Where to Stay in Budapest: What You Need to Know
Known as “The Pearl of the Danube”, the “Paris of the East” and for also as “The World Capital of Medicinal Waters”, Budapest has as many names as charms and attractions.
A must-see destination for many, Budapest is always at the top of the list for every European travel junky.
Although as the capital of Hungary, in Budapest the official language is Hungarian, English is widely spoken, other European languages such as Spanish, German and French are less popular, but with almost 5 million tourists from all over the world per year, Budapest is an international city where you will be able to understand the people and find your way around with relative ease. There is no bad time to visit Budapest. Depending on your schedule you can spend days or weeks getting to know it and enjoying everything it has to show. Its beautiful cityscapes, its wonderful architecture, and its unique night lighting. Budapest is a destination to enjoy throughout the year. Budapest is 365 different cities every year.
Depending on where you choose to stay and especially on the quality and location of your desired hotel, room fares may vary, but the average of Budapest’s accommodations hovers around € 40-50 per night. This means the Hungarian Capital is one of the most affordable European capitals to stay (even more so when you take into account that many hotels have spa service and free Turkish baths for their guests).
When it comes to neighborhoods to stay in, definitely the best area to stay in Budapest in terms of charm and proximity to the attractions is Belváros – Lipótváros (see hotels in Belváros – Lipótváros).
If you’re looking for cheap accommodation, then try your luck in Erzsébetváros, where you can find private rooms from around €19 a night (see hotels in Erzsébetváros).
Below is an exhaustive guide with the most popular districts to stay in Budapest and hand-picked hotels in each one.
The best areas to stay in Budapest
1. Best area: Central Budapest (around Andrassy Boulevard)
Undoubtedly one of the best districts to stay in Central Europe.
The surroundings of the Andrassy Boulevard, also known as the historical centre of the Pest half of the city, was named a World Heritage Site in 2002 by UNESCO.
This area has the best transport connections in all of Budapest, with public services almost 20 hours a day throughout the week.
The Oktogon, the most important square and intersection in the city acts as a traffic hub for all of the city public transport services.
This area also hosts the Budapest Opera; which boasts an auditorium said to have one of the best acoustics in Europe and an honorable rival of the Vienna Opera.
Definitely, this is the best area to stay in Budapest.
What makes this the best area to stay in Budapest
- Great historical value
- Great public transport connections
- Walkable
- Very lively
- Great palaces and attractions
- Budapest Opera
Hand-picked hotels in this area
Our Top PickMamaison Hotel Andrassy Budapest enjoys an excellent location on the luxurious Andrássy Avenue. The property offers spacious rooms with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
Budget OptionBudapest Bed and Breakfast, located at the edge of the city center and 140 meters from Körönd Kodály Metro Station, it offers accommodation and free Wi-Fi throughout the building.
Midrange OptionMedosz Hotel is located next to Andrássy Avenue, just 100 meters from Liszt Ferenc tér and the Oktogon metro station, in one of the best areas to stay in Budapest. It offers free wired or Wi-Fi internet connection.
Luxury OptionQueen’s Court Hotel & Residence is located in the center of Budapest and has a luxury spa with an indoor pool and a hot tub. In the courtyard there is a quiet garden. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel.
2. Belváros – Lipótváros
This district concentrates the great attractions of Budapest with views of the Danube.
The district of Belváros – Lipótváros is located next to the Danube river, and is one of the best areas to stay in Budapest due to its central location and easy access to the attractions of the city.
It is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city.
It is known as the “Inner City” or District V (although also it includes some parts of the districts VI, VII, VIII and IX).
Belváros – Lipótváros is one of the most luxurious and stately parts of the city, on the banks of the Danube and with excellent night lighting.
In this neighborhood you can find the two most important attractions in the city of Budapest; the Hungarian Parliament Building and St. Stephen’s Basilica, as well as the Chain Bridge; first city bridge over the Danube river and a vital city road.
Belváros – Lipótváros has excellent communication with the rest of Budapest thanks to its numerous metro stops.
What makes this the best area to stay in Budapest
- Romantic atmosphere
- Great public transport connections
- Very walkable area
- Art Nouveau monuments and great museums
- Danube River
- Hungarian Parliament
Hand-picked hotels in this area
Our Top PickHotel Parlament is in one of the best areas to stay in Budapest, a few steps from the Parliament and the St Stephen’s Basilica. Its rooms have a modern and individual design, flat screen TV, air conditioning, large bathroom and Wi-Fi.
Budget OptionBudapest Bed and Breakfast Located on the first floor of a historic building in Budapest, 200 meters from St. Stephen’s Basilica, it offers allergy-free rooms, a 24-hour front desk, a tour desk, free WiFi in all areas and a shared lounge.
