Best Districts of Budapest to Stay 2024
Budapest, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, is known as the “Paris of Central Europe” for its exciting nightlife and architecture. You made an excellent decision by deciding to visit Budapest! We understand that you have many questions about lodging before you begin your trip. Where should I stay, which hotel is best, or should I rent a house…
Welcome to our Budapest accommodation guide, where you will find all of your answers.
In this article, we will first discuss the topics that you should be aware of before looking for a place to stay. In each region, you will also find our top hotel recommendations.
The Danube River separates Budapest into two halves. There are nine bridges that connect these two sides. Buda is on one side of the city, and Pest is on the other. Pest is a region where tourist attractions and entertainment are the main draws. Buda is home to retired and wealthy people. It’s a peaceful and serene setting.
We do not recommend staying in Buda because the majority of Budapest tourist attractions are on the Pest side.
Budapest Districts
Budapest is separated into 23 districts by the Danube River, which divides the city into “Buda” and “Pest.” These regions, like Paris, begin in the center and spiral outward.
Despite the fact that the city is divided into 23 regions, I will tailor my guide to where to stay in Budapest to the city’s most popular and touristic attractions.
Numbers are used to identify districts. The locations of these numbers are shown on the map below.
I recommend to stay in 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 1st areas on the map. Let’s look at these areas in detail.
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Budapest
If you’ve done any general research on Budapest, you’ve probably heard that there are too many homeless people in the city, as well as the presence of dangerous places. There are a lot of homeless people. The number of gypsies is also quite large. However, as someone who has lived in this city for a long time, I can say that I have had no problems.
Tip: You will not be bothered by homeless people in Budapest, but there are some areas or streets that can be considered dangerous. Furthermore, the rate of theft in nightclubs or other crowded places is high. That is why we advise you to safeguard your valuables. Blaha Lujza ter, for example, is not a good place to stay.
These suggestions should not overshadow your positive feelings about the city. Because I have lived here for many years and have had no problems. However, it is still prudent to exercise caution. If you want to avoid unpleasant situations, I recommend staying in the city center or in the areas listed below.
There are 5 areas that I recommend you to stay in Budapest:
- District 5, which known as the center, in Belvaros and Lipotvaros districts,
- District 6 – Terezvaros, which also includes the shopping street Andrassy Boulevard,
- District 7 – Erzsebetvaros, famous for its vibrant nightlife,
- District 1 – Castle, The oldest settlement point of the city,
- District 8 – Jozsefvaros, one of the most populous settlements in Budapest.
Belvaros – Lipotvaros (District 5)
My first neighborhood recommendation for where to stay in Budapest is the “5. District,” also known as the Belvaros – Lipotvaros districts. This central location in Budapest draws attention due to its proximity to attractions, cafes, restaurants, and shopping opportunities.
The region’s main advantage is that it is within walking distance of the places to visit, providing visitors with a lively life day and night.
This list includes landmarks such as the Parliament Building, Chain Bridge, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Great Market Hall. As a result, you can get to these points with short walks. You can use the region’s metro line to get to places where walking is difficult.
Vaci Utca, one of Budapest’s most famous shopping streets, is one of the area’s busiest.
The high hotel prices are perhaps the only disadvantage of the Belvaros – Lipotvaros regions. Hotel prices in Budapest are not particularly high in general, but prices in this district are one click higher than in other areas.
In conclusion, this is the ideal option for those who want to stay in the city center and walk to most places, as well as find themselves in the bustling city center when they step out of the hotel.
Popular hotels I recommend in District 5:
3 ★ Cosmo City Hotel
Booking.com score 8.5.
An affordable and popular hotel right next to the Great Market Hall and metro stop.
3 ★ The Three Corners Hotel Art Superior
Booking score 8.8.
Renovated in 2015, this hotel is within walking distance to many places in the city.
4 ★ Mercure Budapest City Center
Booking.com score 8.5.
Located in the famous shopping street of the city, Váci Utca, this facility is an ideal hotel for those who want to stay in Budapest and have a nice place in the center.
4 ★ Hotel Parlament
Booking.com score 9.4.
Located on the banks of the Danube River, this 4-star hotel can be easily reached on foot from many places in the city.
5 ★ Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest
Booking.com score 9.1.
Attracting attention with its proximity to important places such as the Chain Bridge and St. Stephen’s Basilica, this 5-star hotel appeals especially to travelers looking for luxurious accommodation.
Terezvaros (District 6)
Terezvaros, where Andrassy Boulevard, the biggest and most famous shopping center of Budapest is located, is the 2nd area recommendation for those who ask where to stay in Budapest.
Terezvaros, which is one of the ideal regions for cultural tours, offers more modern and luxurious options. Within its borders, there are important sightseeing points such as Andrassy Boulevard, Opera House, House of Terror Museum. On the northern border, Heroes Square is located.
Walking from this area allows access to many parts of the city. St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Chain Bridge are both within easy walking distance. If you don’t want to walk, you can take the nearby metro line. Andrassy Boulevard is also served by touristic hop on hop off buses in Budapest.
In conclusion, this location is ideal for those who want to be close to shopping and cultural events while staying in the city center. Furthermore, hotel prices in District V are slightly lower.
Popular hotels I recommend in District 6:
3 ★ 12 Revay Hotel
Booking.com score 8.9.
Located in the immediate vicinity of St. Stefan’s Basilica, this resort is ideal for affordable accommodation.
3 ★ Casati Budapest Hotel Superior
Booking.com score 9.4.
Providing service in a building dating back to the 18th century, this facility is especially ideal for travelers without children.
4 ★ Opera Gardens Hotels
Booking.com score 9.2.
