Budapest is a large city. Especially if it’s your first visit to the city, the neighbourhoods and possible areas to stay might be overwhelming. But, don’t worry if you’re still wondering where to stay in Budapest. We got you covered with a few golden tips!
In this article, we’ll show you the best districts and areas in the city, so you can make a will informed decision about the best areas to stay in Budapest during your visit.
First of all, let me tell you about our other guides for Budapest. If you’re still planning your trip, make sure to have a look at these valuable guides to help you plan your holiday in Budapest and Hungary:
- Ultimate travel guide to Budapest
- Perfect 3-day itinerary for Budapest
- Detailed guide to the Districts of Budapest
- Fun and interesting day trips from Budapest
- Other cities to explore in Hungary
All right, let’s dive into the specifics!
The different districts of Budapest
Budapest had 23 districts. If you want to learn all about these neighbourhoods, then you better click through to our dedicated and detailed guide to the Districts of Budapest, where you can find information about highlights, sightseeing, transportation, and a lot more.
Luckily, to find the best areas to stay in Budapest, you don’t have to know about all these districts. We will guide you through the most important ones, so you can decide quickly and swiftly!
So, where to stay in Budapest?
The best districts to find accommodation as a tourist, are District 1, 5, 6 and 7.
The other districts are also fine, as long as you stay close to these districts, as most of the main sights are in there!
We will give you a few fantastic options for hotels in the best districts, so you won’t have to search too long for your perfect accommodation.
Let’s start with the best district to choose as a first time visitor:
District 5 - the best area to stay in Budapest
District 5 is, without a doubt, the best area to stay in Budapest. Especially as a first time visitor, this is the place to be. All the main sights are here, but you’re also close to everything else.
The other sights that are in other area’s, are also within walking distance from this area. It is the most centrally located neighbourhood you can find.
What to expect when staying in District 5
- Walking distance to most interesting sights
- Abundance of restaurants
- Cozy bars and cafés everywhere
- Safe and touristy environment
- Massive choice in hotels for every budget
Pros
- Beautiful and well-maintained
- Great surroundings and buildings
- Romantic for couples
- Luxury hotels and boutique hotels
- Quieter at night
- Central location near most attractions
- Everything is within walking distance
Cons
- Not the cheapest
- No real nightlife (this is also a pro)
Best Hostels in District 5
District 5 is not the area that is know for its many hostels. So, if you’re a budget traveller, keep scrolling to the other districts to find a lot more options. These are the best rated hostels in this district.
Best Budget-Friendly Hotels in District 5
It’s perfectly possible to spend the night in District 5 in Budapest without breaking the bank or staying in a hostel. These are the best hotels in this neighbourhood for under 75€ per night.
Best Apartments in District 5
Experience the city centre of Budapest from the comfort of your own apartment. These are the best, fully equipped apartments in District 5.
Best Boutique Hotels in District 5
You’ll find a plethora of beautifully designed boutique hotels in District 5, as it is very popular among travellers. These are some of the very best.
Best Luxury Hotels in District 5
Want to feel like a royal while visiting the capital of Hungary? That’s perfectly possible! Book a weekend in one of these luxury hotels in District 5 and get pampered.
District 1 - Charming & historic district
District 1, also known as the Castle District, is a very charming place to spend the night. It’s more of a high-end area and you will encounter quite a few luxury and boutique hotels in this neighbourhood.
This area is ideal for a romantic weekend with a lover, but also for a family holiday, this district offers a quiet and historical setting.
What to expect when staying in District 1
- Walking distance to most interesting sights
- Historic setting with cobblestone streets
- Safe environment
- Not too many bars and restaurants
- Quiet at night
Pros
- romantic location for couples
- quiet nights
- luxury hotels and boutique hotels
- amazing views over the city
- main attractions within walking distance
Cons
- no hostels budget accommodation
- expensive
- not too many shops, stores, bars, or restaurants
- no nightlife
Best Hostels in District 1
Unfortunately, there are no hostels in District 1. If you want a budget stay in this district, you can still choose a budget-friendly accommodation.
