Budapest For Digital Nomads

Budapest is a city that has it all for digital nomads. From its rich history and culture to its affordable cost of living and excellent internet speeds, Budapest is a great place to base yourself while working remotely. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant social scene or a quiet place to focus on your work, you’ll find it in Budapest.

My personal experience in Budapest as a digital nomad

When I finally arrived in Budapest, I was greeted by a city steeped in captivating stories and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. The juxtaposition of Buda and Pest, divided by the majestic Danube River, added to the city’s charm. From the iconic Chain Bridge connecting the two sides to the striking Gothic architecture of the Hungarian Parliament Building, Budapest’s beauty took my breath away.

Stepping onto the streets, I was immersed in a bustling city with a vibrant energy. The blend of old-world charm and modern vibes created an atmosphere that was both inspiring and welcoming. Whether I was strolling through the historic districts of Castle Hill or exploring the trendy neighborhoods of Pest, every corner of Budapest seemed to hold a new adventure.

Pros and Cons of Living in Budapest as a Digital Nomad

Pros	Cons
A diverse range of workspaces and cafes	Language barrier for non-Hungarian speakers
Affordable cost of living	Harsh winters with cold temperatures
Fast and reliable internet connection	Crowded tourist areas during peak season
Diverse range of workspaces and cafes	Limited networking opportunities for specific industries
Vibrant local culture and experiences	Some areas may be crowded with tourists

Digital Nomad Community

Budapest isn’t exactly swarming with digital nomads like Bali or Chiang Mai. I mean, I tried to Overcome my loneliness sometimes and reach out through the Facebook group “Digital Nomads Budapest”, and let’s just say the crickets were louder than the responses.

But you know what’s great? Budapest has this sizzling expat community, a cool mix of folks who’ve fallen head over heels for the city, like me. Most are involved in sectors you’d not immediately link with the nomadic lifestyle – think education, IT, and yep even tourism.

So while the digital nomad community per se might be playing hard to get, the vibrant expat community here somewhat fills that void, making Budapest a pretty rad place to settle down with your laptop.

Workspaces and Cafes for digital nomads

Finding the perfect coworking space to match your specific needs can be a bit of a challenge, I get it. But trust me, Budapest has a variety of workspaces to explore, and one of them is bound to tick all your boxes.

Workspaces

Impact Hub Budapest

One of my go-to coworking spaces was Impact Hub Budapest. For approximately €15 per day, I had access to a vibrant and collaborative environment that fostered creativity and innovation.

The community at Impact Hub was incredibly welcoming, providing ample opportunities for networking and collaboration. It became my sanctuary for focused work sessions and engaging discussions with fellow nomads.

Address: Budapest, Wesselényi u. 17, 1077 Hungary

Phone: +36 30 346 8618

Espresso Embassy

When I desired a more relaxed ambiance, Espresso Embassy captured my heart with its indie vibe and exceptional coffee. It quickly became my haven for sipping aromatic cappuccinos and indulging in delectable pastries.

At around €3 per cappuccino, it was an affordable treat that enhanced my working experience.

Address: Budapest, Arany János u. 15, 1051 Hungary

Phone: +36 20 445 0063

Loffice

In addition to Impact Hub and Espresso Embassy, I also explored other notable workspaces in Budapest that left a lasting impression. Loffice, known for its commitment to sustainability and alternative energy, offered an excellent work environment across multiple locations in the 6th district of the city.

Address: Budapest, Paulay Ede u. 55, 1061 Hungary

Phone: +36 70 318 6356

Kaptar

Lastly, Kaptar stood out as a bustling central space that buzzed with inspiration. Its light and airy ambiance, fast WiFi, and a community of creative individuals made it an ideal place for both work and socializing.

Whether I needed a fresh perspective on my projects or craved engaging conversations, Kaptar never failed to deliver.

