Where to stay in Budapest – An accommodation guide to the Hungarian capital
Like many cities that grew up around rivers, Budapest is a dual city, formed by the twin towns of Buda, on the west side of the Danube River and Pest in the east.
These cities became a single entity in 1873. Genrally, Buda is considered quieter and Pest a more lively area.
Architecturally, the city is a real treasure, with enough baroque, neoclassical, eclectic and art nouveau buildings to satisfy all tastes. It was at the end of the 20th century, during the “golden age” of the Hungarian capital, when most of the buildings that we currently see were built.
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People from all over the world visit Budapest to experience the rich history of the city, its natural sites and its unique cuisine.
Budapest is also famous for its many thermal bath houses, there are more than 100 hot springs across the city.
Budapest also has a legendary reputation as a “party city” and its nightlife has become one of its main tourist attractions.
When it comes to the best areas to stay in Budapest, surely the city center is the most recommended area due to the proximity of most tourist attractions and the ability to move on foot or by metro. See hotels in central Budapest.
Districts V, VI y VII are located in central Pest, District I includes Castle Hill, the main tourist area in Buda.
Below is a guide with the best areas to stay in Budapest.
Best areas to stay in Budapest
Our favourite district: Belváros – Lipótváros (District V)
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District V is the heart of Budapest and the political, financial, commercial and tourist epicenter of Budapest, and all of Hungary.
The name of the district is Belváros-Lipótváros, or in English: City Center – Leopold City), which refers to the two historic towns located within the district.
What is currently considered the “City Center” is Pest’s Old City, while Leopold Town was established at the beginning of the 19th century and became Hungary’s political and financial center at the beginning of the 20th century, when the magnificent Hungarian Parliament was built.
Being the tourist heart of Budapest, this area is rich in tourist attractions such as the Elisabeth Bridge, the Hungarian Parliament Building, St. Stephen’s Basilica or the Chain Bridge.
Due to its central location within the city and the importance of its tourist attractions, Belváros – Lipótváros is definitely the best area to stay in Budapest.
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Why is this one of the top districts to stay in Budapest:
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[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Heart of the city[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Historical charm[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Easy to walk[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Nightlife[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Best area for tourists[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Hungarian Parliament[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Danube River[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Chain Bridge[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]St Stephen’s Basilica[/list_item]
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Accommodation in this area
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Zenit Budapest Palace
Hotel Zenit Budapest Palace is located in the historic center of Pest, 50 meters from the Danube. The property houses a restaurant with international cuisine and a wellness area with a fitness room and sauna.
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The Magazine
The Magazine Hotel & Apartments is located in the immediate vicinity of the St. Stephen’s Basilica, 250 meters from the Andrássy Avenue and the lively center of Budapest, and offers free Wi-Fi and a concierge service.
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Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest
The Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest is located 700 meters from the Chain Bridge and the St. Stephen’s Basilica, and offers several restaurants, luxurious rooms with air conditioning and an indoor pool. Its architecture is a symbol of modern Budapest.
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Castle Hill (District I)
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Although it has some of the oldest houses in Budapest, the 1st district, also known as the Castle District is brimming with modern energy, which makes it an ideal neighborhood to stay in Budapest.
A tangle of cobblestone streets, rugged architecture and mature trees, the area has been the preferred district of nobles and aristocrats through the centuries.
The oldest neighborhood in this area, Castle Hill, is easily accessible and navigable on foot and by bicycle.
Its unique history, together with its privileged location facing the river, cultural festivals and its ancient medieval charm, makes the Castle District one of the coolest places in in Budapest.
The Castle Hill area still has cobblestone streets and lots of 18th century charm.
The District I is also the alternative epicenter of the city, with a very active artistic scene.
The proximity to the historic Buda Castle, Fishermen’s Bastion and Mathias Church make the Castle District one of the best places to stay in Budapest.
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Why is this one of the top districts to stay in Budapest:
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[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Very central[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Medieval charm[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Easy to navigate[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]River views[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Great area for tourists[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Buda Castle[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Alternative atmosphere[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Designer shops[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Great food[/list_item]
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Accommodation in this area
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Carlton Hotel Budapest
The Carlton Hotel Budapest is located at the foot of the Fisherman’s Bastion, in the Castle District of Budapest and 100 meters from the famous Chain Bridge. It offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi.
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Hotel Charles
The friendly Charles hotel is located 1.5 km from the city center, although it has bus stops right in front of it and offers spacious rooms with a kitchenette and a great restaurant.
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Hilton Budapest
The Hilton Budapest is located in the spectacular Castle district, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, next to the Fishermen’s Bastion and St Matthew’s Church. Free WiFi is available in all areas.
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District VII (Erzsébetváros)
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The seventh district of Budapest is the hipster district of the city. It is also the Jewish quarter of the Hungarian capital.
