known as news avoidance. News avoidance means that the user, due to being tired from the flow of news, avoids it altogether and thus may not access the information they need, which may be essential to their daily life and health.” 

Not only is it nearly impossible for society to find true news, but we also live in a time with shorter and shorter attention spans. So, we have three major dilemmas here when it comes to people consuming news: people not trusting journalists, news avoidance, and terrible attention spans. Enter short-form content creators (mainly TikTok) that deliver the news at breaking time and have hooks that keep us civilians updated on hot topics.   

Creator ‘Jamal from On My Block’ has been a news source for younger people who still want to be updated but aren’t sure how to filter through information. His real name is EJ, and he hooks the audience in with his signature “breaking f**ing news” with an audio hook in the background – either a guitar riff or drum sounds. His videos are simple and to the point. He starts with the hook, tells the information straight to the camera, and then turns his camera around to show his news sources pulled up on a laptop. 

While he has been an active updates account for a while, his content has skyrocketed with the USA and Israel – Iran War. His content is easy to consume and easy to believe, because he shows several sources and how he has come to his own conclusions. Just within the past day, he has posted 19 videos related to the US-Iran war, all with different headlines and topics that he is covering. He delves into topics like how the stock market is being affected, how other countries are responding to the war, local updates in Iran, how civilians will be affected, and even more.  

Jamal has surpassed 280,000 followers (and steadily rising), and under almost every one of his videos, you’ll find comments saying “you’re for real my new sources right now” or “ur the only news source i trust” or some variation of the same beliefs. More than this, being easily consumed content, it gives users the space to comment on their beliefs, interact with others, and have a space to feel included in such turbulent times. 

‘Jamal from On My Block’ is just one account of many that is following this similar style of delivering news through short-form content. ‘Silentmiddlechild’ is another account that has been heavily following and updating on the US-Iran war. His name is Anthony, and he currently has 730,000 followers on TikTok, as of March 9, 2026. Anthony’s content is much different because he uploads one video about every two days with broader topics on the war. This is obviously very different from the first account mentioned, which is uploading niche news stories almost instantly.  

These accounts are just a few examples of the many short-form news content creators that are out on social media, which I believe to be very truthful and helpful to people trying to get a grasp on everything as it’s happening. With today’s world, it’s virtually impossible to stay updated on news constantly – but creators like the ones mentioned (and more) help people understand and want to be informed. 

In today’s world, where it seems like misinformation and news fatigue spreads like wildfire, being properly informed is one of the most important and rebellious things that we civilians can do. So, I implore readers to find a creator that speaks to you and can help you stay informed in the mess and wake of global events.   

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The Hungarian Piarist Ball is more than just an evening of dancing. It’s a celebration of tradition, community, and shared purpose.

Since it’s ball season at the moment, I wanted to shed light on one specific ball: The Hungarian Piarist Ball is held in New York City every year. The Piarist Ball is more than just a formal evening where girls are introduced into society, but also a cherished tradition that brings generations together with elegance, unity, and a purpose to raise money for the Piarist schools in Hungary. These schools provide excellent quality education to the less fortunate who still deserve the same academic opportunities. Donations made during the ball, as well as through the website, go directly to supporting the schools and ensuring students have what they need in order to learn.

I have been taking part in this ball for four years now, first as a debutante in 2023 and now as a member of the junior committee, helping recruit girls and guys to join the community and experience a night they will never forget.

The difference between the Hungarian Piarist Ball and any other ball is the purpose behind it. The entire evening serves as a fundraiser supporting scholarships, school development, and student opportunities for those facing financial struggles.

For many debutantes, the meaning of the night goes far beyond the dance itself. Alice Dupree, one of the debutantes, shared, “Walking into the ballroom was such a blissful feeling in the best way. You feel proud not just to represent yourself, but your culture and your family, even if some of us aren’t Hungarian.” Another reflected on the charitable impact, “Knowing that our participation helps students in Hungary makes the experience feel more meaningful. It wasn’t just about the dress or the dance, even though that was a really fun part, but it’s also about giving back, which is really powerful,” said Julia Rose French.

