Budapest is a city to which you want to return again and again. Its rich history, architectural monuments, warm atmosphere and friendly residents create unforgettable impressions. One of the advantages of the Hungarian capital is its affordable accommodation, which makes it a great choice for travelers on a variety of budgets. We’ve visited Budapest many times and stayed in different areas, so in this guide we’ll share our own experiences and recommendations on where to stay based on your needs and preferences.
The best areas of Budapest for tourists: our recommendations
- For first visit: The Central District, or District V (05), is an ideal choice for first-timers to Budapest. This is the heart of the city, where the most famous sights are located, such as the Parliament House, Vaci Street, St. Stephen’s Basilica. There are also many restaurants, cafes and shops, which makes it convenient for walking. More details can be found in our post ♥ “Budapest: everything you need to know“
- For family holidays: Districts XII and II are quiet places with a lot of green areas. They are suitable for families with children, as there are parks, Gellert Mountains and Buda Castle for the whole family to explore.
- For a romantic holiday: Buda (District I) on the west bank of the Danube is a quieter area, ideal for couples or those looking for a quieter atmosphere. Here is the Royal Palace, terraces with impressive views of the city, as well as the famous thermal baths.
Where to stay in Budapest: accommodation options for any budget
- Budget hotels:
- Ibis Budapest Centrum is a great choice for budget travelers. It offers clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices, and its location makes it easy to reach the main attractions. Or a hotel of the same chain in which we stayed and can recommend Ibis Budapest City.
- Full Moon Budapest is a stylish hotel with a creative design that combines comfort and affordable prices.
- Medium price segment hotels:
- Hotel Moments Budapest is a hotel with a charming historical atmosphere and modern comfort, perfect for travelers looking for a balance between price and quality. Breakfast is included in the price.
- Mercure Budapest Korona is a well-located hotel with cozy rooms and excellent service.
- Luxury hotels:
- Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest is a combination of luxury, historical heritage and modern service at the highest level.
- Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection is a luxurious hotel that impresses with its design and offers the highest quality service.
Budapest: history of districts and amenities for tourists
Tourists should pay attention to districts I and II (Buda), III (Obuda) and V, VI, VII, VIII and IX (Pest). District V is the commercial and tourist center of the city, while District VI is known for its cultural institutions, including the Opera House. District VII is a hotbed of Jewish culture and is famous for its “ruin pubs” that attract young people and tourists who love nightlife.
Tips for choosing an area
- Closer to history: If museums, galleries and historic sites are your thing, consider accommodation options in Districts I or V.
- Peaceful rest: For those who are looking for peace, the districts of Buda – I or II are ideal, where you can enjoy nature and rest from the city bustle.
- Active nightlife: If you are looking for entertainment, bars and clubs, then District VII is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the energy of Budapest at night.
This guide will help you find the perfect area for your trip, taking into account a variety of requests and budgets. Regardless of whether you are visiting for the first time or are already familiar with the city, Budapest will always find something to surprise you. For example, we have already been to Budapest 5 times, we like this fantastic city.
1. Castle hill and district I (Budavar)
One of the main highlights of the Budavar district is the picturesque Castle Hill, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic district, located on the west bank of the Danube, is filled with tourists during the day, who enjoy the atmosphere of the old streets and the sights. However, in the evening, life here noticeably dies down, leaving a few open pubs and restaurants, but no active night scene.
Budapest tours on an electric scooter with a 30-minute stop. in Buda Castle.
This area is ideal for those who appreciate a quiet stroll through the atmospheric streets in the evening after a busy day. At the same time, it should be taken into account that accommodation prices here are higher than in Pest – it is one of the most expensive areas of Budapest.
- Royal Palace is a symbol of centuries-old history and culture of Hungary.
- Matthias Church is a Gothic pearl of Budapest with a rich history. Ticket to Matthias Church.
- Fisherman’s Bastion is an observation deck with a fantastic view of Pest and the Danube.
- Hungarian National Gallery is a museum of fine arts containing masterpieces of Hungarian artists.
- Sándor Palace is the official residence of the Hungarian president.
Where to stay in the Budavar area:
- Buda Castle Fashion Hotel is a stylish hotel with an excellent location close to the main attractions of Castle Hill. Offers a high level of service, but at a fairly high price.
