The 7 best libraries in Budapest for studying are the following.
- Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library
- Corvinus University Library
- CEU Library
- BME Central Library
- ELTE University Library
- Library of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences
- National Library of Foreign Literature
Fortunately, almost every university has its library, and most of them are awesome. All of them are suitable for undisturbed studying.
A library membership costs around 1000-2000 HUF (2.5-5 EUR / 2.6-5.3 USD) for your semester or even for a year. Corvinus University Library and Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library are the most expensive ones.
As a general rule of thumb, use your host university’s library. The reason is simple: you’ll find the most useful books for your study there. By being a member of that university you are eligible for the same services as full members (including borrowing books).
Sometimes the host university library is not the best place to study, because the range of books is small. In these cases, it’s worth choosing a public library, or another university’s library.
Our seven libraries in Budapest are excellent choices for peaceful studying, they have a vast collection of books and are beautiful inside & outside.
Seven libraries for undisturbed studying in Budapest for students
- Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library
- Corvinus University Library
- CEU Library
- BME Central Library
- ELTE University Library
- Library of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences
- National Library of Foreign Literature
Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library
Also known as the Fővárosi Szabó Ervin könyvtár in Hungarian. It’s located at Kálvin tér, close to many universities like Corvinus and ELTE. Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library is the largest library in the city and a breathtaking historical venue.
Its rooms offer a quiet, inspiring environment perfect for students seeking a peaceful study retreat. The library has an extensive collection of books, newspapers, reading spaces, and modern study facilities, making it a favourite among local and international students alike.
The library’s building is so beautiful itself that it’s worth visiting as a sight in Budapest.
- Address: Szabó Ervin tér 1, 1088 Budapest
- Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00 from Monday to Friday, 10:00-16:00 on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.
- Membership Fee: 2000 HUF (5 EUR / 5.3 USD) for a quarter of a year, 2700 HUF (6.85 EUR / 7.3 USD) for half a year, and 3900 HUF (9.9 EUR / 10.5 USD) for a year (student discount already included).
Corvinus Library
Situated within building C of Corvinus University of Budapest, this library serves as a central hub for students of economics, social sciences, and business studies.
The library offers academic resources, including digital databases and specialized research materials.
We highly recommend going there early in the morning, especially during exam periods. Corvinus Library is very popular amongst external university students, like SOTE (Medical University of Budapest).
- Address: Közraktár utca 4-6, 1093 Budapest
- Opening Hours: 08:00-20:30 from Monday to Friday, 10:00-16:00 on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.
- Membership Fee: 4000 HUF (10 EUR / 10.6 USD) for half a year, 5500 HUF (14 EUR / 14.9 USD) for a year (for non-Corvinus students).
CEU Library
The Central European University (CEU) Library stands out for its innovative design and state-of-the-art resources. Known for its strong collections in the social sciences and humanities, it supports a diverse, international academic community.
The library features spacious, well-lit study areas and access to extensive electronic resources. You can find this library close to Deák Ferenc tér, the Hungarian Parliament, and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.
- Address: Nádor utca 15, 1051 Budapest
- Opening Hours: The opening hours of the CEU Library in Budapest are a bit hectic. Currently, these are the opening hours available on their website.
- Between 2nd and 7th January: 12:00-18:00 on weekdays, closed on weekends.
- Between 8th January and 31st July: 09:00-18:00 on weekdays, 12:00-18:00 on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.
- Membership Fee: registration is free, but the cost of producing the membership card is a 3 EUR / 3.19 USD one-time fee.
BME Central Library
The Central Library of the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) is a heaven for students of engineering, technology, and natural sciences. It offers a vast array of print and electronic materials, including patents and standards.
The exterior of the library looks like a building that came out of a Harry Potter book. Its interior is beautiful as well.
The library’s study rooms and silent areas are specifically designed to cater to the needs of students engaging in high-concentration tasks.
- Address: Budafoki út 4-6, 1111 Budapest
- Opening Hours: 08:00-20:00 on weekdays, closed on weekends.
- Membership Fee: 2500 HUF (6.3 EUR / 6.7 USD) for a year for non-BME students (free for students of BME).
ELTE University Library and Archives
The ELTE University Library is one of the oldest academic libraries in Hungary, rich in tradition and academic heritage. It serves a broad spectrum of academic disciplines with an extensive collection.
The library provides a peaceful atmosphere that ensures undisturbed studying for your exams.
This section is about the “central” library of ELTE, but the university has more libraries in Budapest for each important faculties. Based on your specific studies, you might want to choose the dedicated library of your faculty. Check it on eltekonyvtarak.elte.hu/en/!
- Address: Ferenciek tere 6, 1053 Budapest
- Opening Hours: 09:00-20:00 on weekdays, 10:00-18:00 on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.
- Membership Fee: free for ELTE students; free for external students if you don’t want to borrow books; 1000 HUF (2.5 EUR / 2.6 USD) for half a year, 1850 HUF (4.7 EUR / 5 USD) for a year if you want to borrow books.
Library of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences
This prestigious library is the supporter of the research and science needs of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. Its collections are rich in scientific literature and periodicals, both in Hungarian and in international languages.
The reading rooms offer a peaceful environment with views of the Danube, perfect for thoughtful study and innovative research work.
Borrowing is open only for the members of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, university teachers, PhD students, and anyone already having a PhD. If you don’t fall into these categories, don’t worry, you can still read the library’s books and newspapers but only within the library.
- Address: Arany János utca 1, 1051 Budapest
- Opening Hours: 09:00-20:00 on weekdays, closed on weekends.
- Membership Fee: 1400 HUF (3.5 EUR / 3.7 USD) for a year for students.
National Library of Foreign Literature
Located in downtown Budapest near the quayside of the Danube, this library is a treasure of international literature, offering materials in over 150 languages. An ideal spot for students studying languages and literature, or those looking for materials not commonly available in other local libraries.
- Address: Molnár utca 11, 1056 Budapest
- Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00 on Mondays and Tuesdays, 10:00-19:00 on Wednesdays and Fridays, closed on Thursdays and on the weekend.
- Membership Fee: 1750 HUF (4.4 EUR / 4.8 USD) for a year for students.
What should students know about libraries in Budapest?
Here are some useful information for international students in Budapest about libraries. These include membership, types of available services, and if external members can borrow books (spoiler: usually no).
How can I become an external member of a library?
You can become an external member by registering at the library, onsite. Some libraries have online registration, but you must always finish the registration process at the library, offline (e.g. showing your student ID).
You have to bring a valid personal ID (or passport) and also your student ID.
After registering and paying the membership fee, you’re free to use the library’s services!
What are the available services in libraries in Budapest?
The following services are available in the libraries in Budapest.
- Reading the available books and periodicals in the library
- Printing, scanning, and photocopy
- Use of libraries’ computers
- Free library wifi
- Booking meeting rooms
The range of services depends on the actual library.
Can I borrow books from the libraries as an external member?
No, external members can’t borrow books from university libraries, unless they spend their Erasmus at that particular university. It depends on the university library’s policy (e.g. you can borrow books from ELTE Library for a higher membership fee). Students can however borrow books from public libraries (e.g. Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library).
Some libraries, like CEU Library, also restrict access to some of their library databases.
You can read and use every book and newspaper of a library onsite as an external member, but you can’t take it home with you.