With a more bohemian, alternative and somewhat rougher feel than its neighboring V district, the VII district is a young, casual and vibrant neighborhood.
Its decadent buildings of grandiose styles reflect the city’s golden era.
This is the neighborhood of clandestine clubs, kitsch-style bars and terraces full of young people wearing ironic outfits.
Located in the center of Pest, the VII district is a very convenient area to stay in Budapest.
The good news is that if you are looking for the liveliest nightlife in Budapest, you have come to the right place. The VII district has many bars and nightclubs to dance the night away.
It is the smallest, but most populous district of the city, and it can be quite crowded, especially after sunset.
In Erzsébetváros there are also several places of cultural interest, such as the Dohány street synagogue.
Erzsébetváros is definitely one of the best areas to stay in Budapest for night owls and alternative travelers.
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Why is this one of the top districts to stay in Budapest:
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[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Very central[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Great connections[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Best area for nightlife[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Jewish quarter[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Great Synagogue[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Hipster area[/list_item]
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Accommodation in this area
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Hotel Mika Superior
Hotel Mika is located in the historic Jewish quarter of central Budapest, 450 meters from the State Opera House. The property is 500 meters from the Dohány Street Synagogue. Free WiFi is available on site, as well as private parking 100 meters away.
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Mango Aparthotel and Spa
Mango Aparthotel and Spa is located in Gozsdu-udvar, in the heart of Budapest, surrounded by bars and restaurants and 400 meters from the Déak Ferenc Tér metro station. Free WiFi is available in the entire property.
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New York Palace
The New York Palace, The Dedica Anthology, Autograph Collection occupies an elegant 19th-century building in the heart of Budapest, close to the Opera House and Andrássy Boulevard. It offers free WiFi and a spa area with a hydromassage pool.
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District VI (Terézváros)
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El distrito VI de Budapest es una zona bulliciosa de la ciudad, con muchos bares, cafeterías y vida nocturna.
Like the VII and parts of the VI, this area is somewhat gritty on the surface.
Terézváros houses the State Opera House, and Andrássy Avenue, a large boulevard full of beautiful buildings and exclusive shops and restaurants.
Considered part of central Pest, the 6th is one of the best areas to stay in Budapest.
Small but densely populated, Terézváros has become an artistic and cultural destination increasingly popular in recent years thanks to the large number of theaters. Quieter than District VII, with a slightly more local atmosphere than the District V, this is an excellent area for tourists and locals.
Many of the international embassies in the city can also be found along the Andrássy Avenue, near City Park.
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Why is this one of the top districts to stay in Budapest:
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[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Very central[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Andrássy Avenue[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Great restaurants[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Great shopping[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Well connected[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Theaters and cultural scene[/list_item]
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Accommodation in this area
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12 Revay Hotel
The 12 Revay Hotel is located in the center of Budapest, 270 meters from St. Stephen’s Basilica. WiFi connection is free. The units have modern furnishings and cable TV. It includes a well-equipped kitchenette and a terrace with views of the basilica.
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Andrassy Thai Hotel
Andrassy Thai Hotel is a 19th-century palace located on Andrássy Avenue in the center of Budapest. It offers a 24-hour reception, Thai-style and classic rooms, as well as free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is provided.
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Budapest Holidays Apartments & Spa
Located in the center of Budapest, Budapest Holidays Apartments & Spa features a free indoor pool, a free spa and wellness center with a sauna and a fitness center. Free WiFi access is available.
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District VIII (Józsefváros)
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Józsefváros, south of the center of the city is an up-and-coming district.
Up until recent yeras, it was seen as one of the least reputable areas of Budapest. Today Józsefváros is an increasingly popular neighborhood, with elegant bars and cool hip restaurants popping up regularly.
If you are looking for a place to eat or drink while you rub elbows with the locals, this is the best area to stay in Budapest.
One of the largest universities in the city, Semmelweis University, is also located here, making the area popular with students.
The Hungarian National Museum, located in Józsefváros, offers a glimpse of the history of the country throughout the ages, with a series of fascinating artifacts on display.
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Why is this one of the top districts to stay in Budapest:
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[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Central[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]National Museum[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Excellent restaurants[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]University area[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Well connected[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”heart” icon_color=””]Alternative atmosphere[/list_item]
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Accommodation in this area
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Atrium Fashion Hotel
The Atrium Fashion Hotel is close to Blaha Lujza Square, Budapest’s main public transport hub, and offers free Wi-Fi and in-room tea and coffee making facilities.
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Esprit Hotel
Esprit Hotel is located in the center of Budapest, 200 meters from the Blaha Lujza tér metro station (M2). It offers free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and a well-equipped shared kitchen.
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Hotel Museum Budapest
Hotel Museum Budapest is located in the center of the city, near the National Museum and only a few steps away from Váci street, St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Great Synagogue.
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