A compiled list all about Budapest. Discover great food, historic places, and fun facts about a little place in Eastern Europe I call home.

A is for alcohol

Not only do Hungarians drink most people under the table, the culture towards alcohol and its consumption around and with one's family is much more open.

B is for Buda

Budapest is a city split into two halves: Buda and Pest. Buda is the more residential side and is also hilly, which is the primary reason we only have four subway lines, mostly on the flatter Pest side.

C is for Citadella

The Citadella is a monument of a fortress used by the Hapsburgs and sits atop Gellérthegy, marked by the Liberty Statue, commemorating those lost fighting for Hungary. Climbing to the top is half the fun because the views are definitely worth it!

D is for the Danube

E is for the Elizabeth Bridge

The Elizabeth bridge is one of the eight bridges linking Buda and Pest together. It runs from the base of the Gellért Hill on Buda to March 15th Square on Pest.

F is for Forget the Grid System

It's a luxury knowing exactly where I am at all times now that I live in the U.S.

G is for Gulyás (Goulash) Soup

A national favorite and the best way to stay warm in the winter.

H is for Hero's Square

Hero's Square is a large square in the northern part of the city, commemorating the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars and other notable founders of the land and eventually the country.

I is for Ice Skating

Tucked away behind Hero's Square, the city opens an ice-rink every winter. This ice rink is also one of the oldest and largest rinks in Europe.

J is for "Jóbarátok"

This Hungarian show, similar to "Friends", was a huge hit among my more Hungarian friends, but I never watched Hungarian television at home.

K is for Kürtöskalács

This pastry is one of my favorite Hungarian street-foods, after Lángos, and is the sweetest-smelling reminder of the holiday season.

L is for Lángos

Lángos is a favorite of any visitor to Hungary. Fried dough layered with sour cream, shredded cheese, garlic, and onions...need I say more?

M is for Matthias Church

Located in the Castle District, this church was founded by King Steven in 1015.

N is for the National Museum

The National Museum illustrates Hungary's history.

O is for Open Carry (Alcohol)

Budapest doesn't have strict rules against alcohol, other than drinking on public transportation. This doesn't mean we're running around with alcohol in our hands 24/7, but we do understand how to be respectful of it in public.

P is for Pest

Pest is the flatter side of Budapest and is the more commercial side. Residences exist, but unlike on the Buda side where homes are more common, apartment complexes are the norm for the Pest side.

Q is for ... nothing

Let's face it, not much begins with the letter 'q' in most languages.

R is for Relaxing at the Thermal Baths

With over 1,000 thermal springs in Hungary, it's no surprise the city of Budapest is abundant with thermal baths. Each is unique, but the Széchényi Baths is the most popular tourist destination.

S is for Szentendre

A short railway ride away, you end up in a town just north of Budapest, called Szentendre. The town offers a taste of Hungary to tourists and is a popular destination in the summer for tourist shops and local cuisine.

T is for Túró Rudi

A favorite among children, Túró Rudi are cylindrical-shaped, chocolate-covered cream cheese dessert treats. Unfortunately, the chocolate is made from fat and flavored to be chocolate, their small size makes them okay to indulge in!

U is for the Underground...but we call it the metro

And it goes way underground!

V is for the Vár

'Vár' means castle, and the structure of the Hungarian castle is still standing today. The main building is a museum, while the homes are occupied by private citizens. There's a walkway down the mountain or a funicular down the side.

W is for Wild Nights

Budapest's nightlife is unlike any other and it's an experience in and of itself. In my opinion, the summer is the best time of year because the ruin pubs and open-air bars are in full swing.

X is for An eXtremely Confusing Language

Hungarian is among the hardest languages to learn. Its history is rooted in its influence from numerous neighbors, ranging from the Urals to the Germans, the modern language has snippets of each but little to tie the language to another one.

Z is for the Zoo

The zoo in Budapest was a highlight of my childhood because we took a lot of class field trips there in preschool.