Living in District 10: Budapest’s Most Underrated Neighborhood
When people think of living in Budapest, they usually imagine charming streets in District V, nightlife in District VII, or riverside apartments in Buda. But Budapest is made up of 23 districts each with its own identity, rhythm, and story.
And while some districts bask in the limelight, others remain in the shadows, waiting to be discovered.
One such hidden gem is District 10 – Kőbánya. A district often overlooked, sometimes dismissed, but increasingly relevant for those seeking affordability, authenticity, and space. With a rich industrial past, evolving infrastructure, and a deeply local vibe, Kőbánya is the Budapest you don’t see on postcards—but should.
Let’s explore what it’s really like to live in District 10, and why it might just surprise you.
1. Where Is District 10? Understanding Kőbánya’s Place in the City
District X, or Kőbánya, lies on the Pest side, southeast of the city center. Its name—literally meaning “Stone Mine”—hints at its industrial roots. Historically, this area was home to
- stone quarries
- beer breweries
- brick factories
- working-class communities that supported Budapest’s rapid development in the 19th and 20th centuries
Today, the district still carries echoes of its past—abandoned factories, massive brick buildings, railway tracks—but it also offers
- parks
- residential neighborhoods
- growing infrastructure
Kőbánya is far from the glossy Budapest often shown in real estate ads. But that’s exactly why many find it appealing.
2. Who Lives in District 10 Today?
Kőbánya is one of the most diverse and layered districts in the city. While still home to many older, working-class Hungarian families, it has also become a destination for:
- young couples and professionals priced out of central districts
- students looking for affordable housing with good transit access
- immigrants and international workers, especially from Asia and the Balkans
- families seeking larger homes, green areas, and kindergartens
The diversity creates a lively, multilingual, multicultural environment. You’ll find everything from Hungarian butcher shops to Vietnamese supermarkets to authentic Chinese restaurants—often side-by-side in the same block.
3. The Cost of Renting in Kőbánya: Still a Bargain?
If there’s one thing that makes District 10 extremely attractive—it’s the cost of living.
You can still find:
- studio flats from 120,000–150,000 HUF/month
- 1-bedroom apartments around 150,000–180,000 HUF/month
- 2-bedroom places from 180,000–240,000 HUF/month, sometimes with balconies or even small gardens
Compare that to District V or VI, where a basic 1-bedroom can cost 250,000 HUF+, and you begin to see the appeal.
Kőbánya also has a large number of
- panel buildings (panelház)
These Hungarian communist-era apartment blocks offer functional layouts and affordable rent, though often with outdated interiors.
For those seeking
- space
- savings
- starter homes
Kőbánya is still one of the best-value areas in Budapest.
4. Public Transportation and Accessibility
Kőbánya may not be central, but it’s well-connected:
- M3 Metro Line (Kőbánya-Kispest is the southern terminus)
- major tram lines (28, 37, 62) and bus connections
- Kőbánya Railway Station for suburban and intercity trains
- 20–30 minutes to the inner city by public transport
- easy car access to Hungária körút and M0 motorway
Commuting is practical, and if you don’t mind a 20-minute ride to the heart of Pest, you’ll get used to it quickly.
5. Daily Life in Kőbánya: What’s It Like?
Living in District 10 is about simplicity, space, and local rhythm
Shopping & Daily Errands
- affordable local markets (Kőbányai Vásárcsarnok)
- Lidl, Penny, Aldi, and Tesco stores are plentiful
- malls like Árkád or Köki Terminál nearby for more variety
Green Spaces
- Óhegy Park – large, green, and great for families, sports, or dogs
- sport facilities – football, tennis, running tracks
- Kőbánya Park Forest – a lesser-known but peaceful natural area
Dining and Food
Don’t expect vegan brunch cafés or specialty espresso bars on every corner—but you’ll find:
- authentic Vietnamese pho and bun cha
- Hungarian diners (étkezde) with homemade lunch menus
- Chinese street food spots loved by locals and international students
6. Significant Landmarks and Hidden Gems in District 10
Though not famous for grand boulevards or UNESCO sites, District 10 has its own unique landmarks—some historic, others surprising. These places reflect the district’s working-class roots, industrial past, and quiet beauty, offering culture, history, and a strong sense of place.
- St. László Church – An Art Nouveau masterpiece by Ödön Lechner with colorful tiles and bold design
- Dreher Brewery – Still active and steeped in beer history, this site connects Kőbánya to national tradition
- Kőbánya Cellars – Underground tunnels from mining days, now used for events and filming
- Óhegy Park – One of the best-kept green spaces in the city, family- and dog-friendly
- Kőbánya Synagogue – A reflection of the area’s Jewish history, now a cultural venue
- Füzér Street Water Tower – A towering relic of the district’s industrial power
- Pongrácz-telep – A preserved example of socialist worker housing, full of community stories
7. Famous People from or Living in District 10
Though not flashy or high-profile, Kőbánya has produced several figures of national significance, especially in sports and the arts:
- László Papp – The iconic three-time Olympic boxing champion trained in and is associated with Kőbánya
- József Katona – Born in Kőbánya, this renowned actor of the National Theatre is honored by the Katona József Theatre
- Tamás Cseh – One of Hungary’s most beloved singer-songwriters, spent part of his youth in Kőbánya
While celebrities often prefer Buda or inner Pest, Kőbánya remains home to artists, creators, and musicians who value space and soul over prestige.
8. Pros and Cons of Living in District 10
Pros
- very affordable rent
- spacious apartments and green areas
- diverse, multicultural population
- good transport connections
- authentic Hungarian life
Cons
- some areas feel neglected or run-down
- lack of trendy cafés or nightlife
- language barrier in many places
- industrial and urban aesthetic
- not expat-oriented; fewer international services
9. Who Should Consider Moving to Kőbánya?
Ideal for
- expats and locals on a tight budget
- students at Semmelweis University, ELTE, or BME
- families needing larger apartments
- long-term renters who care more about value than location prestige
- remote workers who don’t need daily access to the city center
Maybe not ideal for
- party lovers wanting to be close to bars and nightlife
- those who prioritize aesthetic and architecture
- short-term renters looking for trendy surroundings
10. Conclusion: What If the City’s Best-Kept Secret Is Right Under Your Feet?
Kőbánya doesn’t try to impress you. There are no selfie-ready boulevards, no designer boutiques, no rooftop prosecco bars. But maybe that’s the point.
Maybe the real story of Budapest isn’t in the curated center but in its quiet corners—where history lingers underground, where real people live without filters, where you hear five languages on the tram and smell freshly baked lángos outside a Vietnamese bistro.
Maybe there’s more to District 10 than anyone realizes. And maybe—just maybe—it’s not the district that needs to change. Maybe we just need to look closer.
Because sometimes, the most overlooked place—holds the biggest surprise.
Feature img: Fotó: iho.hu/Vörös Attila