Best Budget-Friendly Hotels in District 1
Budget accommodation in this area of Budapest is more difficult to find. But we managed find a few. These are the best budget hotels for under 75€ in the Budvar District.
ibis Budapest Castle Hill
- Budget-Friendly
- Beautiful Design
- Near Budapest Déli Train station
Best Apartments Hotels in District 1
If you rather experience the Castle District in the comfort of your own, private apartment, then these accommodations are perfect for you.
Best Boutique Hotels in District 1
Do you want to stay in the Castle District and also enjoy the stylish design of a boutique hotel? Have a look at these design hotels in District 1.
Best Luxury Hotels in District 1
The Castle District in Budapest is a great place to bathe in luxury during your stay. The historic setting offers an amazing combination with the wonderful facilities in these hotels.
District 7 - Hip & party district
District 7 or the Jewish District is one of the most popular neighbourhoods at this time. In this area, you’ll find the quirky ruin bars, stylish restaurants, and vintage shops. This area has undergone an upgrade in recent years and it attracts a young and hip audience.
The Jewish Quarter has an abundance of hostels, hotels, and other accommodation. It’s a very good choice to spend the night here, especially if you want to explore the nightlife in Budapest.
If you want to be 100% certain that you have a quiet and silent night, the scroll back up! Or scroll down to District 6, which is also a great area to stay in.
What to expect when staying in District 7
- Be near all the great parties
- Walking distance to the important sights
- Experience the hip and quirky vibe of the Jewish District
- Very touristy
Pros
- Center of the nightlife
- Loads of bars, cafés, and restaurants
- Walking distance from all the main sights
- Different lodging options for all budgets
- Hip and popular area
Cons
- Loud during the day and at night
- Super busy with a lot of tourists
- Drunk partying people at night
Best Hostels in District 7
District 7 is bulking with amazing hostels. You won’t have any trouble finding a budget-friendly room or bunk bed in this neighbourhood. These are the best rated hostels in the Jewish Quarter.
Best Budget-Friendly Hotels in District 7
District 7 has quite a few hotels, a lot of which are budget-friendly. These hotels are top rated and can be booked under 75€ per night, per room. Let’s see the most popular ones!
Best apartments in District 7
Nothing better than having your own place, especially when travelling with a group of friends or with your family. In the Jewish District, you can get a private apartment with fully equipped kitchen for a budget-friendly price. Have a look at the best rated apartments in District 7.
Best Boutique Hotels in District 7
Just like the quirky ruin bars are located mostly in District 7, you will also find a few quirky hotels in this area. Have a look at these highly rated gems in the Jewish District.
Best Luxury Hotels in District 7
Some of the very best Luxury hotels in Budapest are located in District 7. These 5-star gems will make you feel like a royal during your stay in Budapest. Explore the best luxury hotels in District 7
District 6 - Central & budget-friendly
District 6 is still quite centrally located, within walking distance to all the major sights. It even has a few sights of its own, like the Hungarian State Opera, some of the eclectic ruin bars, and on the edge of this districts, Heroes Square is located (which is actually in District 14)
It is however important to select your accommodation in the right part of the district, near the centre of the city. The further you venture away, the less interesting this district becomes. All of the accommodation we mention in this article, is located in nice and touristy areas!
The best part about District 6? The range of budget-friendly accommodation options. Let’s dive in!
What to expect when staying in District 6
- Be near the main sights (walking distance)
- Have a great choice in accommodation
- Quiet – depending on the exact location
Pros
- Within walking distance of most landmarks
- For all different budgets
- Andrássy Avenue is a beautiful street
- More nightlife options
Cons
- Can be loud at night
Best Hostels in District 6
In District 6, there are a few hostels to choose from. If you don’t find the perfect hostel here, check out the hostels in District 7 or select a budget-friendly hotel.
Best Budget-Friendly Hotels in District 6
District 6 offers quite a few interesting budget-friendly hotels. Most of these hotels offer a great service and still have an excellent location. These are some top rated budget hotels in this District.
Best apartments in District 6
No matter which district you select, having an entire apartment can be the perfect solution when travelling as a family or when travelling with a group of friends. In the 6th district, you’ll find quite a few cozy and beautiful apartments which have all you might dream of, and more.
