Budapest
Our first big trip was to Budapest, where we stayed for five days together with the Music line from our school. The city was full of history, culture, and stunning architecture, offering endless opportunities for photography. We explored vibrant streets, visited iconic landmarks, and soaked in the atmosphere of this beautiful Hungarian capital. The combination of music and photography created an inspiring and creative environment.
It was a trip full of exploration, learning, and bonding — an important milestone in our photography journey. The memories we created, from sightseeing to late-night walks, will stay with us for a long time.
On our first day, after arriving and settling in, we set out to explore the area. We wandered through the lively streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. After a delicious lunch, we headed to Fisherman’s Bastion to watch the sunset — although the sunset didn’t fully appear as we had hoped, the view was still breathtaking. Later, we went on an impromptu photo walk with our teacher, exploring different parts of the city and capturing whatever caught our eye. It was the perfect way to start the trip, blending discovery, creativity, and freedom as we embraced the city’s charm through our lenses.
On the second day, we joined a walking tour with an excellent guide who brought Budapest’s history to life. After the tour, some of us visited a local photography store that offered a wide range of gear — and even though not everyone bought camera equipment, most of us left with something! Later, we went to Szimpla Kert, a famous ruin pub, where we took on a spontaneous assignment to create band posters using random band names we drew from a hat. It was a fun and creative challenge that brought out our artistic sides. To end the day, we went to a stand-up comedy show, where the host turned out to be one of the best comedians we’d ever seen. It was a day full of laughter, creativity, and unforgettable moments.
On the third day, we started at Hősök Tere (Heroes’ Square) and the nearby City Park, enjoying the historical monuments and beautiful surroundings. We then visited the World Press Photo exhibition at the biodome in the zoo, where we saw powerful, thought-provoking images from around the world. Afterward, we headed to the Széchenyi Thermal Bath — definitely one of the highlights of the trip. Despite some pools being closed for renovation, it was an amazing experience to relax in the warm water surrounded by beautiful architecture. Later, we had free time to explore on our own, followed by a group dinner. We finished the night at the Budapest Jazz Club, where we were blown away by an incredibly talented band — especially a trumpet player with one arm and a drummer who played like nothing we’d ever seen before. The walk back to the hotel turned into one of the best moments of the trip, full of laughter and bonding as a group.
Our last day began with packing and leaving our luggage at the hostel reception before heading out for one final day of exploring. Our first stop was the House of Music, a stunning building with a unique design. Because of the long line to enter the museum, many of us decided to explore the surrounding area instead. Later, we visited Mai Manó Ház (the Hungarian House of Photography) and the Robert Capa Museum, both offering inspiring exhibitions that highlighted the power of photography. After that, we had some free time for a last wander around the city and a final meal before heading to the airport, marking the end of an unforgettable trip.