Budapest
Europe's best value capital city?

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.