Where to stay in Budapest [Best Places to Stay for 2024]

Budapest. Cityscape image of Budapest, capital city of Hungary, during twilight blue hour.

Hungary’s capital city is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Budapest is split into Buda and Pest by the Danube River, with several elegant bridges spanning the river.

The grand Buda Castle overlooks the river, and the nighttime view graces many postcards as it’s so picturesque. Visitors come to Budapest for many reasons, including the thermal baths for soaking, and affordable prices compared to other European destinations.

Budapest is a great city for walking, but there are also many public transportation options available, including the Metro, trams and ferries. However, deciding where to stay in Budapest is an important factor in planning your visit.

To help you find the best Budapest accommodation for your tastes, we’ve sorted out the best Budapest neighborhoods to help you find the best hotel in Budapest. Budapest districts are numbered, starting from I in the center and going clockwise for the most part.

We will cover off all types of Budapest accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Budapest hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Budapest Hungary 2024.

This guide shows off the best Budapest hotels, best places in Budapest to visit, the best places to stay in Budapest, hotels near Budapest attractions, Budapest neighborhood guide and many more.

Wondering where is the best place to stay in Budapest? Below are 9 of the best neighborhoods in Budapest to help you make the right decision when trying to work out best side of Budapest to stay for you. We have tried to make the guide as easy to follow as possible.

We have also included some things to do or places to visit as well as some eatery suggestions of either our favourite places or some funky places to eat at within the areas in Budapest so you can use this as a go to guide to pick the best accommodation in Budapest for you.

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Table of Contents

The Castle District (District I) – where to stay in budapest for first time visitors

Wondering where is best to stay in Budapest? For first-time visitors, or those researching where to stay in Budapest for families, the Castle District (Várkerület) is the best area to stay in Budapest.

Many of the major things to do in Budapest are located here, and there are grand views of Pest across the river. You’ll have easy access to the famous Chain Bridge, which is a prime photography destination in Budapest.

There are many restaurants, shops and attractions in District I, but it is quieter at night, which makes it a great choice for families. It is not the best area to stay in Budapest for nightlife, however, as the majority of nightlife can be found on the Pest side of the river.

The Castle District is the perfect place for first-time visitors to Budapest to stay. Located in the First District of Budapest, this area is filled with iconic attractions.

Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, the Church of the Assumption of the Buda Castle, Várkert Bazár and Hospital in the Rock are all must-see spots.

Fisherman’s Bastion is an ornate building which provides spectacular views of Budapest while Buda Castle dates back centuries and houses several museums and galleries.

The Church of the Assumption of the Buda Castle is a stunning religious building with intricate stonework and beautiful stained glass windows.

Meanwhile, Várkert Bazár is a castle garden complex filled with sculptures and fascinating sights while Hospital in the Rock was once a secret underground hospital during World War II.

Staying or visiting these attractions in Budapest will provide an unforgettable experience for any first time traveler.

Best places to stay in Castle District

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Castle District

Season Hostel 2

Budget accommodation in Castle District

Mid range accommodation in Castle District

Family Friendly accommodation in Castle District

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Castle District

Budapest / Hungary - Tourists enjoy a panoramic view of Budapest from Fishermans Bastion, in Budas Castle District.

Belváros (District V) – Best place to stay in Budapest for tourists

At the other end of the Chain Bridge, across from District I, is the Pest district of Belváros. This could also be argued as the best place to stay in Budapest for families and first-time visitors, as the central location puts everything in easy walking distance.

Foodies and souvenir hunters will love Central Market Hall, Budapest’s oldest and largest indoor market. The Hungarian Parliament Building fronts the river in this district, and is the third largest Parliament building in the world.

Inner City, or Belváros, provides the most exciting places for tourists to stay in Budapest. Vigadó Concert Hall is a must-see cultural landmark; it hosts some of the best classical concerts in Europe.

Gerbeaud Cafe is a fantastic place to enjoy traditional Hungarian pastries and cakes – be sure to try the famous Dobos Torte!

Boutique stores around Váci and Deák Ferenc Streets offer unique shopping experiences and luxury hotels line the banks of the Danube. For fine dining, Deák Ferenc Square has some great restaurants offering delicious food.

Whichever way you choose to experience Inner City, there’s something for everyone at Belváros!

