Budapest is quickly growing in popularity as a hotspot for digital nomads from around the world, combining a modern lifestyle with old-world charm. The city’s lively culture, well-developed public transport, affordable cost of living and growing expatriate community make it an ideal destination for location-independent professionals.
Whether you plan to stay for a couple of weeks or a few months, this quick guide will give you the most important information about visas, costs, accommodation, where to park in Budapest, and top sights to explore in the Hungarian capital.
- Why Budapest?
- Best time to visit
- Visas
- Accommodation
- Cost of living
- Itineraries
- Coworking spaces
- Public places for remote work
- Must-try dishes
- Essential services
- Transportation
- Top activities
- Networking
- Best neighborhoods
- Top places to visit
- Tips for digital nomads
- Basic phrases in Hungarian
- FAQs
- Other useful information
Why Budapest?
Budapest is known for its unique mix of cutting-edge modernity and historical grandeur. The city is characterized by its beautiful architecture, and rich culture and history, offering a great work-life balance.
With fast, reliable internet, modern coworking spaces, and a lower cost of living when compared to other major European cities, it’s no wonder that Budapest is becoming a favorite for digital nomads. The fact that the city is located in Central Europe also makes it a great base for exploring others parts of the region.
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Best time to visit Budapest
In Budapest, you can experience four distinct seasons. The best time to visit obviously depends on what you are looking for, and here you will find some information that can help you make an informed decision:
- Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures (12°C-20°C), beautiful cherry blossoms, and fewer crowds.
- Summer (June to August): Warm weather (25°C-30°C), ideal for engaging in outdoor events and activities, though it can be very crowded with tourists.
- Fall (September to November): Cooler weather (10°C-18°C) and beautiful fall colors. It’s a quieter season to discover the city.
- Winter (December to February): Cold temperatures (0°C-5°C), but magical with thermal baths and Christmas markets. It’s the best time for taking part in indoor activities.
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Visas for Hungary
Hungary is in the Schengen Area, and visa requirements depends on the length and purpose of your stay and your nationality:
- Schengen Visa: Non-EU citizens can stay in the country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Digital nomad visa (White Card): Hungary has launched a visa for digital nomads. It allows location-independent professionals to stay in the country for up to one year, with the possibility of extending it for another year.
- Temporary residence permit: If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you can consider applying for a temporary residence permit, which could be renewed annually.
- D Visa: Ideal for long-term stays, this visa is suitable for entrepreneurs and freelancers who want to stay more than 90 days.
Remember to check the specific visa requirements depending on your country of origin.
Accommodation
Budapest offers a wide, diverse range of rental options, from short-term stays to long-term accommodation. Whether you're searching for an apartment in the city center or a modern co-living space, Flatio is your best housing platform that can help you find your ideal stay in Budapest. Generally, renting in Budapest is affordable when compared to many other European capitals.
Accommodation types
- Short-term rentals: Furnished studios and apartments, suitable for stays of a few weeks or months. Many stays cater to digital nomads and expats.
- Long-term rentals: Ideal for those who intend to stay in the country for six months or longer. You can find everything from traditional Hungarian flats to modern apartments.
- Co-living spaces: Increasingly popular among nomads, offering community-focused, shared living areas. These typically include gyms and coworking spaces as well.
Rent prices in Budapest
Rental prices in Budapest depend on the type of accommodation and location. You can generally expect the following rental prices per month:
- Shared apartments: €300-€500
- Studio apartments: €500-€800
- One-bedroom apartments: €600-€1,000
- Two-bedroom apartments: €900-€1,500
The locations in the city center (i.e.Districts V, VI, VII) are obviously more expensive. The outer districts and nearby neighborhoods such as Újlipótváros offer cheaper options.
Flatio: Flexible, deposit-free stays in Budapest
Are you looking for flexible, reasonably priced, and deposit-free accommodations to rent in Budapest? Take a look at the listings on Flatio and we believe you will find a suitable living space in the city center and beyond.
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Cost of living in Budapest
In Budapest, you can experience a high quality of life at a cost that’s relatively low compared to other cities in Europe. Here’s a breakdown of estimated monthly expenses:
- Accommodation: €500-€1,000 (depending on type of rental and location)
- Food & groceries: €250-€400
- Transportation: €30 (monthly public transportation pass)
- Coworking spaces: €100-€250
- Other expenses (gym, leisure, etc.): €100-€300
You can live in Budapest comfortably on a budget of about €1,200-€2,000 a month, according to your lifestyle.
Itineraries
3 days
- Day 1: visit Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, and Matthias Church, and discover the historic Castle District.
- Day 2: Walk along Andrássy Avenue, explore Heroes' Square, and spend an evening at a ruin pub in the Jewish Quarter.