Address: Budapest, Révay köz 4, 1065 Hungary

Phone: +36 30 684 3996

Cafes in Budapest for Remote Workers

When it comes to finding the perfect cafes for remote work in Budapest, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Here are a few of the best options:

Magvető Café: This quiet and spacious cafe, adorned with bookshelves, creates an ideal environment for productivity. Located in the heart of the city, it offers convenience along with a tranquil atmosphere.

Address: Budapest, Dohány u. 13, 1074 Hungary

Phone: +36 70 616 4871

Fabrik Specialty Coffee: Combining delicious food and drinks with a stylish ambiance, Fabrik Specialty Coffee is a great choice for remote work sessions.

Address: Budapest, Visegrádi u. 14, 1132 Hungary

Phone: +36 30 616 8122

Csendes Létterem (Vintage Bar & Cafe): If you’re a fan of quirky workspaces, you’ll love this eclectic and cozy spot. The Vintage Bar & Cafe provides a unique atmosphere that enhances creativity and focus.

Address: Budapest, Ferenczy István u. 5, 1053 Hungary

Phone: +36 30 727 2100

WIFI & Speed of the Internet

As soon as I dropped my bags in my charming Danube Downtown Apartment, I went straight for my laptop to do the all-important speed test. I had heard good things about the internet in Budapest, and I wasn’t let down.

The WIFI speed in my apartment was a robust 50 Mbps, making it a breeze to hop on video calls with clients and manage my work effortlessly online.

However, I found out the hard way that WIFI isn’t always this reliable in all cafes and public spaces. So, as a backup plan, I had an eSIM from Airalo installed on my phone. This provided me with a safety net, ensuring that I was always connected, even when cafe WIFI let me down.

Click here For more information about Airalo.

Cost of Living

Budapest pleasantly surprised me with its affordability. On average, my monthly expenses add up to approximately €1,200. This covered my accommodation, daily meals at local restaurants (which often amounted to around €10 per meal), public transportation expenses (about €35 for a monthly pass), and occasional leisure activities.

Safety and Security

Budapest was a joy to explore, always bustling with life, always offering something new. And through it all, I felt safe.

The locals were as friendly as they come, always ready with a smile or a tip about the best café around the corner. But here’s the thing – even in the friendliest, safest cities, life has a way of throwing curveballs. That’s why having medical insurance is a no-brainer.

You want to be ready for whatever comes your way, and that’s exactly what Safety Wing provides – readiness. I’ve been using them for my travels, and they’ve been nothing short of amazing.

So here’s a pro tip from one nomad to another – get Safety Wing. It’ll give you one less thing to worry about.

Accommodation Options for digital nomads in Budapest

Choosing an accommodation as a digital nomad can be a challenging task. While living the digital nomad life in Budapest, my accommodation became my sanctuary, office, and leisure space all in one. I stayed at an apartment I discovered on Booking.com, and it was just perfect for my needs.

The name of the place was the “Blue Danube Apartment.” Nestled in a quiet neighborhood close to the city center, it offered a balance of calmness and convenience that I deeply appreciated. The high-speed WIFI connection was a godsend, letting me work without any hiccups.

The apartment was regularly cleaned, and the equipped kitchen allowed me to prepare my meals when I wasn’t exploring the local cuisine. It was a spacious, cozy setup with a comfortable workspace. For me, the cherry on top was the close proximity to local markets and the tram line, making day-to-day life and exploration a breeze.

Budget-friendly Option:

During my time in Budapest, I bumped into other digital nomads who were staying at the “Budapest Budget Hostel.” It’s a fantastic option for those wanting to keep their costs low without compromising on comfort. The place has a communal kitchen and clean dormitory-style rooms. It might not offer the same level of privacy as an apartment, but it’s a great way to meet other like-minded individuals. While it’s not luxury living, the hostel’s WIFI is reliable, and it’s a comfortable place to rest after a day of sightseeing.

