HungaryVisited Jan 2022 · 2 months
Europe's best value capital city?
This guide was written 4 years ago
Prices, opening hours and recommendations may have changed since my visit, so double-check anything important before you book.
Today, it embodies a distinctive blend of historical significance and architectural grandeur, making it one of the standout cities in Central Europe.
A fantastic city to visit in both winter and summer. Wouldn't hesitate to book for a month of work or for a weekend city break.
Great · #17 of 62
8.1/10
Unsurprisingly given it's status as a tourist hotspot, there is no shortage of great accommodation options in Budapest and if booking in advance for out of the peak summer months, you should get a great deal.
For a distinctive experience, try and find an apartment in one of the many opulent townhouses with large communal courtyards.
Good · #39 of 62
7.4/10
There's a good number of dedicated coworking spaces across the city, with the majority of them being found in the centre. Unfortunately the office I worked from has subsequently shut down, but 'KAPTÁR' is worth a look and would have been my second choice.
Great · #18 of 62
8.3/10
The city has an enormous range of very well priced options for casual lunches and dinners. There are numerous quality Thai/Vietnamese meals that can be picked up for well under €10 across all areas of the city.
Good · #16 of 62
7.8/10
There’s a lot to explore in Budapest, and among European capitals, it compares favourably with other large cities. During the week, the city centre, especially around Deák Ferenc tér, has a bustling, working atmosphere. On weekends, it becomes a popular destination for tourists, with numerous baths and historical sites to explore. The Jewish Quarter is an excellent base for nightlife, offering enough bars and restaurants to explore over a month-long stay.
Having had a highly memorable trip to Budapest in the summer of 2013 , I was keen to return for a longer stint and see what it was like over the winter months for a two month stint.
$1,453a month, before rent
Basic living costs, rent not included
Day-to-day spending for a month: two meals out and a coffee every day, three taxis and two nights out a week, a gym and a coworking desk. Add your rent on top.
AffordablePrices as of Oct 2026. Confidence: high (gym & coworking verified; other prices restated at 2026-10-07 exchange rates). Sources: numbeo.com, kaptarbudapest.hu. Always check locally before planning around them.
After visiting Budapest during both the height of summer and the depth of winter, I would highly recommend for a summer visit when the city's plethora of outdoor pursuits can be fully enjoyed. While the winter months offer their own allure, places like Margaret Island truly come alive when in full bloom.
| Month | Low °C | High °C | Rain mm | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -1 | 6 | 27 | |
| February | 1 | 9 | 23 | |
| March | 2 | 16 | 64 | wet month |
| April | 5 | 24 | 54 | peak season |
| May | 9 | 24 | 78 | wet month · peak season |
| June | 17 | 32 | 49 | peak season |
| July | 19 | 33 | 58 | peak season |
| August | 18 | 34 | 36 | peak season |
| September | 11 | 28 | 60 | wet month · peak season |
| October | 6 | 17 | 41 | peak season |
| November | 0 | 12 | 54 | |
| December | 1 | 5 | 23 | peak season |
Typical daytime highs and overnight lows, from the last two years of observations (Open-Meteo). Rain icons mark the wettest months.
Digital nomad visa available
Hungary offers the White Card visa specifically designed for digital nomads who are non-EU nationals. This visa allows them to stay in Hungary for one year while working for companies outside the country. After the initial one-year period, the White Card visa can be extended for another year, enabling digital nomads to reside in Hungary for up to two consecutive years.
Hungary operates on Central European Time (CET), aligning with Western Europe.
Budapest is a big city so unless you are a keen walker I'd play close attention to where you decide to stay.
Another area I would consider staying outside of the centre is Újlipótváros. A 20 minute walk to the centre and Margaret Island is only a few moments away.
If i was to return to Budapest I'd consider finding a place around here. Walkable to the centre and still a great selection of bars and cafes on hand.
Depending on your appetite for staying in such a tourist hotspot, the city centre is an ideal base to get around.
There's a good number of dedicated coworking spaces across the city, with the majority of them being found in the centre. Unfortunately the office I worked from has subsequently shut down, but 'KAPTÁR' is worth a look and would have been my second choice.
There is no shortage of quality coffee shops across the city that are suitable to work from. 'My Little Melbourne' has a secluded upstairs sitting area suitable for a few hours work (with great coffee).
Great coffee in intimate surroundings.
You are never far from good coffee in Budapest and these guys do a great espresso, & snacks with places to sit and work upstairs.
Trendy bakery, get their early on the weekend for any chance of a table.
Incredible Thai food, at amazing prices. Potentially the best Pad Thai i've ever eaten. And i've had a lot.
If you are a lover of cellar/dive bars, I could not recommend this more. Try the unfiltered pilsner.
Craft beers brewed on site with impecible service and interior.
The most famous of the ruin bars, a box that has to be ticked if visiting but be prepared to que on the weekends.
If you want to avoid the crowds and instagram shots at Széchenyi, Gellért provides a sedate, calming alternative.
Beautiful panoramic views over the city. Walkable in an afternoon from the city center.
Straddled by the Danube River either side, Margaret Island offers a shaded escape during the summer months with lush green gardens and scenic pathways. The island also features a spa and options to eat and drink.
Having subsequently visited during winter it proved to be a more bleak experience.
Heading north up the Danube, there are some great areas for cycling and numerous stops for coffee and snacks en route.
Easily accessible from Budapest by train, Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe and provides secluded cycling routes with numerous places to eat and rest.
Budapest is a year round draw for tourists so no matter what time of year expect there to be an international audience on the ground. There wasn't much of a remote worker community there when I visited, perhaps in part due to the end of COVID playing out but there is a year round expat community to be found.
Partners I recommend. Some of these links give you a discount, and I may receive a referral reward.
SafetyWing
For trips exceeding 30 continuous days, seek dedicated travel insurance. Most holiday policies or credit card offerings become invalid after 30 days, despite advertising year-round protection. SafetyWing provides medical and travel coverage specifically designed for remote workers.
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