Being on the committee has taught me how to carry myself professionally and step outside of my comfort zone, especially when meeting new people, which is something I’ve struggled with in the past. The work is completely voluntary; there is no financial compensation, but the learning experience and community involvement make it worthwhile, especially within the Hungarian community in New York.

Escorts, too, describe the evening as more than a formal obligation. Daniel Galambos, an escort, explained, “At first I thought it was just about learning choreography and showing up in a tux to carry the girl on the dance floor, but it ended up being something I was genuinely proud to be part of.” Another, Mark Szirtes, mentioned the sense of unity built during rehearsals: “The practices brought everyone together so quickly, especially the fact that we only had the day off to prepare. By the time we stepped onto the floor, it felt like we were representing something bigger.”

During the buildup to the ball, we hold meetings and donor gatherings where contributions are made, and ideas are developed for the upcoming event. In the weeks leading up to the ball, rehearsals begin with a professional dance instructor teaching the choreography. On the day of the ball, everyone gathers for a final rehearsal before the formal opening.

The most recent ball, held on January 31, 2026, marked the 63rd annual celebration. In my opinion, it was one of the best not only because of the guests present, but also because of the traditional Hungarian folk dancers, the music, and the enthusiasm that filled the room.

The venue itself is a stunning ballroom with classic cathedral-type architecture, adding to the magic of the evening. It is a private location, accessible only to members, which preserves the exclusivity and tradition of the event.

As the night unfolds with cocktail hour, opening dances, dinner, photography, and music, it eventually comes to an end, but the memories of dancing, singing, and meeting new people remain. The Hungarian Piarist Ball leaves behind a strong sense of pride and unity among its guests. It proves that even a small community can make a meaningful impact through tradition, elegance, charity, and shared spirit. With 63 balls completed and many more to come, the legacy continues.

Whether attending as an escort, debutante, or guest, the experience is unforgettable and well worth taking part in at least once.

Photos by Viktoria Lili Kiss

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College life can be intense: deadlines, exams, and long hours spent indoors. Therefore, I have collected a few beautiful hiking trails that offer an escape from stressful city life. The goal? To quiet the mind and ease the soul. Whether you are a local student or studying abroad, these hikes can truly take your breath away. Best of all, many of them are accessible by public transport. There is no need to be a professional hiker; I have gathered trails suitable for all levels.

As we know, Budapest is divided into Pest and Buda. For hiking purposes, Buda deserves our main focus. The Buda Hills are part of a protected natural region and offer a peaceful escape in less than an hour from the city center. In this area, you will find dense green forests from spring onward, filled with birdsong and the hug of the wind in the trees. Unlike the vast wilderness of the United States, in Hungary, you are more likely to come across old stone ruins or historic lookout towers. At the same time, there is no need to fear wild predators; bears or wolves are extremely rare in this region. The same can’t be said in the Romanian mountains.

Easy Hikes

Let’s start with the easy hikes ranging from 5 to 10 km. I recommend it to all.

1. János-hegy (János Hill) and Erzsébet kilátó (Elizabeth Lookout), (5–7 km, 1.5–2 hours, Easy)

How to get there: Bus 21 or 21A from Széll Kálmán tér (square) to Normafa, then walk toward János Hill.

This trail offers one of the highest panoramic views in Budapest at 527 meters. The hike itself is short and manageable, which makes it ideal for beginners. At the top, you can enter the beautiful lookout tower named after Queen Elizabeth of Hungary, also known as Sisi, who was both Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary. It is said that she enjoyed visiting this hill.

For a more exciting start, you can begin at Zugliget, the lower chairlift station, which we call “Libegő” in Hungarian. The chairlift elevates you 262 meters high in about 12 minutes and takes you close to János Hill. From there, the tower is only a short 10–15-minute walk away.

2. Normafa to Budaörs (7.5 km, 2–2.5 hours, Easy)

How to get there: Bus 21 or 21A from Széll Kálmán Square to Normafa.

This gentle downhill route follows a lovely forest path and allows you to fully immerse yourself in nature. It is a pleasant and relaxing walk, perfect for a slower-paced day outdoors.

3 – Hárs-hegy (Hárs Hill) and Gyermekvasút (Children’s Railway) Trail (6–8 km, 2–2.5 hours, Easy)

How to get there: Tram 61 from Széll Kálmán Square to Hűvösvölgy.

