Where to Stay in Budapest

Our Favorite Hotels in Budapest

• 5-Star: Four Seasons Hotel
• 4- Three-star accommodation: Apartamentos Mar y Playa
• 3-Star: Kalmár Guesthouse
•

• A77 Suites by Andronis./ • For Couples: Aria

  

  Table of Contents

  The Best Areas to Stay in Budapest

  • Map of Hotels and Neighborhoods in Budapest

  Buda and Pest were historically two independent cities divided by the Danube River and were brought together (along with Obuda) to form Budapest in 1873. Today, the city is split into 23 districts, with most inhabitants living on the more urban Pest side with its numerous tall, Romantic and Art Nouveau style structures. Pest is dominated by Castle Hill and the Royal Palace and feels much older with Gothic churches and ancient homes rarely surpassing a few stories high.

  Despite being a city of nearly 1.8 million residents, the central neighborhoods of Budapest are located in a relatively small area. This means that while you may choose to stay near certain attractions or activities, it is easy to walk or use public transportation to get to other parts of the city. There is no single best neighborhood for tourists; many (but not all) of the large, historical attractions are concentrated around The Castle District, Parliament, and Belváros, while absolutely lively nightlife can be found in the Jewish Quarter. The largest concentration of hotels is grouped in and around Belváros and the Jewish Quarter, but there are also numerous options in the Castle District which provides a more romantic choice and places you amidst cobblestone lanes and fairytale architecture. Other neighborhoods will be farther from the tourist zones but can offer a fascinating experience.

  Known as the Castle District (District I), this hilly western bank area of the Danube holds some stunning locations such as Matthais Church and the Royal Palace. During days especially in summer and on holidays and weekends, tourists swarm this region, so visiting early or late helps avoid crowds. Many of Budapest`s thermal baths fall within and just outside this district, like the Rudas Baths to the south of Elizabeth Bridge. Despite the significant tourism, good restaurants remain here and trendy nightlife spots exist in southern areas. It`s all easy to access on foot or public transit from the Pest side.

  Óbuda, Margaret Island, and Buda Hills (District III) are the quieter regions of the western riverbank and within the river itself (as is the case with Margaret Island). Óbuda has a village-like feel with aged architecture and some delightful dining choices. A major sight here is the Roman ruins at Aquincum, an especially good location for families to visit due to its spacious settings and history lessons. The Buda Hills serve as Budapest’s hiking, mountain biking, and sledding (during winter) area. Taking the Children’s Train here (operated by children under adult supervision) also offers particularly fun for kids. Margaret Island has parks, a swimming pool, and many open spaces. Wherever one goes, incredible views of the Danube and the Pest side of the river can be expected.”

  The Parliament area (District V) remains fairly quiet despite being adjacent to the busiest parts of downtown Budapest. Its grand streets are in very close proximity to the river, with numerous sights and many fantastic restaurants, making it an excellent place to lodge if you don’t want to be right at the center of activities, but near it. The magnificent Hungarian Parliament building consistently inspires awe regardless of how many times you walk around it. Liberty Square park has gardens, sidewalk eateries and restaurants, and a fountain that children enjoy.

  Belváros (also District V), just south of the Parliament area, is considered the heart of downtown and bustles with eateries and cafes, as well as major attractions such as St Stephens Cathedral and Váci Street, the city’s primary shopping avenue. You’ll find many of the larger hotels here as well as visitors, locals, and everyone in between. This region stretches northeast into Teréváros (District VI) that has a more community feel (yet remains busy and highly urban) and highlights include the House of Terror Museum and the Hungarian Opera House.

  The strongly emphasized Jewish Quarter (District VII), situated southeast of Belváros, holds the most densely populated part of the city and simply bustles with bars and clubs, notably the city’s famed Ruin Pubs located in graffiti-covered, deteriorated, communist-era, or earlier structures. As the name implies, there is also a lot of Jewish culture present ranging from the Great Synagogue to a handful of other temples and kosher restaurants. In between are arty shops and contemporary cafes. This is the place to lodge if one seeks to engage with Budapest’s youthful, trendy, and edgy-in-the-best-sense nightlife scene.

  Directing down to the Palace District (Jószefváros, District VIII), you’ll find a University atmosphere with more affordable eateries, some exquisite older libraries, and a distinctly less touristy feel – though still very near the sights and restaurants of downtown and only around a 15 to 20-minute walk to Ruin Pubs and the Jewish Quarter. The restaurants, cafes, and nightlife in this neighborhood are more bohemian and intellectual than unruly. It’s also home to the Hungarian National Museum, one of the city’s premier museums.