Best places to stay in belváros budapest

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Belváros

Budget accommodation in Belváros

Mid range accommodation in Belváros

Family Friendly accommodation in Belváros

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Belváros

Budapest, Hungary -: Statue of poet Mihaly Vorosmarty at Vorosmarty Square, a public square in the Budapest city centre, Hungary

Lipótváros (District V) – Where to stay in Budapest for Foodies

Lipótváros is a must-see for all foodies and culinary travelers. It’s home to the Hungarian Parliament, grand boulevards lined with neo-Gothic and art nouveau buildings, and Szabadság Square.

Within its boundaries, you’ll find multiple cafes and fine-dining restaurants as well as high-end bars and clubs. And no visit to Lipótváros would be complete without a trip to St. Stephen’s Basilica, the stunning Neo-Classical church that stands on the Pest side of Budapest’s Danube riverbank.

From hole-in-the wall eateries to Michelin star restaurants, Lipótváros has something for every type of foodie or traveler.

Whether you’re looking for an intimate dinner for two or want to sample some of Hungary’s local dishes in a traditional setting, you won’t be disappointed by what Lipótváros, the 5th District Budapest has to offer!

Best places to stay in Lipótváros

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Lipótváros

Budget accommodation in Lipótváros

Mid range accommodation in Lipótváros

Family Friendly accommodation in Lipótváros

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Lipótváros

Liberty Square located in the Lipotvaros neighborhood of Budapest Hungary

Józsefváros (district viii) – Where to stay in Budapest on a budget

Józsefváros has in recent years become a cool place to stay in Budapest. It is just east of the inner city district, and close to the attractions of District V.

In addition to the Hungarian National Museum, this is where you’ll find many of the ruin bars that Budapest is famous for.

It’s a very lively neighborhood, popular with younger residents and visitors, which also means it is the best neighborhood to stay in Budapest for budget travelers.

In addition to several hotels and hostels, there are some cool apartment rentals in this Budapest district.

Józsefváros is the perfect area for budget travellers. With its Natural History Museum, Leafy Orczy Garden, stylish local and international eateries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Plus, the indoor Rákóczi Market Hall offers up plenty of fresh produce and street food stalls to keep even the strictest budgets in check.

So whether you’re seeking cultural experiences or cheap eats, Józsefváros Budapest can offer the best of both worlds!

Best places to stay in Józsefváros

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Józsefváros

Budget accommodation in Józsefváros

Mid range accommodation in Józsefváros

Family Friendly accommodation in Józsefváros

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Józsefváros

The Gozsdu Courtyard, once the core of Budapest's Jewish quarter, today is popular place with restaurants, pubs and bars.

Erzsébetváros (district vii) – Where to stay in Budapest for nightlife

Budapest’s historic Jewish quarter is now one of the liveliest areas of the city. By day, visitors can explore several historic sites of Budapest, including interesting and the largest synagogue in Europe. Erzsébetváros has some of the best street art in Europe, as well.

But nighttime is when this Budapest district really comes alive. Between amazing street food, Budapest’s first ruin bar, and trendy boutiques, Erzsébetváros is a great place to stay in Budapest for a more local feel, with plenty of entertainment options.

Erzsébetváros Budapest is a great place for young travelers who want to experience nightlife and explore the area. Its rich Jewish history gives it an interesting vibe, while its trendy locals hanging out in ruin pubs like Szimpla Kert make it contemporary and edgy.

The district’s unique design shops, street art and casual eateries give visitors plenty of options for having a good time. Whether you’re looking for some late-night fun or a relaxed hangout with friends, Erzsébetváros has something for everyone.

With its diverse offerings, this vibrant neighborhood will make your visit to Budapest one to remember!

Best places to stay in Erzsébetváros

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Erzsébetváros

Budget accommodation in Erzsébetváros

Mid range accommodation in Erzsébetváros

Family Friendly accommodation in Erzsébetváros

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Erzsébetváros

Exterior of the Great Synagogue in Dohany Street, Budapest, Hungary, the largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world. Built between 1854-1859 for 3000 people.

Terézváros (District VI) – Where to stay in Budapest for backpackers

Another great place to stay in Budapest for budget travelers is the 6th district, Terézváros. Just east of District V, Terézváros has a fun mix of history and culture that anyone can enjoy.

Budapest’s famous House of Terror Museum is here, as is the State Opera House and Városliget, one of the largest parks in Budapest.

Andrassy Avenue is a must-see for any visitor to Budapest. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is connects the city center to Városliget and is lined with Neo-Renaissance palaces and private homes.

Terézváros Budapest is one of the best areas to stay when visiting the city. In addition to being home to a number of backpacker hostels, it also boasts some incredible sights and attractions.