Midrange OptionHotel Erzsébet City Center is located on a pedestrian street with bars and cafés, just a few steps away from the Váci utca shopping street and the central market of Budapest.
Luxury OptionKempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest is located 700 meters from the Chain Bridge and St. Stephen’s Basilica, and has several restaurants, luxury rooms with air conditioning and an indoor pool.
3. Budavár
Budavár puts the “Buda” in Budapest. It is the part of the city located on the west bank of the Danube River and the oldest district of the Hungarian capital.
Full of houses of medieval architecture, great attractions such as the Hungarian Royal Castle (including Fausto winery, a must-visit for good wine lovers), museums, churches and delicious places to eat, Budavár undoubtedly earned its title for Budapest District I.
It has a beautiful view of the Danube and excellent connectivity with the whole city thanks to the Chain Bridge.
It is a district full of narrow streets to get lost in, where every corner promises to tell you in its own way part of the history of the whole of Hungary.
The transport connections in this half of the city are not the best, and the Budavár streets tend to be steep and meandering, but the views of the city from its many viewpoints are well worth it.
What makes this the best area to stay in Budapest
- Very central
- Charming little streets
- Medieval buildings
- Royal Castle
Hand-picked hotels in this area
Our Top PickBuda Castle Fashion Hotel Budapest is located 200 meters from the church of San Matías and one of the best areas to sleep in Budapest. It offers free Wi-Fi in all areas and a bar.
Luxury OptionBoutique Hotel Victoria Budapest is located in an elevated area of downtown Budapest, on the banks of the Danube River and at the foot of the Buda Castle. It offers rooms with free Wi-Fi and views of both the Danube and the Parliament.
4. Terézváros
The district of Terézváros is located northeast of the city center.
It is one of the smallest districts of Budapest but very dense in population and activity.
Terézváros is the center of the city’s nightlife. From cinemas to clubs and theaters.
If you are a party animal, this is the district for you. You can walk to best party places in the Hungarian capital from anywhere in this area.
This district is also home to the House of Terror Museum, a building formerly used by the two bloodiest regimes in Hungarian history; communist and the fascist, undoubtedly a must-see in the city.
What makes this the best area to stay in Budapest
- Great nightlife
- Good public transport
- Very walkable
- Lively 24/7
- House of Terror Museum
Hand-picked hotels in this area
Our Top PickRadisson Blu Béke Hotel, Budapest is an elegant establishment that offers free access to its sauna and indoor pool. It is 300 meters from the Nyugati Train Station and only 500 meters from the famous Andrássy Avenue. Free WiFi is available in all areas.
Budget OptionSilver Hotel Budapest City Center is located in one of the best areas to stay in Budapest, next to Vörösmarty utca metro station and Andrássy Boulevard. It offers rooms with TV and free internet access..
5. Erzsébetváros
Erzsébetváros is located east of the city center and is a neighborhood that concentrates a lot of budget accommodation, hostels and cheap apartments.
Erzsébetváros has the oldest functional synagogue in Europe, its position in the center of Budapest and the great nightlife that it shares with Terézváros make it a very popular neighborhood and one of the best places to stay in Budapest.
This area has as an additional bonus that it is a bit quieter by day in terms of noise, so you can enjoy better naps to replenish the energy you spent at night.
Many hotels in Erzsébetváros offer brunch for not-so-early customers as well as “party bus” services; a type of transport that goes through the city and links many nightclubs and hotels.
What makes this the best area to stay in Budapest
- Great nightlife
- Well connected via public transport
- Walkable area
- Cheap accommodation
Hand-picked hotels in this area
Our Top PickIbis Styles Budapest Center occupies a completely renovated building from the late nineteenth century located on the side of Pest, halfway between the Danube and the East train station.
Budget OptionElit Hotel is located in the center of Budapest, 450 meters from the Keleti train station, close to many bars and restaurants. It offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi and a regular program of guided tours.
6. Józsefváros
Józsefváros is located south of the city center.
With excellent access to the main metro lines of the city, Józsefváros, in the 8th district of Budapest, is soulful place with an alternative and youthful atmosphere.
In Józsefváros, you can find both restored and dilapidated centenary buildings standing next to each other. Hipster cafés and boutique hotels share streets with old grocery stores and locksmiths.
It is a very walkable area with tons of things to do.
Józsefváros shares many characteristics with Vienna’s VIII district, the namesake Josefstadt. So much so that they call them “twin neighborhoods”.
Its relaxed atmosphere and central location make Józsefváros one of the best places to stay in Budapest.
What makes this the best area to stay in Budapest
- Connected by metro
- Great nightlife
Hand-picked hotels in this area
Our Top PickBo18 Hotel Superior is a 3-star superior establishment located just 300 meters from the Corvin shopping center and promenade. It offers a rich buffet breakfast including champagne.
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