- Monastery Boutique Hotel Budapest – located on the lower levels of the district, a few minutes’ walk from public transport stops.
You can get to Castle Hill by bus, go up on foot or use the cable car. When choosing accommodation in this area, it is worth considering that some hotels are located at the level of the Danube or halfway between the top of the hill and the embankment.
2. District V (Belváros – Lipótváros) is the best place for a short visit
District V is the historic center of Pest, offering many attractions and commercial establishments. It is home to the city’s most famous symbols, such as the Parliament Building and St. Stephen’s Basilica. The district stretches along the Danube embankment from Margaret Bridge to the Main Market (Nagy Vásárcsarnok).
This area is an ideal choice for those who come to Budapest for a short time and want to see as much as possible. Staying here, you will find yourself in the center of events, where all the main attractions will be within walking distance, and the proximity to metro stations will ensure the convenience of moving around the city.
- Parliament building is one of the most recognizable buildings in Europe, located on the embankment of the Danube.
- St. Stephen’s Basilica is the largest church in Budapest, with an observation deck on the dome. Buy ticket.
- Budapest Main Market is a historic market with a wide selection of products, souvenirs and local delicacies.
- Margit Bridge – connects central Budapest with Margit Island, which is a great place for walking and relaxing.
Excursion with audio guide to see the Hungarian Parliament building. The tour lasts 45-60 minutes.On this audio-guided tour, you’ll have the opportunity to get to know the highlights of the Hungarian Government Residence and explore the building.
Where to stay in the V area:
- Pal’s Hostel and Apartments is a cozy hostel near St. Stephen’s Basilica, offering a variety of accommodation options: from budget rooms to more expensive apartments with private bathrooms.
- Budapest Holidays Harmony – modern apartments in the very center of the district, near the metro station.
- Estilo Fashion Hotel Budapest is a conveniently located hotel offering a high level of comfort and easy access to transport.
3. District VI (Terézváros) is housing on the most prestigious street in Budapest
District VI (Térezváros) is known for its main avenue, Andrássy út, which is one of the most famous streets in Budapest and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along this majestic street, you will find numerous historical sights, including the Hungarian State Opera House, luxury shops, cafes and restaurants.
Accommodation in the area around Andrassy Avenue is usually more expensive, especially in the western part of the area. However, it’s worth going a little further and you can find more affordable options, such as apartments in historic townhouses. During one of our visits to Budapest, we found a great accommodation in the area that perfectly combined price, quality and a great location.
- Adagio Downtown Rooms is one of the most popular options in the area, located next to the metro station and within walking distance of major attractions such as the Haza Terror Museum and Saint Stephen’s Basilica.
- Broadway City Guesthouse is a budget option for those looking for affordable accommodation. Its advantages are the price and location, although comfort and amenities will be minimal here.
4. District VII (Erzsébetváros) is an ideal choice for nightlife lovers
District VII (Erzebetvaros) has experienced a kind of renaissance in recent years. This is the former Jewish quarter, where there was a ghetto during World War II. After the war, the area fell into disrepair, but in recent years it has become one of the city’s most vibrant entertainment hubs.
The district has preserved its historical heritage, in particular, the Great Synagogue is located here – the second largest in the world. Skip-the-line ticket. But at the same time, legendary ruin bars, cafes and cultural centers were created on the site of old buildings. In the courtyards of former houses, beer gardens are now open, which gather many people in the evening.
Where to stay in the Erzhebetvaros area:
- Omega Guesthouse is a budget option with simple but clean rooms. The hotel is located next to the M2 metro station, which is a big plus for convenient movement around the city.
- AnVa House is an apartment on Kazinczy utca, which makes this place ideal for those who want to be in the heart of the entertainment district.
- The Magazine Rooms is a more luxurious option with modern amenities, including a rooftop pool.
However, if you are looking for peace and quiet, Erzhebetvaros is not the best choice, as the area is known for its active nightlife.
5. Heroes’ Square – peace and greenery
If you are looking for a quiet and cozy place to relax, you should consider an accommodation option near Heroes’ Square (Hősök Tere). This place is famous for its majestic memorial and green parks, including the Vajdahunyad Park with its charming castle, which is one of the most striking architectural landmarks of Budapest.
The first time we visited the Hungarian capital, we stopped in this area. However, on subsequent visits we were already looking for accommodation closer to the center to have easier access to the main tourist attractions.
