Budapest – From historic castles to vibrant streets
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is an intersection of history, culture, and modern everyday life, with each district showcasing its own unique character.
What makes the city special is that every district combines elements in different proportions. The left and right banks of the Danube – Buda and Pest – offer completely different atmospheres and lifestyles: one features houses nestled in hilly green areas, providing peace and quiet, while the other exudes the rich historical charm of the inner city. Architectural styles and cultural life also vary from district to district. This makes it easier for newcomers to find a living environment that suits their individual needs.
The ARC team has not only observed the city’s transformation over the past three decades but has also provided comprehensive support through immigration, relocation, and destination services for expats and long-term movers alike. Over the years, ARC has become a recognised expert in those areas.
We know the unique character of each district in detail, and in previous LinkedIn posts, we have highlighted individual districts popular among expats, along with their defining features. We have now collected these posts in one place for our readers, providing newcomers with a clear and realistic picture of the city, beyond a simple map.
Budapest’s districts – something for everyone
Every district tells a different story and radiates a distinct atmosphere: some focus on historical monuments and classical architectural heritage, while others emphasise modern lifestyles, gastronomy, and cultural opportunities. Budapest has 23 districts. Below, you will find a one-sentence description of each, along with more detailed insights into the areas favoured by expats.
Please find our short guides about some of the most popular districts through the links, which can help you decide which districts to focus on when searching for a home. Each link provides short, informative posts offering insights into district life, local opportunities, and the unique characteristics of each area.
District I – Buda Castle and the historic quarter: LinkedIn post
District II – Green residential areas and elegant neighbourhoods: LinkedIn post
District III – Family-friendly district: LinkedIn post
District IV – Housing estates and riverside walks
District V – City centre and business hub
District VI – Cultural and theatre quarter
District VII – Nightlife and bohemian atmosphere
District VIII – Revitalised historic district: LinkedIn post
District IX – University and innovation centre: LinkedIn post
District X – Housing estates and transport hub
District XI – Modern residential area and technology centre: LinkedIn post
District XII – Hilly areas and green spaces
District XIII – Business district with an industrial past: LinkedIn post
District XIV – City Park and family-friendly neighbourhood
District XV – Houses with gardens and industrial zones
District XVI – Quiet residential areas and green parks
District XVII – Housing estates and new developments
District XVIII – Garden houses and suburban feel
District XIX – Family-friendly neighbourhood and riverside
District XX – Housing estates and green spaces
District XXI – Riverside and family-friendly area
District XXII – Nature-adjacent residential area
District XXIII – Southern suburb and industrial zone
Each link provides short, informative posts offering insights into district life, local opportunities, and the unique characteristics of each area.
The ARC team excels in destination services thanks to its deep knowledge of the city and local culture. If you are an expat and want to choose your new home based on your own experiences rather than others’ opinions, we highly recommend our orientation programme, which provides a personalised introduction to the city. For those arriving with a clear idea, our housing packages offer targeted support.
That also significantly facilitates the work of HR professionals: organising expat relocation and housing is handled by experts, so HR does not need to allocate extra time, energy, or resources. They receive reliable, predictable support, resulting in a faster, smoother relocation process and more satisfied, well-integrated employees.