Ágnes Györke, an associate professor and leading researcher on cosmopolitan ethics in urban contexts, teams up with Tamás Juhász, who specializes in British and American literature and Central European film. Together, they discuss the often-overlooked role of Central and Eastern European cities in urban studies. Their work explores Budapest's cultural evolution, the urban-rural dichotomy, and how historical moments shape identity. They also reflect on the impact of the COVID pandemic on urban culture research, highlighting ongoing challenges and future avenues for exploration.