  Beyond the downtown core but only a half-hour walk or brief metro ride from the city center, the City Park region (District XIV) features major attractions like Heroes Square, the zoo, and multiple museums like the Museum of Fine Arts. The area also has an abundance of beautifully designed Art Nouveau and Secessionist architecture.

  The Best Places to Stay in Budapest

  

  • Best Luxury Hotels in Budapest
    Four Seasons Gresham Palace • Corinthia • Kempinski Corvinus • Anantara New York Palace • Prestige Hotel
  • Best Boutique Hotels in Budapest
    Aria • Pest-Buda Hotel • Gerlóczy Boutique Rooms • Hotel Rum
  • Best Cheap & Midrange Hotels in Budapest
    Pal’s Hostel & Apartments • Kalmár Panzió • Magazine Hotel & Apartments • Maverick City Lodge

  Best Areas in Budapest for…

  • District in Budapest Prime for Exploring: Castle District
    Exploring the Castle District involves merely turning corners to admire more romantic lanes, views over the Danube, Gothic churches, and world class museums. Begin at the Fisherman’s Bastion, cross the square to Matthias Church, wander around Castle Hill, then make your way over to the Royal Palace where a day could easily be spent surveying the buildings and exhibitions.
  • Best Area in Budapest for Night activities: Jewish Quarter
  • The Jewish Quarter stands out as not only the premier nightlife destination in Budapest but also among the finest in Europe. Famous `Ruin Bars` decorated creatively in found objects and art punctuate formerly dilapidated structures. They serve inexpensive beer and cultivate social mingling. A popular example, Szimpla Kert, hosts a Sunday farmers market and brunch buffet. Beyond the bars, the region yields fascinating Jewish history and contemporary culture alongside quality budget dining. The Karavan Food Court and modern Hungarian fare at Getto Gulyas enrich the culinary landscape. However, heavy weekend partying often centered around alcohol can at times overwhelm, mostly involving rowdy groups from the UK.
  • Best Area in Budapest for Culinary Options: Belváros
    This neighborhood offers such a wealth of excellent dining establishments that one could literally close their eyes and still stumble upon a venue serving something delectable. The variety is also extensive, allowing patrons to sample everything from the stand and eat meat-focused dishes at Belvárosi Disznotóros to the Parisian-style atmosphere at Gerlóczy Café or lovely views and inventive small plates at the Aria Hotel’s High Note SkyBar.

  

  • Best Budapest zones for families: Óbuda & Margaret Island
    Setting up in Óbuda places you in a tranquil neighborhood and near the hiking and outdoor locations of Buda Hills where you can take a train managed (under adult supervision) by children. Obtain a history lesson and enjoy more activities at the Aquincum Roman ruins. It’s quick and straightforward to access other parts of the city using the Metro.
  • Best Area in Budapest for First-time Visitors: Belváros
    First-time visitors will enjoy Belváros – it’s attractive, centrally located, packed with restaurants and attractions, and yet simple to wander up to the quieter area near Parliament, find a leafy park, or hop on public transportation for additional sightseeing in the Castle District. Accommodations can also be found to suit any budget.
  • Most Romantic Area in Budapest: Castle District
    The Castle District appears like a scene from a fairytale with its winding stone pathways, centuries-old structures, and the Gothic spires of Matthias Church rising prominently above. Many eating establishments here have a bistro flair: perfect for an intimate meal for two with a bottle of wine beside a white tablecloth. Then there are the views across the Danube to the Parliament building, small routes of stone steps to wander and get lost in, and nearby thermal baths to complete the experience.
  • Best area in Budapest for a local atmosphere: Palace District..

  Residing in this university neighborhood distances you from tourists and integrates you into a more stylish, free-spirited ambiance. Stroll through gorgeous ancient libraries and peruse in their reading rooms, spend time in flowery parks, visit some excellent museums, and sip coffee in tiny cafes. Great news – it’s all within a 10 to 20 minute walk to downtown.

  • Best Zone in Budapest for Walking: Belváros

  Any neighborhood in Budapest is great for wandering, but Belváros is the most central, so it’s speedy and simple to get just about anywhere. You can also leisurely discover to come across an assortment of backstreets and hole-in-the-walls, or even along the banks of the Danube, while admiring several architectural styles of historic structures.

  • Safest Areas of Budapest
    Anywhere in Buda and District V in Pest tend to be very safe. That said, Budapest in general is uncommonly safe, so long as standard precautions are taken like not walking alone, intoxicated, or late at night, and remaining aware of one`s surroundings.
  • Unsafe Areas of Budapest
    Theft from people still happens commonly in tourist areas of the city. Parts of the city you likely won’t visit, like Districts XIX and XXII, are known for prostitution, while underpasses at night anywhere in the city attract the homeless population and are deemed hazardous places by numerous locals.

