Hungary offers digital nomads the best of both worlds. Given its roots in farming, combined with changes brought on by the two World Wars, there is an amalgam of rural and urban environments. If you are looking for either productivity or a place to unwind, there is an array of coffee shops, restaurants, sights to explore, job opportunities and residential areas that can meet your requirements.
There is an abundance of housing suggestions that appeal to both those individuals who are drawn to shared living quarters and those who are traveling and searching for a place for themselves. No matter what kind of purchase you are looking to make, whether it be relatively affordable or more luxurious, there are plenty of possibilities to fit your budget and preferences. The urban areas of Hungary offer various accommodation options such as hotels, hostels and co-living spaces, while those visiting more rural locations can take advantage of hostels and AirBnB’s.
It is neither too hot nor too cold, and they experience the traditional cycle of spring, summer, autumn, and winter like many other countries in Europe. Despite the unpleasantness of winter, especially during the month of January, spring and summer offer a more pleasurable experience with temperatures that are higher and plentiful rain. Remember your raincoat.
Attractions and best places to visit – Digital Nomad Hotspots
All work with no play makes us dull. There are numerous fun things to do and places to go in Hungary. You can go to coffee shops, eateries, and several historical places of interest.
Check out the Mosque of Pasha Gazi Kasim, the Early Christian Mausoleum, Déri Museum and Lake Balaton in Hungary for some great sightseeing. If you fancy castles, there are plenty for you to explore! You’ll be sure to have an unforgettable time in Hungary exploring the grand Roman architectural structures, admiring the beautiful art, tasting the hearty cuisine, and sipping on the delightful wine.
Budapest
It is the capital city of Hungary with reason. This reflects both the traditional and contemporary aspects of Hungary, both agricultural and current. The Danube river serves to separate Hungary into two distinct regions, Buda and Pest, both of which offer a unique cultural experience.
Buda is more tranquil, rural, and plain compared to Pest, which is more advanced, city-like, and worldly. Pest is more popular for digital nomads. If you are searching for a place to live, both of the cities offer a selection of either tranquil or bustling atmospheres.
Buda is the preferable choice if you’re looking for a calm area, providing both private and shared rooms. A celebrated lodging option in Bude is the Budapest Garden Hostel and Shared Living.
If you enjoy being in a more lively and bustling atmosphere with access to shops and restaurants, Pest has excellent accommodation options. The Loft Hostel is an excellent choice that locates you right in the heart of the hustle and bustle. You can choose between shared and private suites.
There are loads of shared office spaces for professionals, such as Impact Hub and KAPTÁR coworking. In this setting, digital nomads have the opportunity to connect with one another, handle projects, and receive complimentary tea, coffee, and even alcohol.
Pecs
Pecs is located in the South West of Hungary. This city has a noteworthy past and is renowned for its Roman-style structures. The Early Christian Mausoleum and the Mosque of Pasha Gazi Kasim are two of the most attractive spots tourists visit in the area.
It has living and working spaces for digital nomads. KOHO is a current workplace in Pecs that has an orderly atmosphere for collaborative and individual work.
Debrecen
Debrecen does not have any type of communal housing arrangements, though there are various hotels, hostels, and accommodation offerings through Airbnb. Furthermore, there are amazing architectural places like the Deri Museum and the Reformed Church that will give you the opportunity to gain insight into the powerful and fascinating history and culture of Hungary.
Stop Pension hostel is a popular accommodation in Debrecen. The place provides a central spot and digital nomads are able to partake of breakfast, air conditioning, and a wireless internet connection. If that plan of action is not suitable, you can find entire townhouses available on Airbnb.
If you need a work area on a daily basis, you have options such as Xponential Coworking and ProWorking. At Xponential Coworking, you will find office services and a WiFi connection suited for both working in a team and individually. There is a café located on-site with all the coffee you would need to become invigorated, making it even more attractive.
When is the best time of year to visit Hungary?