This shaded forest trail gives you the chance to see the famous Children’s Railway while enjoying a calm and peaceful walk. It is a great choice for those looking for a more chill hiking experience.

Moderate Hikes 

Moderate hikes are suitable for those who have some previous hiking experience or regularly engage in sports. These trails require a bit more lung capacity and comfort with longer distances and changes in elevation. However, even if you have not hiked in a while, you can attempt them if you feel well-prepared and energized. Another advantage is that many trails have side routes, allowing you to shorten the hike if needed.

4. Hármashatárhegy (Hármashatár Hill) and Panoráma-kör (Panorama Loop), (10 km, 3 hours)

How to get there: Bus 65 from Kolosy Square to Fenyőgyöngye.

With a maximum elevation of around 480–490 meters, this is one of the higher viewpoints in Budapest. The 10-kilometer loop offers impressive views over the city and the Danube, making the steady climb worthwhile.

5. Apáthy-szikla (Apáthy Rock) (7–9 km, 2.5–3 hours)

How to get there: Bus 11 from Batthyány Square to Nagybányai út (Avenue).

This hike stands out because of its limestone rock formations, uneven terrain, and short but steeper sections. Although parts of the trail are more challenging, the panoramic view from the top makes the effort completely rewarding.

6. Juliánus-kilátó (Juliánus Lookout Tower) from Zebegény (8–10 km, around 3 hours)

How to get there: Take the train from Nyugati Pályaudvar (Railway Station) to Zebegény (1 hour ride with pretty amazing views if you sit by the window).

Located in the Danube Bend, this hike offers a unique view of the river’s curve and the surrounding mountains. Due to steady uphill sections, it falls into the moderate category. However, it remains manageable for those with basic fitness levels.

Harder Hikes

Harder hikes involve longer distances, greater elevation gain, and steeper climbs. The terrain may also be less even, adding a sense of adventure and discovery.

7. Dobogókő Panorama Trail (13 km, 4–5 hours)

How to get there: Bus 880 from Újpest-Városkapu.

Part of the Pilis Mountains, this area reaches nearly 700 meters in elevation, making it significantly higher than the Budapest hills. Because of the longer climbs and increased elevation gain, the hike feels more mountain-like and truly breathtaking.

8. Budakeszi Forest Loop (12–14 km, around 4 hours)

How to get there: Bus 22 from Széll Kálmán Square to Budakeszi.

This longer forest loop provides steady elevation changes and a more extended outdoor experience for those seeking a challenge.

9 – Farkas-hegy Trail (15 km, 4–5 hours)

How to get there: Bus 8E from Kelenföld to Budaörs.

Meaning “Mountain of the Wolves” in Hungarian, this trail is known for its steeper climbs and dramatic rocky scenery. It is ideal for experienced hikers looking for a more demanding route.

Bonus Trail 

10. Zebegény – Remete Barlang (Remete Cave) – River Panorama Trail (14 km, 4–5 hours)

How to get there: Train from Nyugati to Zebegény.

This final hike combines forest paths, caves, and river views. It feels more adventurous and less touristy. With steeper climbs and a longer distance, it is best suited for experienced hikers.

What makes these hikes special is not only the exercise but also the perspective. Once you leave the city center behind and step into the hills, Budapest suddenly feels calmer. The Danube curves quietly in the distance, Parliament becomes a small landmark, and everyday stress seems to fade away.

Before heading out, always check the weather forecast. Wear comfortable hiking or sports shoes, and bring at least one liter of water, a light snack or fruit, sunscreen, and mosquito spray. It is also important to check for ticks after your hike and remove them properly if necessary.

Most importantly, take your time. Look up from your phone. Notice the forest sounds, the cliffs, the wide river views, and the historic memorials hidden along the way. Nature is closer than we think. As the good weather approaches, gather a few friends, or go alone, and simply breathe in the fresh air. Hope you enjoy!

Photos by Axlo Freefall

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Whether you’re a full-time student or just at McDaniel Budapest for a semester, you have the unique opportunity to take a quick bus or train ride to some of Central Europe’s most beautiful cities at unbeatable prices.