- Day 3: Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Baths and then take a river cruise on the Danube to see the sunset.
1 week
- Days 1-3: Follow the 3-day itinerary.
- Day 4: Explore St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Shoes on the Danube memorial, and the Hungarian
Parliament.
- Day 5: Visit Margaret Island for a relaxed day in the park, and enjoy the musical fountain.
- Day 6: Visit Great Market Hall and Gellért Hill for panoramic views and try the local cuisine.
- Day 7: Take a day trip to Szentendre, a riverside town that’s filled with museums and art galleries.
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1 month
- Week 1: Focus on discovering Budapest’s key districts—Castle Hill, Andrássy Avenue, and Pest’s Jewish Quarter.
- Week 2: Plan trips to markets, thermal baths, and cultural landmarks such as Vajdahunyad Castle and Memento Park.
- Week 3: Visit local events and take a trip to the nearby Etyek wine region.
- Week 4: Discover more remote locations such as Lake Balaton or Esztergom, both of which are excellent weekend getaways.
3 months
- Months 1-2: Spend time getting a better understanding of Budapest’s culture, attend workshops, visit museums, and join local meetups.
- Month 3: Go outside Budapest—weekend trips to Pécs, Szeged, and Lake Balaton are great for longer stays.
Coworking spaces
Budapest has a wide range of coworking spaces that are specifically designed for freelancers, remote workers, and digital nomads. These spaces offer fast, high-speed internet, plenty of networking opportunities, and comfortable work environments.
- Impact Hub: A popular choice for digital nomads, Impact Hub offers a community-focused environment with events and workshops.
- KAPTÁR Coworking Space of Budapest: One of the first and most popular coworking offices in downtown Budapest, offering a welcoming community, inspiring workspaces and all the amenities you need to do your best work.
- Loffice: Spacious and stylish, Loffice combines workspaces with culture and art.
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Public places for remote work
If you prefer to work in other locations than coworking spaces, Budapest has many public libraries and cafes with a quiet atmosphere and free Wi-Fi:
- Cafés:
- Massolit Books & Café: A quiet, cozy café in the Jewish Quarter, suitable for study or work.
- Fekete Café: Popular among digital nomads and expats, offering good coffee and a relaxed vibe.
- Espresso Embassy: An excellent spot with fresh coffee and a minimalist design.
- Libraries:
- Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library: One of the most beautiful libraries in Budapest, offering free and fast Wi-Fi and peaceful workspaces.
- Fővárosi Szabó Ervin Library: A historical, grand library that has several reading rooms.
Must-try dishes in Budapest
Hungarian cuisine is flavorful and hearty, with a couple of dishes that you must try during your stay in the capital city:
- Gulyás (Goulash): A hearty, rich soup made with paprika, beef, and vegetables.
- Lángos: Deep-fried dough, which is topped with cheese, sour cream, and garlic.
- Hortobágyi Palacsinta: Savory pancakes that are filled with spiced meat and are served with paprika sauce.
- Töltött Káposzta: Stuffed cabbage rolls, typically filled with rice and pork, and flavored with paprika.
- Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake): A doughy, sweet pastry that’s rolled in cinnamon and sugar, usually found at street stalls.
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Essential services
Budapest offers all the essential services nomads need:
- Healthcare: Hungary has both private and public healthcare, with private healthcare generally recommended for expatriates because of shorter wait times.
- SIM Cards: You can buy a local SIM card for about €10 with many options for prepaid data plans.
- Post Offices: Hungary’s postal service is fast and reliable, and there are various locations across the city.
Transportation in Budapest
Getting around Budapest is quite easy thanks to its extensive public transportation system, which includes buses, metro lines, trams, and more.
- Public transport: The monthly public transportation pass costs about €30 and covers trams, buses, and metro services.
- Cycling: Budapest has a growing network of bike lanes and also a bike-share program called MOL Bubi, which makes cycling a convenient option.
- Taxis & ride-sharing: Taxis are widely and readily available but are more expensive. Ride-sharing apps are very popular and typically cheaper.
- Trains: If you want to explore areas outside of Budapest, Hungary’s national rail service links the capital to towns and cities across the country.
Source: Photo by Arvydas Venckus on Unsplash
Top activities
Budapest is full of exciting activities, from exploring historical sites to a unique cultural scene. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind:
- Thermal baths: Relax in the world-famous thermal baths such as Gellért and Széchenyi, which are ideal for unwinding after a day of work.
- Danube river cruise: Take a boat cruise along the Danube to enjoy the city’s landmarks, which are illuminated at night.
- Ruin bars: Budapest’s ruin bars, like Szimpla Kert, are unique, quirky, and filled with history.
- Castle District: Explore Buda Castle, the Fisherman’s Bastion, and Matthias Church.