Best Boutique Hotels in District 6
As District 6 has a plethora of hotels in each budget and each style, there’s also quite a few beautifully designed boutique hotels in this neighbourhood. Make sure to check the exact location for your hotel to know if it’s in a quieter or more central location.
Best Luxury Hotels in District 6
As for luxury hotels, you can also find these in District 6. We gathered 3 of the very best and most interesting luxury hotels in this district.
Other districts and areas in Budapest
Obviously, accommodation is not limited to these districts. There are tons of great hotels in the other neigbourhoods as well.
But, in this guide, we discussed the 4 most interesting areas and districts. Don’t let a few lines on the map limit you and explore further.
Just keep in mind that the closer your hotel is located to one of these districts, the closer you’ll be to the main sightseeing of the city.
Where to stay in Budapest: explore more!
If you’re not really concerned about the exact area or neighbourhood where you’ll be staying, we might have a few other interesting guides for you to make you choice for accommodation.
While the exact location of your hotel is important, we know that most of the themed hotels in our list are also located in or near the best districts in the city.
So, have a look at the hotel styles and pick your travel style to find your perfect hotel or hostel.
The best hostels in Budapest
If you’re on a budget or if you’re not but you want to meet other travellers during your trip, then a hostel is the perfect solution.
Hostels are usually budget-friendly, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t get excellent accommodation. In most cases, you get to select the type of room you want. This can be a bunk bed in a dormitory or a private room.
Generally, there are a few common spaces in the hostel, like a shared kitchen where you can cook your own meals.
Budapest has quite a few beautiful hostels to choose from. We created a list with the very best hostels in Budapest, so make sure to have a look at this curated list.
Most beautiful boutique hotels in Budapest
If you’re looking for a unique and charming accommodation option, boutique hotels are the perfect choice. These intimate and stylish hotels offer a personalized experience that is often lacking in larger chain hotels.
From their beautifully designed rooms to their attentive service, boutique hotels in Budapest capture the essence of the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.
Whether you’re exploring the historic Buda Castle or indulging in the city’s famous thermal baths, staying at a boutique hotel will enhance your overall experience and allow you to truly immerse yourself in the charm of Budapest. Discover the most beautiful boutique hotels in Budapest.
Best spa & wellness hotels in Budapest
Budapest is known for its exceptional spa and wellness hotels, offering a haven of relaxation in this vibrant city. These hotels are designed to provide a truly immersive experience, where guests can indulge in a range of luxurious treatments and therapies.
From soothing massages to invigorating facials, these spas offer a wide array of options to cater to every individual’s needs. The tranquil atmosphere and serene surroundings create the perfect environment for guests to unwind and escape from the stresses of everyday life.
Whether you’re looking to pamper yourself or simply want to take some time out to focus on your well-being, a stay at one of Budapest’s spa and wellness hotels is sure to leave you feeling refreshed, revitalized, and ready to take on the world.
Most fabulous luxury hotels in Budapest
From the moment you step foot into one of the luxury hotels in Budapest, you’ll be treated like royalty. The opulent surroundings, lavish amenities, and impeccable service are all designed to create an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s sinking into a plush bed with high-thread-count sheets, indulging in a spa treatment that leaves you feeling rejuvenated, or dining on exquisite cuisine prepared by world-class chefs, every aspect of your stay is carefully curated to ensure your utmost comfort and satisfaction.
Luxury hotels offer a sanctuary away from the stresses of everyday life, where you can truly unwind and indulge in the finer things. So go ahead, pamper yourself and experience the epitome of luxury at one of these magnificent hotels. You deserve it.
Conclusion - Let go of your doubt on where to stay in Budapest
Obviously, selecting your accommodation for a trip to Budapest is quite exciting. You hope to select the right hotel, because a ‘shitty’ one will definitely break the holiday mood.
If you’re still doubting about a place to stay after reading all of these recommendations, well, scroll back to the start!
Your perfect hotel is, without a doubt, in this list.
I suggest starting with District 5, the very best area to stay in Budapest. Follow your heart and pick one that looks amazing. Just go with it! We only listed hotels that get an excellent guest score, so they’re all highly rated.
Still need more information for your trip to Budapest?