The temperature in Hungary can fluctuate wildly with winters usually being around -9°C and summers usually being around 27°C. The climate across the USA generally stays consistent, so you can anticipate warm conditions from April to October. In the peak of summer – July and August – the weather can get extremely hot.
The best time to visit is typically April to May and September to October as during that time the weather is still good but tourists are less than the peak season that goes from June to August. From November through March, there is significantly more precipitation and snowfall, and many tourist attractions are closed until the weather gets better.
Spring
Starting off at an average temperature of 4° Celsius and increasing to a typical maximum of 22° Celsius, the springtime period is a quieter time for travelers to visit Hungary before the influx of visitors arrive for the summer.
If you want to attend one of Hungary’s most unique events, you should make sure to be present at the start of spring for the Busójárás celebration. A tradition to vanquish winter, the South-Slavic Šokci group from Mohács dress themselves in wooden masks and shearling jackets and march around the town to the tone of folk music instruments and cannon shots throughout the day, while the night is illuminated with crackling bonfires.
In the far opposite end of the nation, Hollókő, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been conserved, holds a yearly Easter Festival showcasing conventional treats, artisanry, and folk tunes, as well as the customary practice of locsolkodás, in which men shoot drizzles of liquid onto the ladies in return for shots of palinka, a traditional illustration of a fertility ritual of ancient times.
Summer
When the temperatures get very hot in the late twenties, Hungary holds its most popular music festivals. Those who lead a life of digital nomadism and are passionate about live events can appreciate a variety of music, from hip-hop and rock to electronic dance music and folk.
Sziget Festival, one of the most renowned music events, takes place on an island in the Danube near Budapest, hosting renowned acts like the Arctic Monkeys, Kings of Leon, Justin Bieber, Dua Lipa, Calvin Harris, and Steve Aoki. The word ‘Sziget’ translates to ‘island’ in English.
Remember, Budapest can be very hot and muggy when temperatures are high, which isn’t ideal for digital nomads who are used to drier climates.
Fortunately, it is not difficult to get to Lake Balaton from both Budapest, the capital, and Pécs. This place is very popular in the summertime when the Balaton Sound electronic music event takes place. In the hotter months, visiting Europe’s largest lake offers loads of entertainment options beyond music; visitors can check out the ruins at Szigliget fortress, explore caves surrounding the lake, sample wine from nearby vineyards, admire the baroque rooms of Festetics Palace, or embark on a pilgrimage to the monastery complex of Pannonhalma Archabbey. In the month of June, the town of Tihany near by holds its Lavender Festival which includes lavender-infused beer, mementos, and lavender frozen treats.
Autumn
Visiting Hungary in the autumn may be more desirable due to its milder climate and slightly increased precipitation. It may be the most agreeable period to explore, whether you intend to hang out in the cities or go meandering in the outdoors.
Now is also the perfect opportunity for gourmet lovers to explore, as numerous celebrations devoted to beverages and cuisine are happening everywhere. Visiting Budapest in September offers two amazing festivals; one being the Wine Festival that is held in the stunning backdrop of Buda Castle and the other being the Beer Festival which gives those passionate about craft beverages the opportunity to meet the newest brewers while they indulge in copious amounts of beer. If you’re looking to experience something more traditional, why not visit the town of Gyula, which is located east of Szeged? Every year, they celebrate the Palinka Festival, which provides an opportunity for people to sample the various forms of Hungary’s national fruit brandy.
Winter
December and January are the chilliest times in Hungary, when snow blankets the land and structures appear as if clothed in delicate white apparel. If you have the necessary clothing for cold weather, winter can be a great season to be a digital nomad, both in metropolitan areas and rural areas. Ice rinks can often be seen, as well as Christmas fairs and people taking dips in hot springs.
During November and February, which lie on both sides of the winter season, rainfall and fog are more likely. However, it is also an excellent opportunity to partake in the abundance of cultural experiences Hungary provides. Budapest is renowned for its exceptional classical concerts at places like Müpa, the Hungarian State Opera, and the Liszt Academy.