  The 6 Best Neighborhoods in Budapest for Tourists

  

  1. Castle District

  The hilly western river district centers around castles. Cobblestone lanes wind by ancient houses overlooking the parliament building across the river in Pest. Start at Fisherman`s Bastion, a wall with scenic towers. An adjoining square leads to the Gothic spired church with colorful roof tiles. Further explore museums like the underground hospital, cafes and restaurants before heading south to the massive royal palace complex containing three museums, like the national gallery, worth a full day. Strolling the Chain or Elizabeth bridges between this hilly area and Pest provides more beautiful views.

  When exploring Budapest, two top hotel choices are the ” Pest-Buda Hotel“, situated along the Danube with panoramic city views, and the ” Hilton“, a large international chain hotel near major attractions
  • Affordable/Moderate Hotels of Good Value:Baltazár – Buda Castle – Kalmár Panzió

  2. Belváros & Parliament

  This central part of Budapest is the vibrant hub for entertainment, shopping, and dining. Despite the variety on offer, there remain many tranquil back streets and peaceful corners to explore. The area runs alongside the Danube River and encompasses several major landmarks like Parliament, the emotive Shoes on the Danube Memorial, and St Stephen’s Basilica. This is also home to Vaci Street, the principal shopping district. Architecture from different eras including Renaissance and Art Nouveau have been restored to a greater extent here than other parts of Pest, giving an interesting blend of styles. Accommodation catering to all budgets is plentiful in this location, providing an excellent base since dining options and sights are an easy walk or quick transport ride away.

  • Peak Hotels: Aria – Kempinski Corvinus – Four Seasons Gresham Palace – Gerlóczy Boutique Rooms
  • Reasonably Priced Hotels with Good Value: Magazine Hotel & Apartments • Pal’s Hostel & Apartments

  3. Jewish Quarter

  The most densely populated part of the location houses three gorgeous places of worship for Jews, including the Grand Synagogue, the largest Jewish place of ceremony externally to New York City. You`ll also discover loads of Jewish lifestyle here, like sustenance permitted by religious laws, but in truth, the Jewish population is lessening. Tourism is booming, yet, so the restaurant scene is one of the city`s best and most innovative. This area is best recognised for its nightlife though, primarily in the form of Ruin Pubs (bars in broken buildings), artistically enhanced with graffiti in a gritty style. Other drinking spots like brew pubs and wine bars are also emerging. The eastern border of the district is bordered by the Grand Boulevard (Andrássy út.), where a few of the location’s most lavish inns are situated.

  • Best Hotels: Corinthia • Anantara New York Palace • Continental
  • Affordable/Fair Priced Hotels:MP Hostel – Maverick City Lodge

  4. Óbuda & Margaret Island

  Away from the bustling tourist areas, Óbuda has a village-like feel with some of the oldest structures in the city. It’s an easy Metro ride from central locations yet there is plenty still to see around here, including the Roman ruins at Aquincum and outdoor sports in the Buda Hills. In addition, Margaret Island situated in the middle of the Danube River is filled with parks, has an excellent open-air swimming complex, plus Medieval Ruins. It’s particularly good if traveling with children.

  • Highest Rated Lodging: Ensana Thermal Margaret Island
  • Best Affordable/Moderate Hotel: Aquincum

  5. Palace District

  Just south of Downtown, the city features fewer tourists and gives way to students, artists, and intellectuals as there are six universities nearby. There are also several grand libraries here, the most impressive being Szabo Ervin which has some ornately decorated reading rooms open to the public. You’ll also find the very worthwhile National Museum here and Karolyi Kert, one of the prettiest parks in the city (with a children’s playground as well) is just minutes from here on foot. There are also many art galleries and good coffee shops. The places to stay in the area are particularly good too, with an appropriate artistic style.

  • Best Hotel:Hotel Rum
  • Recommended Budget/Moderate Options:Hotel Museum

  6. City Park & Around

  Situated at the end of Budapest’s Grand Boulevard (Andrássy út), Hero`s Square, filled with monuments and history and surrounded by some of the best museums in the city – the Museum of Fine Arts is not to be missed for artwork enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Palace of Art is the biggest exhibition space in the city. City Park itself covers approximately half a square mile, comprising the biggest green space in Budapest, and includes a zoo.

  • Best Accommodations:Mirage Medic • Mamaison Residence Izabella
  • The finest lodging option in Sydney is the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour.