Where to stay in Budapest: best areas and neighborhoods
Open IndexBudapest is one of the most fascinating capitals in Europe, ideal for weekend breaks, easy to get around on foot, and with hidden treasures around every corner! The key thing to know is that the centre is divided into two parts: Buda, or the upper town, the oldest part, and Pest, the lower and more modern part. In both there are attractions and things to see!
If you are planning a weekend in this destination, which is very cheap compared to other European capitals, you must choose the area to stay carefully! So here are all our tips on where to sleep in Budapest.
In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation
If you're short on time, skip the boring research - we've already done the dirty work for you! Here are our top-rated picks for any budget, tried and tested.
| Category | Recommended Accommodation |
|---|---|
| 👑 5 star / luxury | Áurea Ana Palace by Eurostars Hotel Company |
| 🛎️ B&b & mid-range | Mera Hotel |
| 🎒 Hostel and low-cost | Roombach Hotel Budapest Center |
| 🏡 Vacation rental / apartments | Kalvin Apartments |
Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay in Budapest
| Target | Area | Rates from |
|---|---|---|
| Stay on a budget | Erzsébetváros | €60,00 |
| Józsefváros | €60,00 | |
| Families | Várkerület | €75,00 |
| Lipótváros-Belvaros | €85,00 | |
| Young | Erzsébetváros | €60,00 |
| Lipótváros-Belvaros | €85,00 | |
| Terézváros | €65,00 |
Not recommended areas: the more peripheral districts, those outside the districts we have already mentioned. In addition to being distant and without particular attractions, they are also to be avoided in the evening.
The centre of Budapest is divided into two parts by the Danube: Buda, the oldest part, and Pest, the more modern part with more services.
In Buda, the main recommended area is District I Várkerület, which includes many of the main attractions and is a very quiet area in the evening, suitable for families.
In Pest, there are many interesting districts. The most central is District V Lipótváros-Belvaros, full of services, attractions and nightlife, but it also has some quieter areas recommended for families.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for the nightlife, choose District VII Erzsébetváros, where the famous ruin pubs of Budapest are located, or District VI Terézváros, which develops along the Andrassy Boulevard, full of places to spend the night.
Finally, the best areas for those on a budget are the aforementioned District VII Erzsébetváros and Distirict VIII Józsefváros.
Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Budapest. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking
District I Várkerület (Buda), best for first-timers
- Pros: Rich historical heritage, panoramic views over the Danube, quieter atmosphere
- Cons: Less nightlife, hilly terrain
- Main Attractions: Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church
- Average Prices: From €75,00 per night – Find top stays on Booking
Recommended Accommodation
One of the best districts to stay if you are looking for attractions and tranquillity. District I Várkerület is the main district of Buda, where some of the most important attractions are located, such as the Buda Castle and the Fishermen's Bastion. A few steps away, in the XI district, are the Citadella and the most beautiful thermal baths in the city, the Gellért Baths.
It is the perfect district for families and those not interested in nightlife. It is very busy and lively during the day, but quieter in the evening, as everyone moves to Pest. However, there is no shortage of restaurants, shops and services, and from all over the district you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Parliament and the Pest bank!
From here, it is very easy to move around the city and you can easily do it on foot: to reach Pest you just have to cross the famous Chain Bridge, which connects the two banks of the Danube. Alternatively, the entire district is served by trams and buses.
- What to do: Explore the Buda Castle complex, admire the view from Fisherman's Bastion, and visit the Matthias Church.
- Where to eat: Ildikó Konyhája, Aranybástya
- Where to drink: Pater Marcus Apátsági Pub, Habibi Vár
Why I love it: It feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Walking through the Fisherman’s Bastion at sunrise is a spiritual experience—and the best photo op in the city!
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €75,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
District V Lipótváros-Belvaros (Pest), for elegant historic vibes
- Pros: Central location, proximity to major attractions, elegant architecture
- Cons: Higher accommodation costs, can be crowded with tourists
- Main Attractions: Hungarian Parliament Building, St. Stephen's Basilica, Chain Bridge
- Average Prices: From €85,00 per night – Find top stays on Booking
Recommended Accommodation
District V Lipótváros-Belvaros is probably the best district to stay in Budapest. Located on the opposite bank from District I, in the area of Pest, some of the main sights are here, such as the Parliament, the St. Stephen's Basilica, the famous squares of Vörösmarty tér and Erzsébet tér (with the Ferris wheel) and Váci Utca, the most important street.
It is an area suitable for everyone! Families are advised to stay in the northernmost area, around the Parliament. If you are looking for nightlife and entertainment, look for accommodation in the area between Vörösmarty tér square and Váci Utca, full of clubs and entertainment, just a few steps from the most famous ruin pubs. Those looking for an alternative and not too touristy atmosphere, should look for accommodation around Raday Utca street, in the southern part of the district, considered the Soho of Budapest.
Prices in this district are a bit higher than average, but you can still find very cheap accommodation, ideal if you are traveling on a budget. In addition, staying here will make it easy to get around on foot.
- What to do: Visit the Hungarian Parliament Building, walk along the Danube Promenade to see the "Shoes on the Danube Bank," and shop on Váci Street.
- Where to eat: Retek Bisztro, La Fabbrica
- Where to drink: 0,75 Basilica WINE BAR & BISTRO, Staropramen Söröző
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €85,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
District VI Terézváros (Pest), the best for nightlife
- Pros: Cultural hub, excellent public transport, vibrant dining scene
- Cons: Can be busy and noisy, limited green spaces
- Main Attractions: Andrássy Avenue, Hungarian State Opera House
- Average Prices: From €65,00 per night – Find top stays on Booking
Recommended Accommodation
District VI Terézváros is known as the theatre district. The main attraction is the Opera House, located along the famous Andrassy Boulevard, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and leading from Erzsébet ter to Heroes square. Behind the latter is Városliget park where the Széchenyi Baths are located.
This is an ideal area for those in search of nightlife and those who want to be close to the centre. In Andrassy Boulevard and the neighbouring Oktogon Square, you will find numerous clubs! But it is also possible to stay here as a family. Towards the end of Andrassy Boulevard and around Heroes' Square, it is rather quiet and elegant, and you will also be close to the Municipal Zoo and the Botanical Garden.
Staying here makes it easy to get around on foot but using public transport is recommended: from Heroes Square, the M1 yellow metro takes you directly to the centre in just 5 minutes.
- What to do: Walk down the "Champs-Élysées of Budapest" (Andrássy Avenue), visit the Hungarian State Opera House, and relax at the House of Terror museum.
- Where to eat: Bigfish Seafood Bistro, Ferdinánd Monarchia Restaurant
- Where to drink: Rabbit Hole Bar & Café, Cheers Pub
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €65,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
District VII Erzsébetváros (Pest), the underground neighborhood
- Pros: Lively nightlife, diverse dining options, rich cultural history
- Cons: Noisy at night, some areas may feel overcrowded
- Main Attractions: Great Synagogue, Ruin Bars, Gozsdu Courtyard
- Average Prices: From €60,00 per night – Find top stays on Booking
Recommended Accommodation
Close to District VI Terézváros is District VII Erzsébetváros, the district of Hungarian nightlife! Here, are the famous ruin pubs, including the most famous Szimpla Kert. But not only that, part of the district is occupied by the Jewish Quarter, with the Great Synagogue as a reference point.
It is an area recommended for young people, as well as those who want to immerse themselves in the Hungarian nightlife while also remaining close to the centre. Absolutely not recommended for families or those seeking tranquility. It is also quite an affordable district, where you can find excellent accommodation if you are travelling on a budget.
From here the centre is a short walk away, for example the Great Synagogue is only a 20 minute walk from the Chain Bridge. Alternatively, the district is served by the red M2 metro.
- What to do: Visit the Dohány Street Synagogue (the largest in Europe), go mural hunting, and explore the "Ruin Pubs."
- Where to eat: Caviar & Bull Budapest, Karaván Street Food.
- Where to drink: Szimpla Kert (the original Ruin Pub), Instant-Fogas Complex.
Why I love it: The energy here is electric. There’s something so cool about drinking a local craft beer in an abandoned building filled with vintage TVs and mismatched furniture!
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €60,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
District VIII Józsefváros (Pest), for elegant vibes
- Pros: Emerging cultural scene, more affordable accommodations
- Cons: Some areas still under development, mixed reputation
- Main Attractions: Hungarian National Museum, Ervin Szabó Library
- Average Prices: From €60,00 per night – Find top stays on Booking
Recommended Accommodation
Finally, near District VI Terézváros we find District VIII Józsefváros, one of the quietest and most elegant areas of Budapest. Here, there are important museums such as the Hungarian National Museum, as well as the university and various cultural institutes.
It is an ideal area for families and those seeking tranquillity, without giving up services and proximity to the centre. It is also a very affordable district, ideal for those on a budget. The best solution is to stay in the part of the district closest to the centre, therefore near the National Museum.
Staying here also means the centre is within walking distance, the national museum is only 10 minutes away from Váci Utca. Alternatively, the area is served by the M4 green metro.
- What to do: Visit the Hungarian National Museum, wander through the Palace District, and relax in the botanical gardens (Fűvészkert).
- Where to eat: Rosenstein Vendéglő, Stex Ház.
- Where to drink: Lumen Kávézó, Café Csiga.
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €60,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
Cool things to do in Budapest
- Soak in the Széchenyi Thermal Baths: I spent a whole afternoon hopping between the outdoor pools. There is nothing like playing chess in steaming hot water while it’s freezing cold outside! More info about the tickets here.
- Cave exploration under the city: Most people stay above ground, but I went into the Pálvölgyi caves. It’s a labyrinth of narrow passages right beneath the residential hills of Buda.
- Sunset at Liberty Bridge: This is a local favorite. I grabbed a bottle of Hungarian wine and sat on the green iron beams of the bridge with the locals to watch the sun go down over the Danube.
- Ruin Pub Hopping: You haven't truly seen Budapest until you've wandered into Szimpla Kert. I spent hours just looking at the weird art installations and plants hanging from the ceiling.
- Take the Children's Railway: This is a unique relic from the socialist era. It’s a train line in the hills almost entirely run by kids (under adult supervision). It’s quirky, nostalgic, and offers amazing views.
- Street Food Feast at Karaván: I tried the Langos (fried dough with garlic, sour cream, and cheese) and the Chimney Cake. It’s messy, heavy, and absolutely delicious.
Places to stay near Budapest
Despite being a capital, Budapest is a perfect city to visit on a weekend and is very cheap. As we have seen, there are accommodation and offers to suit any traveller, from those traveling with family or friends, to those looking for a Romanesque escape to those who want to stay up late every night! Hostels, 5-star hotels with wonderful views, apartments and B&Bs, there really is something for everyone, even those on a tight budget!
For these reasons, staying outside the city is not recommended, as you would be wasting time travelling, or be spending unnecessarily on public transport. Even if you arrive in the city by car, many hotels and accommodations have parking facilities.
Travel Tips for Budapest
- Visit in spring (April–June) or autumn (September–October) for pleasant weather and fewer tourists compared to peak summer months.
- Use the Budapest Card for free public transportation and discounts on museums, baths, and attractions.
- Split your time between Buda and Pest; Buda is quieter and more historic, while Pest is lively and vibrant.
- Try the local cuisine like goulash, lángos, and chimney cakes, and don’t miss out on Budapest’s famous thermal baths.
- Take a river cruise on the Danube at sunset for stunning views of the Parliament and Buda Castle lit up at night.
- Always validate your metro or tram ticket before boarding to avoid fines, even with short rides.
- Be aware of currency differences; Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF), not the Euro.
- Explore beyond District V; neighborhoods like District VII (Jewish Quarter) and District VIII (Palace Quarter) offer more local flavor and lower prices.
Budapest accommodation price map
Guide to the areas of Budapest
Apart from the easier distinction of Budapest in the districts of Buda and Pest, naturally divided by the course of the Danube, the city is divided into 23 districts. The districts are identifiable both in Roman numerals (from I to XXIII), and names in Hungarian. Only districts I, II, III, XI, XII and XXII are located on the bank of Buda, all the others are on the opposite bank of Pest.
The best districts are obviously the most central ones, i.e. those that develop near the Danube and the Chain Bridge, the most famous bridge. Specifically, we are talking about the districts: I Várkerület and V Lipótváros-Belvaros, the most central of all; District VI Terézváros develops along Andrassy Boulevard; District VII Erzsébetváros, fulcrum of nightlife and where the most famous ruin pubs are located; and finally District VIII Józsefváros, full of museums, quiet and very affordable.
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