Budapest is undeniably one of the most captivating European capitals, but if you’re itching for something new or if you just want to cross another country off your bucket list, take advantage of Europe’s fantastic public transportation and embark on a weekend trip to Prague, Vienna, or Bratislava.

Travel

The first question you need to ask yourself before you go is, how am I getting there? RegioJet is the best train to take to any of these cities because it has the best value, is student-friendly, and offers free coffee. RegioJet trains primarily depart from Budapest-Déli Pályaudvar (train station) with a stop at Budapest-Kelenföld. From there, the trains make stops in various towns and cities on their way to your final destination. Typically, the RegioJet train to Prague will make a stop in Vienna. This is the perfect opportunity for you to hop off, take a stroll around the beautiful streets of Vienna, and catch the next train to Prague.

Another transportation option to take is FlixBus, which operates daily between Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, and Prague. FlixBuses often run more frequently than the trains and offer free Wifi and charging ports at every seat. If you want the best view on your journey with FlixBus, book a seat in the front row for a panoramic view (and a little extra leg room). It will run you a couple more Euros than the regular seats, but I think it’s worth it for a ride with great views.

Vienna

RegioJet train tickets are the most affordable for students, typically running from €9-13 when booked in advance, or €20-44 for last-minute tickets. Once you arrive at Vienna’s train station, take the U1 metro to Karlsplatz. Here you’ll be surrounded by beautiful views everywhere you look. Vienna has a kind of charm that’s hard to put into words.  The streets are clean, calm with just the right amount of buzz, and effortlessly eye-catching. Once you get to Karlsplatz, you’ll find yourself in one of the most striking parts of the city. The colossal Karlskirche stands in front of you at the edge of the square with its green dome and imposing columns. From there, it’s an easy walk to the Vienna State Opera, where you can catch a glimpse of the city’s legendary music culture without ever buying a ticket. Just a few minutes away, the Secession Building stands out with its golden dome, offering a contrast to Vienna’s classical architecture.

Prague 

For Prague, tickets with RegioJet will run you between €19-56 for last-minute tickets, but if you book in advance, you can expect to pay between €20 and €30. Prague feels like a city pulled straight out of a fairytale, but once you spend a little time there, you realize it has much more depth than just its postcard-perfect views. Cobblestone streets wind through neighborhoods that feel untouched by time, and nearly every corner seems to have a story attached to it. There’s a heavier sense of history in Prague than in many other European cities, and while it’s incredibly beautiful, it also makes you pause and think. It’s a city that rewards wandering. Getting a little lost in Prague often leads to the best views, the quietest cafés, or a bridge you didn’t plan on crossing.

Most first-time visitors end up near the Old Town, and for good reason. Walking across Charles Bridge, especially early in the morning or late at night, is an experience in itself, with views of the river and the castle looming above the city. From there, it’s an easy walk toward Old Town Square, where the Astronomical Clock draws crowds every hour, or up the hill to Prague Castle, which offers some of the best views in the city. Prague is perfect for a longer weekend trip—it’s a bit farther from Budapest, but the mix of history, atmosphere, and sheer beauty makes the journey more than worth it.

Bratislava

For traveling to Bratislava, I recommend using FlixBus, where tickets usually cost between €12-21 for rides to and from Budapest. I consider Bratislava the most underrated city out of the previous, but that’s exactly what makes it so charming. Compared to its larger neighbors, the city feels relaxed and approachable, making it perfect for a low-stress day trip. The pace is slower, the crowds are smaller, and everything feels close together. I like how Bratislava doesn’t overwhelm you with grandeur and breathtaking architectural marvels everywhere you look. Instead, it invites you to explore at your own speed and enjoy the simplicity of being somewhere new without the pressure of seeing everything.

Once you arrive, most of the city’s highlights are within walking distance of each other. The walk up to Bratislava Castle is short but worth it for the views overlooking the Danube and even into Austria on a clear day, which is only a stone’s throw away. Below the castle, the Old Town is full of colorful buildings, small cafés, and quiet squares that are perfect for wandering. Bratislava might not demand a full weekend like Prague, but that’s part of its appeal. It’s an easy, spontaneous trip that still lets you cross a new country off your list and be back in Budapest by the end of the day.

Photos by Julius Hendricks

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