These tips for remote workers in Budapest are meant to help those staying long-term to enjoy the city to its fullest. Indeed, Budapest is not a complicated city to navigate but remote workers will appreciate having some sort of idea in terms of what to expect upon arrival and how to make the most out of their time here. Noticeably, there are major cultural and language barriers visitors will have to overcome if they want to fit in here, but Hungary is a welcoming country to visitors and it should be fairly easy to ask for assistance on the street or even make new friends at a local cafe. To help you enjoy Budapest to the fullest, here are some of our top tips for remote workers.
This is a hugely important tip for remote workers in Budapest. Joining one of the many international communities available here will you feel part of the city in a meaningful way and give you the opportunity to meet and interact with locals as well as other remote workers in town. If you are an entrepreneur, the local groups for remote workers and digital nomads may also offer up valuable networking opportunities as well as chances to establish your business further in Hungary.
It is not an easy language but learning at least some Hungarian is among our top tips for remote workers in Budapest. We recommend you should some of the available language exchange meetups across the city, or even consider taking some private classes while you’re in Budapest. Indeed, the city is increasingly international and you are very likely to find English speakers but you should still expect the local language of culture, business and most society to be Hungarian. There are some excellent schools across the city including Magyar Iskola, Ulysses Hungarian School and the Euro Language School.
The Danube is one of Europe’s most characteristic rivers, crossing over 10 countries including Hungary. In Budapest, the Danube not only offers an incredible background to the city’s neo-gothic and art nouveau structures but also provides a source of entertainment and natural refuge to those living in the city. While you are in Budapest you will certainly want to take a cruise along the Danube and get a unique perspective on the city’s most important sights. Of course, you will want to visit the city’s most important attractions along the river - the unique Szechenyi Chain Bridge and the moving “Shoes on the Danube” memorial further north in Lipotvaros. Without a doubt, remote workers won’t get enough of the many fantastic cafés overlooking this quintessentially European river.
Of course, we believe Budapest is lovely year-round, but those looking for a specific type of climate or experience should consider the timing of the visit. Spring and Fall are certainly the best months to visit, when the city’s climate is most temperate and pleasant and the peak tourist season has either gone or not arrived yet. Having said that, the summer sees Budapest blossom into a distinctly vibrant city, with events and gatherings along the Danube and on Margaret Island. The summers in Budapest are not unbearably hot, with temperatures around 25-27C (77-80F). Winters are cold here - temperatures usually average at around freezing and the occasional snow does grace the city’s grand architecture from time to time. Of course, Christmas markets are hugely popular and well-recommended to all visitors to Budapest.
A great tip for remote workers in Budapest will be to take advantage of the many local markets available instead of doing the bulk of their shopping at a supermarket. Prices will be much lower for produce that is fresh and responsibly sourced at these markets, and you are likely to get a more authentic experience buying here. Budapest’s Central Market Hall, located just south of Belvaros, is the city’s oldest market and here you’ll find anything from fresh produce to delicious local foods. Equally, the Vegan Sunday Market in Terezvaros just off Andrassy Ave. will be a hit among those remote workers looking for healthier alternatives among Hungary’s meat-heavy gastronomy.
For more information about living in Budapest as a remote worker, check out our complete Budapest guide.