One of my friends, another digital nomad, swore by the “7Seasons Apartments.” These are slightly pricier, but they offer a truly upscale living experience. Located in the heart of the city, these apartments are fully furnished, stylish, and fitted with all the amenities one could need. The workspace is comfortable, and the WIFI connection is strong and stable – perfect for those long hours behind the screen.

Activities and social life:

Budapest’s bustling social scene and activities really caught my eye and heart. Honestly, every day felt like a new adventure in this vibrant city. I was lucky to experience a fascinating mixture of history, culture, and entertainment during my stay.

Hungarian Parliament Building

One of my standout experiences was visiting the Hungarian Parliament Building. Imagine a blend of Gothic Revival and Renaissance Revival architecture that takes your breath away the moment you lay eyes on it. I hopped on a tram ride from my place, and there I was, standing in front of this monumental building. Opting for a guided tour (that only set me back by about €15) was a great idea, as I got to see the grandeur from within and learn about the rich political heritage of Hungary.

St. Stephen’s Basilica

But the fun didn’t stop there. Just a casual stroll away from my apartment led me to the St. Stephen’s Basilica, another architectural masterpiece that stood tall in all its glory. I walked in for free, but I did leave a small donation to contribute. And then, I did something adventurous – I climbed up to the panoramic viewpoint. Trust me, the view of Budapest from up there was worth every cent of the €3 I paid for it.

Ruin Bars

As the sun set, I decided to indulge in some of Budapest’s famous nightlife, which led me to the ruin bars. These are essentially abandoned buildings transformed into atmospheric venues for a fantastic night out. I made my way into Szimpla Kert, the original ruin bar, and the experience was something else. Eclectic interiors, live music, buzzing energy, and best of all? The entrance was free.

Thermal Baths

To soothe the fatigue from all the exploring, I treated myself to a day at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath. Just a quick bus ride away, I paid about €20 for an entry ticket and had access to a range of pools and saunas. Relaxing in the warm waters was just the break I needed from my digital nomad life.

Fisherman’s Bastion

Finally, I walked through the charming streets of the Castle District to reach the Fisherman’s Bastion. This enchanting terrace overlooking the Danube River offered some of the best views of the Budapest skyline. Access to the lower terraces was free, but I paid a nominal fee of €4 to get to the upper levels. The panoramic view of the city was worth every penny.

I know it sounds like a lot. And yes, sometimes the city did feel a bit crowded with tourists, especially during the holiday season. But, honestly? The hustle and bustle added to the charm. So, if you’re planning on coming to Budapest, get ready for a roller coaster of experiences. There’s something new to discover around every corner.

Visa Situation for a Digital Nomad in Budapest

When it comes to the visa situation for becoming a digital nomad in Budapest, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. As a member of the European Union, Hungary allows citizens from EU and EEA countries to freely live and work in Budapest without the need for a visa or residence permit. This makes it incredibly convenient for digital nomads from these regions to settle and work in the city.

2. For non-EU/EEA citizens, the visa requirements will vary depending on your nationality and the length of your intended stay. It’s important to check the specific visa regulations and requirements with the Hungarian embassy or consulate in your home country or consult with an immigration lawyer to ensure compliance with the necessary procedures.

Final word

Looking back on my Budapest adventure, I can honestly say this city caught me by surprise. It was everything a digital nomad like myself could wish for and then some. From strong WIFI signals and an array of creative workspaces to a cost of living that didn’t drain my wallet and a culture that’s so vibrant and welcoming – Budapest was a dream come true.

If you’re a digital nomad, like me, and you’re on the lookout for a place that’s rich in history, breathtakingly beautiful and oozes that entrepreneurial spirit, then make no mistake – Budapest deserves a spot on your bucket list. Trust me, this mesmerizing city stirs up creativity, introduces you to a buzzing community of like-minded folks, and dishes out experiences that you’ll carry in your heart long after you’ve left its borders.

So, here’s my parting shot – Once you’ve had a taste of Budapest, you’ll be left craving for more. It’s just that kind of place.