For example, along Nagymező Street, which is known as Budapest’s Broadway, you can find the Hungarian State Opera and other theaters. Meanwhile, Andrássy Avenue leads to Heroes’ Square and is lined with designer shops, restaurants and cafes.

Food vendors and hip bars can be found around Oktogon intersection and Király Street. But Terézváros isn’t only about its entertainment – visitors can also learn more about Hungary’s dark past at the House of Terror museum, where exhibitions focus on 20th-century history.

Best places to stay in Terézváros

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Terézváros

Budget accommodation in Terézváros

Mid range accommodation in Terézváros

Family Friendly accommodation in Terézváros

BUDAPEST HUNGARY- Hungarian State Opera House is a neo-Renaissance opera house located in central Budapest.

Újlipótváros (District XIII) – Where to stay in Budapest with family

The most northern Budapest district is District XIII, comprised of two sections. Újlipótváros is inside the ring road, and feels much like the city center,.

The many parks in this region make it a great place to stay in Budapest with kids, and Margaret Island in the Danube is also included in this region.

The island is home to a water park, sports pool, musical fountain, a zoo and gardens, so it’s a wonderful place to spend a day in Budapest. There are many trendy bars and cafes to choose from as well.

Újlipótváros Budapest offers family travellers plenty of options for a great stay in the city. Not only are there many street-lined bookstores, galleries, and sidewalk cafes to explore, but Szent István park is a great destination too.

This park is surrounded by Bauhaus-style modernist apartments and gives you beautiful views of Margaret Island and beyond. It’s also the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

If you’re looking for something more interactive, Flippermúzeum has over 100 vintage pinball machines that you can play while getting acquainted with the city. They provide an excellent way to have fun with your family during your travels.

Best places to stay in Újlipótváros

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Újlipótváros

Westend Hostel

Budget accommodation in Újlipótváros

Mid range accommodation in Újlipótváros

Family Friendly accommodation in Újlipótváros

Angyalföld (District XIII) – Where to stay in Budapest like a local

Urban Angyalföld is a bustling neighbourhood where the enormous Duna Plaza mall, home to shops, eateries, and the Cinema City multiplex, is located.

Local restaurants include curry houses, noodle shops, and sushi bars. Vasas SC’s soccer team plays at Illovszky Rudolf Stadion, while Angyalföld Sport Centrum provides a variety of sporting amenities. There are interactive train exhibits at the Hungarian Railway Museum.

Travellers to Angyalföld can also explore the nearby Margaret Island. The island, located in the middle of the Danube River, is accessible by bridge from Pest side of Budapest and is home to many parks, gardens, a music fountain and thermal baths.

The picturesque scenery of Margaret Island provides a peaceful atmosphere for visitors who want to take a break from sightseeing and relax.

There are plenty of activities on offer including cycling paths, boat rental services and an amusement park. The island is also known for its variety of flora and fauna, which makes it perfect for nature lovers or birdwatchers.

Best places to stay in Angyalföld

Budget accommodation in Angyalföld

Mid range accommodation in Angyalföld

Family Friendly accommodation in Angyalföld

The former Illovszky Rudolf Stadion of Vasas SC, Budapest.

Ferencváros (District IX) – Cool places to stay in Budapest

One of Budapest’s up-and-coming neighborhoods, Ferencváros is south of the inner city and home to the Corvinus University of Budapest.

The riverfront promenade here is well worth a stroll, as it’s less crowded than other popular Budapest districts, but nevertheless very scenic, with many attractions along the way.

Some of Budapest’s best museums are here, including the Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Budapest Music Center. The craft beer scene in Ferencváros is blowing up, making this a great spot to fritter away an afternoon.

Best places to stay in Ferencváros

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Ferencváros

Budget accommodation in Ferencváros

Mid range accommodation in Ferencváros

Family Friendly accommodation in Ferencváros

Budapest/Hungary- part view of Corvinus University of Budapest - beautiful historic building in neo-Renaissance architecture style - part of the Unesco Heritage site, sidewalk and Danube River

Top 5 favorites accommodation options for Budapest

❤️ Best Area first timers	Castle District (Várkerület)
💸 Best Luxury Hotel	InterContinental Budapest, an IHG Hotel
👪 Best Hotel for For Families	Marmara Hotel Budapest
🏨 Best Mid-Range Hotel	Maison Bistro & Hotel
🛏️ Best Budget Hotel	Dean’s College Hotel
✨ Best Hostel	Flow Spaces