Hungary is a landlocked Central European country bordered to the north by Slovakia, northeast by Ukraine, southeast by Romania, Serbia, and Croatia, southwest by Slovenia, and west by Austria. It has a rich and impressive history, lively culture, and varied landscapes. Whether you are attracted to the vibrant atmosphere of the capital city, Budapest, or the peacefulness of living by a lake, the country provides a range of choices for anyone planning to move to Hungary.
So, let’s examine in more detail some of the best places to live in Hungary.
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Best cities to live in Hungary
When considering the best places to live in Hungary, several cities stand out for their unique blend of culture, history, and modern amenities. Here is a list of the top cities in Hungary.
Budapest
The capital Budapest offers visitors and expats stunning and diversified architecture, wonderful cuisine, easy and convenient transportation, and is the country’s economic hub. It is a vibrant city that offers everything one can expect from a modern capital. Additionally, it is the most populous city in the country with leading world-ranked universities and is known for its affordable cost of living.
It is split by the Danube River into two parts, with some charming bridges connecting the city together. Going for a walk along one of these bridges can lead to a memorable experience. Situated on the eastern bank of the Danube, the Hungarian Parliament attracts tourists all year round. Considered a historical building, it is the highest structure in the country and was created using around 40 kg of gold.
Debrecen
Debrecen is the second-largest city in Hungary and is considered a distinguished cultural centre in the country and this might be due to the fact that it is considered “The Calvinist Rome” with the Great Church being a symbol of the city. It is also home to the University of Debrecen and Debrecen Reformed Theological University, which are considered among the top in the country, and the fact that it’s a university town gives it a youthful vibe.
The city’s economy is mainly financed by agriculture, health and educational initiatives. It offers old religious sites and is home to some classical museums. All these features contribute to the vibrant and culturally rich environment, making Debrecen an ideal place to live for those seeking a blend of academic excellence, cultural heritage, and economic opportunity.
Szeged
Often called the “city of sunshine,” Szeged is considered one of the best places to live in Hungary. It is the third-largest city in the country and home to the University of Szeged, one of the country’s top-rated universities, giving the city a youthful and energetic vibe.
Szeged’s charming streets are lined with lively cafes, creating a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. The city also boasts a bustling nightlife with a multitude of bars and restaurants, making it an ideal place for everyone who enjoys socializing and entertainment. With its sunny weather and vibrant lifestyle, Szeged stands out as a top choice for anyone looking to live in Hungary.
Gyor
Located in north-west Hungary, Gyor is one of the main regional centres as it’s the sixth-largest city in Hungary. It is considered to be a bustling metropolis with fast innovation and development. Much of the city’s economy centres around the automobile sector making Gyor a national hub for rail and road traffic. This city also offers an excellent business environment with a number of multinational companies established there.
Eger
If you’re searching for the best place to live in Hungary that combines rich history and vibrant culture, Eger should definitely be on your list. Located in the northern part of the country, this charming city is renowned for its historic castles and extravagant buildings, which make it a feast for the eyes. It also offers wonderful thermal baths and is famous for its high-quality wines. With a lively atmosphere filled with numerous restaurants and bars, Eger stands out as one of the best cities to live in Hungary for those who appreciate a blend of relaxation and excitement.
Pecs
Situated in Hungary’s south-west, Pecs has a long and glorious history. The city is famous for its numerous archaeological sites, drawing in hordes of tourists each year. What’s more, is the University of Pecs, the oldest in Hungary, is among the first universities in Europe. The city is connected to the rest of the country through convenient and easy transportation routes, which is also an important element of doing business there.
Keszthely
Keszthely is located near the banks of Lake Balaton. It is a small city with about 21,000 residents. Despite its small population, however, it draws in crowds due to being surrounded by rolling hills, beaches, forests and the lake. The city also offers magnificent historical buildings and exquisite townhouses. Some of the most notable attractions there are the Festetics Palace and the Balaton Museum. Providing a perfect blend of culture and scenic beauty it is not a surprise that this small city is among the best places to live in Hungary.
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Other great cities to live in Hungary
Sopron
Sopron, located near the Austrian border and Lake Neusiedi, stands out as a great place to live in Hungary, particularly for expatriates seeking a historic and charming environment. The old town of Sopron features cobblestone streets, historic structures, and the iconic Firewatch Tower. The area is also famous for its vineyards, with Sopron wines, particularly the Kékfrankos variety, gaining acclaim among wine enthusiasts.
Additionally, Sopron’s close proximity to Vienna offers easy access to the Austrian capital, making it an appealing choice for those seeking international experiences.
Heviz
This city is located on Lake Heviz about two hours south-west of Budapest. Lake Heviz is the second largest thermal lake in the country while Heviz Spa dates back to the late 18th century. With a small population of around 5,000, you can enjoy lots of stores, restaurants, a movie theatre, churches and more.
Cities and places in Hungary you should avoid
While most places in Hungary are considered safe, it’s best to avoid crowded areas, as they tend to attract thieves. Additionally, it’s advisable to stay away from deserted places, especially at night. According to some sources, there are certain streets in Budapest that should be avoided. They are: Diószeghy Sámuel Street in the 8th district, Szabadkai Road in the 9th district, the underpass at Nyugati Square, Kamaraerdei Road in the 22nd district, and Dunakeszi Road.
Takeaways
- One of the oldest European countries, Hungary is home to some amazing geothermal springs.
- Some of best cities to live in Hungary include Budapest, Debrecen, Szeged, Gyor, Eger, Pecs and Keszthely.
- If you’re looking for smaller places that still offer a unique experience, then Sporon and Heviz should be your main choice.
- Budapest, although a great city, does have some undesirable streets and you should be wary of pickpockets as well as avoiding deserted places at night.
If you have already decided to move to Hungary and picked up a city, your next step is to organize the international move. As this could be tricky, you might need help from a professional removal company to take care of everything and help you relocate.