Where to stay in the Heroes’ Square area:
- Ibis Budapest Heroes Square – a chain hotel located a few minutes’ walk from the Hősök Tere metro station, providing easy access to other parts of the city.
6. District VIII (Józsefváros) — accommodation away from tourists
District VIII (Jožefváros) occupies a fairly large area and has a mixed reputation. However, it should be considered as two separate subdistricts. The first, from the Erwin Szabo Library to Josef Street, has preserved the beauty of the old facades and is home to university buildings and stylish pubs. The further east you go from Józef Street, the less attractive the neighborhood becomes.
If you are looking for more affordable accommodation, you should pay attention to the area east of the Keleti train station. However, be careful as the area can be dangerous at night.
Where to stay in Jozefvaros:
- Central Hotel 21 – popular hotel with good prices.
- Palazzo Zichy – a more luxurious option, located in a restored neo-baroque palace.
The area is served by the M4 metro line (including Rákóczi tér station), although it’s worth remembering that the green line doesn’t pass directly by the tourist attractions, so you may need to transfer to the M2 or M3 line.
7. District IX (Ferencvaros) is more budget accommodation in Budapest
Ferencváros is a large district along the Danube. This place is associated with the local football club Ferencvaros, whose stadium is located here.
The area has undergone many changes in recent years, with new museums, the Gallery of Contemporary Art and the Holocaust Center. Despite these transformations, the district has retained its authentic character.
Ferencváros has many pubs and beer halls, including Elesztőház, one of the popular pubs in ruins, a favorite for craft beer connoisseurs. Compared to the 7th district, there are more local residents.
Famous sights of the district:
- Central Market
- Museum of Applied Arts
- Museum at the distillery
- Dandar Bath
Where to stay in Ferencvaros area:
- Boulevard City Guesthouse is a popular self-catering guesthouse.
- Millennium Hotel is a bit outdated, but a budget option near the metro station.
- Dean’s College is a modern hotel located a few minutes’ walk from the subway station.
Although Ferencvaros is not the cheapest area, you can find very good value for money here, as well as easy access to the city center by tram or metro.
8. Obuda is the third component of Budapest
Obuda, or administrative district III, is located north of Castle Hill. This area is known to tourists for its Fő tér square, surrounded by baroque palaces and pubs, as well as Roman monuments. However, apart from the area around Fő tér, the rest of the area is a typical residential sector. It is best to look for accommodation east of Flórián tér.
The choice of accommodation in Ubud is not very impressive, but the prices here are slightly lower than in the more touristy areas of the city. However, it is worth considering that this area is far from the main tourist attractions, so getting to the center will be much more difficult – you will have to use public transport.
Where to stay in Budapest – Obuda district:
- Danube Apartman Budapest is an example of an apartment converted into hotel accommodation that receives good reviews. However, the center can only be reached by bus.
Accommodation in Budapest
Budapest has a wide range of accommodation options. Large hotels and chain hotels are mainly located in districts V and VI. In the Castle District (I) you can find luxury boutique hotels or apartments in historic buildings.
Districts VII to IX have adapted to the growing demand: hundreds of guest houses, hostels and rented apartments in townhouses have appeared here. Apartments are a good choice for those who want more space and, for example, a kitchen. However, it should be remembered that some of these apartments may be in old and neglected buildings.
Which side of the Danube is better to stay in Budapest?
Choosing the right side of the Danube depends on your vacation style. If you like a calm and secluded atmosphere, the west side (Buda and Ubud) may suit you. However, it should be remembered that in this case the evening return by public transport from Pest will be more difficult.
If exploring the sights and having easy access to public transportation is important to you, consider staying in Districts V or VI.
Districts VII-IX are more suitable for those who want a less formal character and proximity to pubs, bars and clubs.
What places should you beware of in Budapest?
First of all, it should be emphasized that Budapest is a safe city. In its central part, there are no places where no one goes.
Of course, due to the large number of tourists, pickpockets can be found here, but this is no different from other big cities.
The recommendation not to stay on the eastern side of Nagy Körút Boulevard is primarily due to the fact that this is a less touristy and not very well-kept area, where you can often meet people with drug problems and homeless people . Of course, there are certain streets that even local residents are wary of.
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