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Expat Exchange - The Insider's Guide to Budapest 2024
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Liberty Bridge in Budapest


The Insider's Guide to Budapest

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: Living it Up in Budapest: Your Insider's Guide to Top Attractions, Culinary Hotspots, Nightlife, and More. Discover the Best Recreational Activities, Connect with Friendly Locals, and Experience the Charm of the City.

Welcome to Budapest! If you're planning to move to Budapest, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Budapest has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Budapest.

Budapest is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. There are many sites of interest to explore, from the iconic Parliament Building to the stunning Chain Bridge. The Hungarian State Opera House is a must-see, with its ornate architecture and stunning performances. The Buda Castle is another popular attraction, with its grand courtyards and stunning views of the city. The Great Market Hall is a great place to explore, with its bustling stalls and delicious food. The Szechenyi Thermal Baths are also a popular spot, with their relaxing pools and saunas.

The restaurant and nightlife scene in Budapest is vibrant and diverse. Some of the most popular restaurants include the Michelin-starred Costes, which serves modern Hungarian cuisine, and the classic Café Gerbeaud, which serves traditional Hungarian dishes. For a more casual dining experience, there are plenty of traditional Hungarian eateries, such as the popular Kádár Étkezde. For a night out, there are plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, such as the popular Szimpla Kert, a ruin bar with a unique atmosphere, and the trendy Instant, which is known for its eclectic music and cocktails.

Budapest is also a great place for recreational activities. The city is home to many parks and gardens, such as the City Park, which is a great spot for a picnic or a stroll. The Margaret Island is also a popular spot, with its lush gardens and tranquil atmosphere. For those looking for a more active experience, there are plenty of sports facilities, such as the Budapest Sports Arena, which offers a range of activities, from basketball to ice skating. The city also has plenty of outdoor activities, such as kayaking on the Danube or hiking in the Buda Hills.

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Insider Tips from Expats in Budapest: Making the Most of Life and Connections

"Newcomers should read the Budapest Business Journal to get informed about events - www.bbj.hu," said one expat living in Budapest.

"For ladies, the North American Women"s Association is very welcoming, even if you aren't from Canada, the US or Mexico," wrote a member in Budapest.

"British Women's Association, Budapest Accueil (French), Dutch Club Hungary, Expat Hungary, International Women's Club Association of Budapest (IWCA), North American Women's Association of Budapest, Professional Women's Association of Budapest, Institut français de Budapest, Instituto Cervantes de Budapest, Xpatloop.com, Baby Blue Banana (Expat Events), Concerts and bookreadings at TreeHugger Dan's bookshop (there are many branches), Internations Expat Community (they have live meetings), Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Hungary, Buda Juniors Football (Soccer) League (for children), Bat and Ball Junior Cricket Club (for children)," commented one expat who made the move to Budapest.

"Chamber of Commerce events, Houses of Worship gatherings. Refer to www.xpatloop.com," remarked one expat living in Budapest.

"Expats in Budapest often join clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, sports teams, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining meetup groups, or attending networking events. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests. This can be a great way to connect with other expats and locals in the city," wrote one member in Budapest.

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"People are basically kind but not too helpful when you are looking for good customer service in a shop," commented an expat living in Budapest.

"If you are not acquainted, Hungarians are very unfriendly. If, however, you are a guest, or a co-worker, or a fellow sportsman or have some sort of tie whatsoever, they would give you the shirt off their backs," said an expat in Budapest.

"In my opinion they revolve around socializing. Hungarians seem to place a lot of focus on Holidays, meeting in cafes, traveling to the countryside to visit parents/grandparents on weekends. I say socializing and not family because individuals find it difficult to save money therefore there is a low birth rate. Back to socializing -I heard that even the Metro ticket controllers work in groups of 2 and 3 so that they have someone to eat lunch with (this could be another interesting priority--as it is lunch and not dinner that is the main, hot meal of the day here)," remarked one expat who made the move to Budapest.

"Budapestans work and play equally. The city offers many opportunities for and many places to socialize with like-minded people. The possibilities are diverse and endless regardless of age," explained one expat living in Budapest.

"Budapest is a popular destination for expats and digital nomads due to its vibrant culture, affordable cost of living, and excellent public transportation system. Expats and digital nomads in Budapest can enjoy a wide variety of activities, from exploring the city's many historical sites to taking advantage of its lively nightlife. The city also offers a variety of international cuisines, making it easy for expats and digital nomads to find something to suit their tastes. Additionally, Budapest is home to a large expat community, making it easy to make friends and find support. All in all, Budapest is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads looking for an exciting and affordable place to live," said one expat in Budapest.

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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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