by Cameran S.| April 23, 2025|Europe | Human Environmental Sciences| Semester | UA Non-Affiliate
Our First Adventure Abroad – Budapest Edition
My first weekend trip while studying abroad in Europe is officially in the books—and wow, what a way to kick things off! I’m currently living and learning in beautiful Barcelona, Spain, alongside two amazing girls I was lucky enough to be randomly placed with as roommates: Jules and Jacqueline. And here’s the crazy coincidence—they’re also Alabama students!
Our first weekend getaway took us to the magical city of Budapest, Hungary, and it was nothing short of incredible. We thought it would be fun to share this adventure from all of our perspectives, so here’s a little peek into the memories we made during our whirlwind weekend.
From the moment we arrived, Budapest welcomed us with charm, culture, and so many picture-perfect views. We checked off some of the city’s most iconic sights like:
- Buda Castle – perched high with panoramic views of the Danube River.
- Fisherman’s Bastion – a dreamy, fairytale-like terrace overlooking the city.
- St. Stephen’s Basilica – a stunning display of architecture and history.
But our favorite? Hands down: Liberty Bridge. Not only is it beautiful with its green ironwork and Art Nouveau style, but it’s also steeped in history—completed in 1896 for the Millennium World Exhibition, it connects the Buda and Pest sides of the city!
Food was a big part of our experience (obviously), and our standout meal came from a cute little place called For Sale Pub. This cozy spot had the BEST Hungarian beef goulash we’ve ever tasted—the broth was rich and flavorful, and the beef melted in our mouths. Honestly the whole menu is delicious! Even better, the walls and ceiling are completely covered in notes, drawings, and messages left by visitors. Of course, we had to leave our mark. You already know what we wrote: ROLL TIDE!
One of the most unforgettable moments was ice skating at Városligeti Műjégpálya, Europe’s largest outdoor skating rink! There were lots of laughs, especially thanks to Jac’s skating abilities, we’re still giggling about it.
We wrapped up the weekend with a ride on Budapest’s giant ferris wheel, where we took in the views while enjoying chimney cake (a traditional Hungarian pastry made from sweet dough rolled in cinnamon sugar and baked over an open flame). It was the perfect ending to a magical trip.
As much as we loved Budapest, we’re excited to return to our home base in Barcelona. Classes are picking up, we’re falling into a rhythm, and with each passing day, it’s starting to feel more like home!
Legközelebb találkozunk, Budapest!