Cost of Living
Hungary is highly attractive to digital nomads due to its budget-friendly cost of living. In comparison to other European nations, prices for rent, groceries, public transportation, and the web are quite economical. Digital nomads are typically paying around 150,000 Forints, which is equal to roughly $690 USD or €520 EUR. You will have to shell out a bit more money in Budapest compared to other parts of Hungary since it is the main tourist destination in the country and has been developed more than many other places in Hungary.
Breaking down the cost of living, you can expect to pay:
The cost of renting a small flat outside of Budapest is 50,000 Forints, which is equivalent to $160 USD or €144. Inside Budapest, the price is 70,000 Forints, which is roughly $226 USD or €200.
Food: 1000-3000 Forints ($3-10/€3-9) per meal
Public transport costs $30 for a monthly pass, the fares for a taxi start at $2.4, and the only cost of driving in a private car is the price of gasoline per liter, which is $1.
Internet: $13-15 per month.
Digital Nomad Essentials
Digital nomads congregate in locations that provide for their needs. These requirements entail access to the web, shared workplaces, coffee houses, and events/groups for digital nomads.
Internet
Do not be mislead by Hungary’s agricultural origins – the country possesses some of the most splendid broadband and mobile internet connections on the planet. The speed of its internet services are placed 12th globally for broadband, and 39th for mobile.
Digital nomads are able to take advantage of internet download and upload rates of 199.47MBps and 94.38MBps, respectively. For cellular internet, 57.13MBps for downloads and 14.60MBps for uploads.
Talk about reliability and speed!
Coworking
There are several coworking spaces in different cities. Some of the well-known names in the coworking world are Impact Hub, Xponential Coworking, KOHO, Kapca Coworking, Flow Coworking, and ProWorking.
Offices shared by different companies are scattered throughout Hungary’s many cities, including Budapest and Pecs. Sopron, Szeged and Debrecen. If you are a digital nomad, you can be sure that Hungary offers plenty of spaces in which you can work comfortably, while also interacting with other digital nomads.
Cafes
Hungarian culture has come to include coffeehouses and cafes. Although cafés are much more of a common characteristic in the United States, they still show up in various places in Hungary. Digital nomads are able to connect with one another, hold conferences and access tasks over a cup of joe and an available Wi-Fi connection.
Digital nomad events/community
Not all Hungarian cities are open to those living the digital nomad lifestyle, however, there are some where you can feel comfortable. Cities that are suitable for digital nomads with the mandatory needs that include places to live, work at, and internet access are Budapest, Debrecen, and Pecs. Sopron and Szeged.
You are sure to come across numerous other digital nomads in these cities and attend functions conducted in coffeehouses and coworking areas.
Hungary Digital Nomad Visa
It has not been long since Hungary made the choice to mimic Estonia and Croatia and devise what is usually called a digital nomad visa (DNV). The Hungarian government has given the name “White Card” to a permit that permits individuals in specific occupations to exist in the nation for as long as a year, and the choice to broaden the authorization for the second year.
People from the UK, USA, Canada, or Australia do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area and are allowed to stay in Hungary for 90 days out of 180 total days when traveling for specific reasons without applying for a White Card. Some examples of why one might be travelling for work include going to business or sales gatherings, doing research, meeting with clients or patrons, presenting or listening at a symposium, and many other reasons.
For any other job, digital nomads will need to acquire a White Card. This requires two steps: initially, you need to fill out an application for the residence permit in your homeland, which will give you an entry visa. Once you have arrived in Hungary, the next step is to go to the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (NDGAP) to obtain the White Card.
Digital Nomad Hungary Conclusion
The blend of reliable web access and a low cost of living is a great enticement for anyone with the option of working from a distance.
Hungary offers true variety for any visitor. Whether enjoying a beer in an old bar or lounging over coffee with a view of the Danube, Budapest contains a multicultural atmosphere that showcases its huge influx of foreign residents – in the past 20 years, there has been a boost in immigration to this stunning city.
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