In terms if ‘best of’ lists of cities, Budapest usually finds a spot. A lesser known list than, say Conde Nast Travelers top travel-destination list, but one that may be more of a harbinger of a city on the rise, is what’s known as the ‘Nomad List’. That’s a list of cities that are considered best for digital nomads, people who spend their lives traveling for long stretches and working as freelancers, remote workers, or online entrepreneurs. Though the list on nomadlist.com is ever changing according to shifting criteria and metrics, Budapest is currently rated the top city in the world for digital nomads, beating out such perennial nomad favorites as Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Lisbon, Portugal.

Why does Budapest scratch digital nomads where they itch? Affordability is of course paramount. For workers on international wages, the rents are still reasonable, about half the price of an apartment in a typical US city. Also, the textured culture and nightlife is attractive, as is the broadband, which one nomad described as ‘fast and furious’. Though Budapest is a bit late to catch up to the phenomenon of digital nomadism, there are new co-working spaces spaces opening all the time and serviced apartments that cater to short-term living.

Other than affordability, let’s look at a few other amenities that Budapest digital nomads cite as reasons for making it the top spot to spend time in.

Nightlife: People who won’t be sticking around long appreciate accessible night life. Rooftop films at Corvin Rooftop are a hit, having both a cultural event and club-like atmosphere. Gozsdu Udvar is one-stop shopping for a night of food and fun.

Nature: The huge, green spaces like Margit Island are appreciated as places for solo or group yoga, running tracks, and abundant walking spaces. Budapest is a bus ride away from hills for hiking, and caves for caving.

Transport: Though Hungarians and long-term residents alike bemoan the public transport, in reality the wide-reaching and dependable tram, bus, and metro services are great, inexpensive ways to see the city. Nomads who have been in New York, where the subway is constantly breaking down, or Ho Chi Minh City, where you can’t walk for the all the motorbikes, love that Budapest is accessible without a car.

Fancy coffees with a side of Wifi. In particular nomads cite the new Megvető café, owned by the venerable Hungarian publishing house of the same name, and coffee bar Fekete as favorite spots to get work done in.

Classic Budapest: nobody comes to Budapest exclusively for the modern. Travelers love the old-world feel the city is so famous for, not to mention their loyalty to their home cuisine. Both architecture and Hungarian food are much touted by those who spent time here.

Digital nomads are people who left their home to see the world as they work. Having been around, they are a sophisticated and demanding bunch. To land on top of a list curated by such nomads means that not only has Budapest arrived, but worldly travelers have arrived (here) as well.

Flatpack Films is based in Budapest, Hungary. We are a film company that offers an inspiring and professional work atmosphere for our local and international clients. Since our inception, our focus has been providing the best of the best in terms of local production resources, locations, cast, and technical teams to ensure that whatever the production we facilitate, we do to highest standard possible.