Welcome to Budapest

"It's one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, but Budapest can also make a claim to be one of the most relaxing, thanks to a secret buried beneath its beautiful architecture."

Located in the heart of Europe, Budapest has it all: dazzling city life and National Parks to hike, from Michelin-starred restaurants to unique ruin bars, world-famous Turkish baths, a rich cultural life, fairytale architecture and historical importance.

Pest is the commercial and nightlife hub with an energetic, vibrant tempo. There are record numbers of eclectic bars, nightlife districts, restaurants and meeting points. Most companies have their offices on the Pest side of the river.

Buda is the lifestyle side, with a calmer pace, surrounded by beautiful hills. There are countless green spaces, playgrounds, hiking trails, and even a chair lift for winter skiing. The Buda air is fresher, too.

Some Budapest-living tips from AISB parents:

"Budapest may be unfamiliar at first, but it won't take you long to learn how to get around. Budapest has one of the richest public transportation systems of all European capitals. Buses, trams, and the Metro take you around the city. They are very easy to use once you know the system."

"Wherever you live in Budapest within a short distance, there are small shops open early 'til late (even on holidays) and not far away, there are several bigger malls as well."

"Most everything you and your family need is here in Budapest. It may not exactly be what you had at home, and you may not find the specific brand you're used to, but what you need to live comfortably, safely and well is here: similar food, health care, friends, and fun."

There are many people at AISB with a wealth of knowledge about the city and country, and they genuinely desire to help you transition as quickly and easily as possible. Our depth of community support helps make AISB special.

To provide helpful information about life as an expat here, please visit our "Welcome Guide to Budapest" from our AISB community, available online at : www.aisb.hu/en/welcome-guide-to-budapest-2018

CULTURAL LIFE "One of the largest cities in Europe, Budapest is a

regional powerhouse in terms of art, design and cuisine, home to a dynamic fashion scene and more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the former Eastern Bloc." The New York Times

FESTIVALS Festivals are a great part of life in Hungary! There is always a festival happening in some part of Budapest or Hungary celebrating a particular part of life. Typically they highlight a holiday or some aspect of life (folk arts, chocolate, wine) and have booths that feature activities of products relating to the theme. But they also feature a wide variety of local crafts and food. Frequently called “Europe’s answer to Burning Man”, Sziget Festival is one of Europe’s top festivals.

RESTAURANTS Budapest boasts a wide range of restaurant styles and prices. You will find excellent culinary options here.

"The 19th-century New York Café bills itself as the most beautiful coffeehouse in the world, and it’s hard to argue."

The National Geographic

RUIN BARS "Budapest’s ruin bars are unique to the city. These have become the city’s social hubs, where dilapidated buildings have been reinvented into quirky watering holes where furniture picked off the street is mixed up with modern pieces from local artists."

THE CITY OF BATHS Budapest sits on a wealth of mineral resources and houses numerous world-famous thermal bath and spas. Many were established during the Turkish occupation of Hungary in the 16th century and are still in operation after 500 years!