🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Budapest, Hungary, my home for several months, and I can confidently say that it’s one of the most underrated destinations for remote workers. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, Budapest has a unique charm that will captivate even the most seasoned travelers. The city’s affordability, excellent internet infrastructure, and thriving expat community make it an ideal location for digital nomads. In this guide, I’ll share my insider knowledge on what makes Budapest an excellent choice for remote workers and provide you with practical information to help you make the most of your stay.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood in Budapest, digital nomads have a wide range of options to suit their lifestyle and preferences. Here are three areas that I highly recommend:
- Erzsébetváros (District 7): This neighborhood is a favorite among expats and digital nomads due to its central location, lively atmosphere, and abundance of cafes, restaurants, and bars. You’ll find plenty of coworking spaces, including the popular Impact Hub Budapest, and the famous Szimpla Kert ruin bar.
- Pest-side Downtown: This area is perfect for those who want to be in the heart of the action. You’ll be within walking distance to many of Budapest’s main attractions, including the Hungarian Parliament Building, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Danube River. The neighborhood is also home to many coworking spaces, such as the Budapest Coworking Space and the Hubud Coworking Space.
- Újbuda (District 11): If you’re looking for a more laid-back and residential area, Újbuda is an excellent choice. This neighborhood is located on the Buda side of the city and offers stunning views of the Danube River and the Pest-side skyline. You’ll find plenty of parks, cafes, and restaurants, as well as the popular Allee Shopping Center.
Cost of Living Breakdown
One of the biggest advantages of living in Budapest as a digital nomad is the low cost of living. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for various expenses:
- Rent: A one-bedroom apartment in a central neighborhood can cost between 150,000 - 250,000 HUF (approximately $500-$800 USD) per month. You can find shared apartments or rooms for as low as 80,000 - 120,000 HUF (approximately $250-$400 USD) per month.
- Food: Eating out in Budapest can be very affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around 1,500 - 2,500 HUF (approximately $5-$10 USD) per person. Groceries are also relatively cheap, with a basket of basic items (milk, bread, eggs, etc.) costing around 2,000 - 3,000 HUF (approximately $6-$10 USD).
- Transportation: A monthly public transportation pass costs around 9,500 HUF (approximately $30 USD), and a single ticket costs 350 HUF (approximately $1.20 USD). You can also rent a bike for around 2,000 - 3,000 HUF (approximately $6-$10 USD) per month.
- Coworking: Coworking spaces in Budapest typically cost between 10,000 - 20,000 HUF (approximately $30-$60 USD) per month for a part-time membership. Full-time memberships can range from 20,000 - 40,000 HUF (approximately $60-$120 USD) per month.
Internet & Coworking
Budapest has an excellent internet infrastructure, with speeds averaging around 48 Mbps. You’ll find plenty of coworking spaces and cafes with reliable internet throughout the city. Some popular coworking spaces include:
- Impact Hub Budapest: Located in the heart of Erzsébetváros, this coworking space offers a range of membership options, including part-time and full-time memberships.
- Budapest Coworking Space: This space is located in the Pest-side Downtown area and offers a variety of membership options, including day passes and monthly memberships.
- Hubud Coworking Space: Located in the Újbuda neighborhood, this coworking space offers a range of membership options, including part-time and full-time memberships.
Some popular cafes with good internet include:
- Madal Coffee: Located in the Erzsébetváros neighborhood, this cafe offers excellent coffee and fast internet.
- My Little Melbourne: This cafe is located in the Pest-side Downtown area and offers a range of coffee and food options, as well as reliable internet.
- Café Gerlóczy: Located in the heart of the city, this cafe offers a range of coffee and food options, as well as a cozy atmosphere and fast internet.
Budapest has a thriving digital nomad community, with many meetups and events taking place throughout the city. Some popular groups and events include:
- Budapest Digital Nomads: This Facebook group is a great resource for connecting with other digital nomads in the city and finding out about upcoming events and meetups.
- Nomad List Budapest: This group is a great resource for finding out about the best places to live, work, and play in Budapest.
- Budapest Expats: This group is a great resource for connecting with other expats and digital nomads in the city and finding out about upcoming events and meetups.
Culture & Lifestyle
Budapest is a city that seamlessly blends traditional and modern culture. You’ll find plenty of historic landmarks, museums, and cultural events throughout the city. Some popular attractions include:
- Hungarian Parliament Building: This stunning building is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and offers guided tours.
- St. Stephen’s Basilica: This beautiful basilica is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and offers stunning views of the city from its dome.
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath: This thermal bath is one of the city’s most popular attractions and offers a range of thermal pools, saunas, and massage services.
The food scene in Budapest is also excellent, with a range of traditional Hungarian dishes, such as goulash, paprikás csirke, and halászlé. Some popular restaurants include:
- Gundel: This restaurant is located in the heart of the city and offers a range of traditional Hungarian dishes.
- Onyx: This restaurant is located in the Pest-side Downtown area and offers a range of modern Hungarian cuisine.
- Kolega: This restaurant is located in the Erzsébetváros neighborhood and offers a range of traditional Hungarian dishes.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to obtain a visa to stay in Hungary for an extended period. The most common visa for digital nomads is the Tourist Visa, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days. If you plan to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for a Residence Permit, which can be obtained through the Hungarian Immigration Office.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips to help you navigate life in Budapest:
- SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card at most mobile phone stores, including Vodafone, T-Mobile, and Telekom. A SIM card with a data plan can cost around 2,000 - 5,000 HUF (approximately $6-$15 USD) per month.
- Transportation: The public transportation system in Budapest is excellent, with a range of buses, trams, and metro lines. You can purchase a monthly pass or individual tickets at most newsstands or convenience stores.
- Safety: Budapest is generally a safe city, but as with any city, you should take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Be aware of pickpocketing and scams, especially in tourist areas.
- Weather: Budapest has a continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Be sure to pack accordingly, with warm clothing for the winter months and light clothing for the summer months.