- Margaret Island: A peaceful island park located in the middle of the Danube, excellent for cycling, jogging, or simply relaxing.
Networking
Budapest’s growing nomad community means that you’ll have lots of opportunities to meet and connect with like-minded individuals. These are some ways to network:
- Meetup groups: Look for freelancer, digital nomad, or expat groups that organize coworking days and social events.
- Coworking spaces: Many of the coworking hubs in Budapest host events and workshops regularly.
- Social media groups: Join online digital nomad and expat communities to learn about local events.
Best neighborhoods in Budapest
Each neighborhood in Budapest has a unique character. Some of the best areas for digital nomads are listed below:
- District V (Belváros-Lipótváros): The heart of the city, near the Danube River and the Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica. Suitable for those who prefer to be in the center of everything.
- District VI (Terézváros): A cultural district that’s filled with museums, theaters, and cafes. Great for those who want to experience a lively atmosphere.
- District VII (Erzsébetváros): Famous for its lively nightlife and ruin bars, it’s a trendy and youthful neighborhood.
- Újlipótváros: A family-friendly, quieter area with green spaces and modern apartments. Popular among expatriates.
- Buda Hills (Districts II and XII): Ideal for those who prefer calm and nature. These areas are more suburban, offering easy access to trails for hiking.
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Top places to visit in Budapest
Budapest is filled with incredibly beautiful landmarks, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Some of the top sights to visit are:
- Hungarian Parliament Building: One of Budapest’s most iconic buildings, which is located on the banks of the Danube.
- Buda Castle: A historic palace complex, which offers picturesque views of the city.
- Fisherman’s Bastion: A fairy-tale structure, offering some of the best panoramic views of Budapest.
- Heroes' Square: A grand square featuring statues of Hungary’s most significant historical figures.
- Great Market Hall: An indoor market where you can find traditional Hungarian foods, fresh produce, and souvenirs.
Tips for digital nomads
- Weather: Budapest has hot summers and cold winters, so make sure to pack accordingly. Fall and spring are ideal for mild temperatures.
- Learn some Hungarian: Many people in Hungary speak English, particularly in tourist areas, but it’s helpful to learn a few Hungarian phrases. It’s appreciated by locals as well.
- Transportation apps: Download local transportation apps, which help you get around the city easier.
- SIM cards: Getting a local SIM card that comes with a prepaid data plan is an affordable, convenient way to stay connected.
- Explore beyond Budapest: While the city is great, don’t miss the opportunity to discover nearby destinations like Eger and Lake Balaton.
Basic phrases in Hungarian
Hungarian is considered to be a challenging language, but learning a couple of basic phrases can enhance your experience:
- Szia! – Hello/Goodbye
- Köszönöm – Thank you
- Kérem – Please
- Igen/Nem – Yes/No
- Hol van a metróállomás? – Where is the metro station?
- Mennyibe kerül? – How much does it cost?
- Beszélsz angolul? – Do you speak English?
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FAQs
- Do I need to speak Hungarian to be able to live in Budapest?
No, many people in Budapest, particularly in tourist and expat areas, speak English. But learning some basic Hungarian phrases could be very useful. - Is Budapest an affordable destination for digital nomads?
Yes, Budapest is a relatively affordable European capital, with reasonable accommodation costs, transportation services, and dining options. - Can I work remotely in Budapest on a tourist visa?
Yes, non-EU citizens are allowed to stay in Hungary for up to 90 days with a Schengen visa. For longer stays, you can consider applying for a nomad visa or temporary residence permit. - What is the weather like in the Hungarian capital?
Budapest experiences warm summers and cold winters, with fall and spring offering pleasant and mild weather.
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Other useful information
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), GMT+1. Daylight saving time (DST) shifts it to GMT+2 in summer.
- Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF).
- Tipping: Tipping is common in cafes and restaurants (about 10% is appreciated).
- Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies.
- Electricity: Hungary uses Type C and F plugs, with a voltage of 230V.
Flatio: Rental accommodation in Budapest
Why choose Flatio to rent accommodation in Budapest? Discover the unique features that make us the perfect choice:
- Flexible, reasonably priced, remote work-friendly stays (from days to months)
- Wide range of accommodation options (rooms, apartments, houses, etc.)
- Utilities and Wi-Fi included
- Visa-friendly lease agreements
- Online signing of lease agreement
- Renting directly from hosts
- No deposit required for stays under 180 days (unless required by local laws)
- Balanced lease agreement, translated into multiple languages
- Very attractive cancelation policy
- StayProtection for Tenants: assistance with emergencies and accidental property damage
- Move-in Guarantee with a 24/7 emergency line
- 100% money protection
- Support team available every day of the week
- No hidden fees
- Secure and simple payment system, including Bitcoin option
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