He worked to become a teacher and taught at schools in Baja (1905–06), Szeged (1906–08), Fogaras (1908–11), Újpest (1911), and Budapest (1912–18).

This experience led him to translate Dante's Divine Comedy (Hell, 1913, Purgatory, 1920, and Paradise, 1923).

He became the editor-in-chief of Nyugat in 1929 (sharing the role until 1933 with Zsigmond Móricz), a position he held until his death.

He also wrote essays and translated much from English, French, German, Greek, Italian, and Latin.

There is a museum in Szekszárd showcasing Mihály Babits's work and life, as well as a memorial building in Esztergom.