Budapest continues its magnetic pull for digital nomads and bold enterprises seeking European vibrancy with first-mover economics. The Danube-split city delivered big in 2025: medieval Buda’s hills house those #25-ranked Sights & Landmarks, while modern Pest buzzes with new energy around its revamped City Park and expanding hospitality scene. The past year has been busy for new hotels, including Hungary’s first Radisson Collection and the anticipated Kimpton BEM Budapest from IHG, with 22 more hotels and 3,000 additional rooms planned over five years. The investment surge reflects Budapest’s climbing rankings: Health ranks impressively at #12 globally, supporting the #31 Family-Friendly Attractions rating that attracts international talent. Most compelling for businesses: unemployment is low (#19 globally), while Educational Attainment ranks #17 worldwide. The UAE’s committed $5 to $6 billion mega-development at the old Rakosrendezo train station grounds promises Europe’s tallest skyscraper, while foreign investors eye billions in real estate investments through 2025. That buzz extends to culture, where the Museum of Ethnography and House of Music Hungary continue elevating the city’s appeal. Budapest’s leaders remain protective of urban character, successfully blocking government attempts to overdevelop historic areas while welcoming sustainable growth that strengthens the city’s #31 ranking in our overall Livability index.