Located just a few blocks from the Opera House and Andrassy Boulevard, this resort is one of the city’s most popular 4-star hotels.
5 ★ Hilton Budapest City
Booking.com score 8.1.
It is a nice option for those who say where to stay in Budapest and have a luxurious place in the center.
Erzsebetvaros (District 7)
Erzsebetvaros in the 7th Region, which is deemed the center of Budapest nightlife, is perhaps one of the most active places for the places I mentioned in our Budapest accommodation guide.
This area is popular with young tourists because of its vibrant and colorful nightlife. The region where the city’s most famous bars are located also allows you to travel comfortably throughout the city. It also includes Dohány Street Synagogue, one of Europe’s largest synagogues. The area is also known as the city’s Jewish quarter.
In a nutshell, if you want to stay in the center of nightlife, close to parties and famous bars, this is the right choice.
Popular hotels I recommend in District 6:
3 ★ Ibis Styles Budapest Center
Booking.com score 8.5.
A nice design hotel located between the Danube River and the East Train Station.
3 ★ Roombach Hotel Budapest Center
Booking.com score 8.9.
A clean and popular 3-star facility that opened its doors to visitors in 2014.
4 ★ Exe Danube Budapest
Booking.com score 9.1.
Located very close to the Dohány Street Synagogue, this hotel is one of the most popular facilities in the area.
4 ★ Continental Hotel Budapest
Booking.com score 8.5.
A central 4-star hotel with rooms decorated in Art Deco style.
Castle Area (District 1)
Castle District, which is located on Buda side of Danube River, is perhaps the oldest of the accommodation places in my guide.
It houses the important sightseeing points of the city such as the Old Royal Palace, Budin Castle, Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion. Of course, you can also easily reach places such as the Chain Bridge by using the funicular system in the area.
The Castle Region, which is one of the most beautiful places to see the view of Budapest, can be very crowded during the day, but after dark, the region seems to belong to you. As a result, there is no nightlife, etc. As a result, this region is ideal for couples planning romantic getaways, families with children, and older travelers.
The region’s main disadvantage is its transportation difficulties. There are numerous tourist attractions in and around Buda Castle that are all within walking distance of one another. However, it is difficult to get to other parts of the city from here.
However, if you want to stay in an area of Budapest that is the most historical, quietest in the evenings and some affordable hotel prices, you can choose this area.
Popular hotels I recommend in District V:
3 ★ Budget Hotel Victoria
Booking.com score 8.8.
An economical hotel located just 400m from the Chain Bridge.
4 ★ art’otel budapest
Booking.com score 8.8.
This hotel is ideal for those who want to stay in Budapest, especially with a view.
4 ★ Boutique Hotel Victoria
Booking.com score 9.3.
A nice boutique hotel located in the center of Budapest, in a location that dominates the environment.
5 ★ Hilton Budapest
Booking.com score 8.9.
It is a luxurious and popular resort located in the Castle area, next to the Fisherman’s Bastion.
Jozsefvaros (District 8)
My last advice is Jozsefvaros, which attracts attention with its beautiful squares, museums and gardens.
Jozsefvaros, one of the important museums within the borders of the National Museum and the National History Museum, is also one of the most crowded settlements of Budapest.
It would be wise not to visit the dark streets late at night in this area.
Popular hotels I recommend in District 8:
3 ★ Bo18 Hotel Superior
Booking.com score 9.1.
A popular 3-star property close to Corvin Shopping Center.
4 ★ Courtyard by Marriott
Booking.com score 8.6.
Luxury, quality facility in Blaha Lujza Square.
4 ★ Hotel Palazzo Zich
Booking.com score 9.4.
A quality hotel serving in a neo-Baroque style palace dating from 1899.
Best Budapest Airbnb Options
Staying at a home in Budapest is also a good option because the houses are very impressive with their historical architecture.
If you wish, you can select the areas I recommend and list the houses on the Airbnb site or check the best Airbnb ads I recommend below.
- Hidden Gem of Budapest: A studio apartment, clean and very close to center.
- Industrial vintage home: A home that very close to Opera House and Kiraly street.
- weinART, brand new, free parking: A bit luxury but awesome apartment near Andrassy Street.
Budapest Hotel Prices
Especially compared to the touristic cities in Europe, you can stay here in much better hotels for much more affordable prices.
For example, 3-star hotels are 30-100 Euro, 4-star hotels are 100-200 Euro and 5-star hotels are 130-350 Euro. Of course, if you get discount opportunities, you have a chance to stay in much lower numbers.
Tax: Budapest hotel prices include 18% VAT and 4% city tax. You need to pay the city tax separately at your hotel.
Breakfast: Breakfast is generally included in the hotel prices.
Reservation: You can make your Budapest hotel reservation from reservation sites or price comparison sites. The hotel reservation site that I prefer the most on my own travels is Booking.com.
In case of any change in your plans, you have a free cancellation until 24 hours before your reservation, depending on your choice of accommodation.
Final Word on Budapest Hotels
In conclusion, Budapest is a city that makes its visitors happy when it comes to lodging. Hotel prices are reasonable, and service quality is excellent.
To stay in Budapest, I would recommend District 5 (Belvaros – Lipotvaros) and District 6 (Terezvaros).
If you want to be close to Budapest’s nightlife, choose District 7 (Erzsebetvaros).
Recommendation for a Budapest hotel; I was very pleased to stay at the art Budapest hotel. The hotel’s location and facilities were excellent.
Except this; if you want an economical place to stay, the 3-star Casati Budapest Hotel Superior is a good option. The 4-star Mercure Budapest City Center hotel is one of my favorites. If your accommodation budget is not a problem, the 5-star Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest is a very nice hotel.