Where to stay in Budapest? Have you always wanted to discover Central Europe and were thinking of the Hungarian capital? If you’re looking for a change of scene and an affordable place to stay, Budapest is a great choice.
An architectural gem in the heart of the Old Continent, the Pearl of the Danube, otherwise known as Budapest, lies at the crossroads of the different artistic movements that have shaped Europe, and will win you over with its rich and diverse historical and cultural past. Here, you’ll discover the most striking districts where you can stay and enjoy a memorable stay in the Hungarian capital
Main information
Before going into the description of the places to target when selecting accommodation in Budapest, here are the essentials to know from a tourist point of view. They should give you a better idea of the city and its constraints.
Our favorite places to stay
For those in a hurry, here are our favorite places to stay in Budapest:
- $ this hotel, close to several well-known attractions
- $$ this accommodation is located near the Castle, with a view of the city
- $$$ this luxury establishment, in the heart of Budapest, facing the Chain Bridge
Map of Budapest’s different districts to stay in
To give you a quick overview of the different places we recommend to stay in Budapest, you’ll find on the map below all the Budapest accommodation recommendations we’ll be sharing in this guide. You can also use it to locate the various neighborhoods we’ll be detailing.
The essentials for choosing where to stay in Budapest
Where to stay in and around Budapest
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in Budapest.
Belváros: stay on Budapest's right bank
On the Pest side of the city, east of the Danube, in the 5th district, the Belváros area is home to a large number of places to visit and places to stay. This area, nicknamed the "inner city", is the former part of the capital with a Turkish past. Its architecture features neo-Gothic, neo-classical and Art Nouveau styles. The city is rich in monuments and historic sites that tell its story. In particular, the Hungarian Parliament is one of Budapest's landmarks not to be missed.
It's a shopping district where you can stroll down Váci Street, home to a large number of luxury boutiques.
Here's our selection of the main sights to see in this part of the Hungarian city:
- Hungarian Parliament: seat of the National Assembly, built in the 20th century
- St. Stephen's Basilica: neo-classical Catholic building housing the relic of the first King of Hungary. Panoramic view.
- Avenue Andrássy: connects the center with Heroes' Square, ideal for luxury shopping. Very lively
- Széchenyi Chain Bridge: links Buda to Pest. Built in 1849, it was rebuilt after the Second World War bombings in 1949.
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This new hotel welcomes you to its modern, tastefully decorated premises. You'll appreciate the comfortable rooms where to stay and the American buffet. Private parking is also available for your convenience.
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This beautiful historic hotel is close to the river and the Pont des Chaînes. You'll be won over by the sumptuous decor of this 19th-century building, with its large common areas decorated with luxury furnishings. Staying in their establishment is the guarantee of a successful stay.
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Just across from the Chain Bridge, you can admire this majestic historic hotel dating from 1906. Its communal areas under an authentic turn-of-the-century glass roof, and its spacious, comfortable rooms with city views, will guarantee you the best possible stay in the Hungarian capital.
Buda: the western part of the Danube
Located to the west, in the 1st district, Buda is historically older than Pest. Perched on its hilltop, its great castle, also known as the Royal Palace, overlooks the entire city. A symbol of the power of yesteryear, it is a place that has been taken over by the wealthy class. The palace has undergone a number of destructions over the decades, making it a building of many different architectural styles. Gothic elements and the more pronounced neo-Renaissance wave are immediately apparent when looking at this Budapest landmark.
Just beyond the Chain Bridge, the funicular can easily take you to the top of the hill. It's also possible to go up on foot, which isn't a difficult climb.
We've picked out the best places to visit in this part of the capital:
- Royal Palace or Budavár Palace: the city's historic palace, once home to the kings of Hungary. Allow a full day to see it all.
- Matthias Fountain: Famous sculptural fountain to the west of the Palace
- Bastion des Pêcheurs (Fishermen's Bastion): Romanesque-style terrace decorated with historic turrets, offering panoramic views.
For accommodation in this historic part of Budapest, there are a number of different places to stay.
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This beautiful, affordable establishment offers a relaxing stay in the capital. Its access to a garden from the common areas is a real plus. Air-conditioned, comfortable rooms make for a pleasant stay in Budapest.
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This charming hotel in the Buda district is close to the city's Castle and offers accommodation in spacious rooms with high-quality bedding in a chic modern style. You'll have access to the hotel's buffet and enjoy city views from your room.
The chic and lively Terézváros district
Right next to Belvaros is the 6th district, known as Terézváros. Coming from Pest, you'll arrive on Andrássy Avenue, lined with luxury boutiques and leading to Heroes' Square. You'll pass by the grand National Opera and arrive in an area rich in accommodation where to stay and restaurants where to dine.
It's also an area where you'll find a large number of theaters from Andrassy Street, earning it the nickname Broadway. Even if it's a far cry from what this famous street has to offer, we'd still recommend this area for anyone who loves Hungarian stage shows. You'll also want to visit these streets, which will lead you directly to the famous Széchenyi thermal baths; a must-see if you're looking for wellness in this capital known for its historic thermal baths.
Here's a selection of the best places to visit in Budapest:
- Széchenyi Thermal Baths and City Park: On the edge of the district, these famous and grandiose thermal baths are located in the middle of Városliget Park, which also houses museums and a palm grove.
- Avenue Andrássy: This is the avenue of luxury shopping, a key artery that leads easily to the Hungarian city's must-see buildings.
- House of Terror - Terror Háza: This famous site highlights the impact of the Nazi and Soviet regimes on the metropolis.
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This historic hotel in a 19th-century setting features rooms and spaces with traditional period decor. For lovers of antique furniture, it's the perfect place to stay and enjoy their bar-restaurant and music-hall club, which has been in operation since 1928.
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It blends neo-renaissance decor, with its impressive colonnaded arcade lobby , and modernity, with its more contemporary rooms. Its location on Andrassy Avenue will convince you to stay in the Hungarian capital.
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Located close to Saint Etienne Basilica on Andrassy Avenue, this late 19th-century establishment lets you stay in spacious, modern rooms. You'll appreciate the brightness of the common areas thanks to the central glass roof and the charm of the wrought-iron balustrades decorating the upper floors.
Staying in Erzsébetváros: a historically Jewish district
Budapest's 7th district, known as Erzsébetváros, is home to a large number of Jewish cultural sites . The Great Moorish Synagogue is a must-see in the Hungarian city. It is the second largest in the world after Jerusalem. The building is colossal, with Byzantine and Gothic influences. This is the Jewish ghetto district, best known for the concentration camps from which this part of the population left during the Second World War.
It lies to the south of the Terezvaros district, and is a new area taken over by Budapest's trendy restaurants and bars. Previously rundown, it's now the place to come to discover the city's more bobo and alternative side. You'll find a wide range of accommodation where to stay.
We recommend you follow this list of things to do in the area:
- The Great Jewish Synagogue or Dohány Synagogue: With its impressive dimensions, this 19th-century Synagogue is the pride of the city, attracting many devotees and tourists alike, since it's free to visit (remember to cover up)
- Jewish Museum: A must-see museum of the Jewish ghetto, it presents the city's past through exhibitions and archives.
- Farmers' market at Szimpla Kert: On Sunday mornings, you'll find a lively market in this area, with music and entertainment for children. A perfect program for a cultural stroll.
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This hotel features large common areas in a chic and pleasant decor . Staying here will guarantee you a pleasant stay in spacious, comfortable rooms. There's also a sauna for you to relax in.
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This hotel welcomes you in spacious surroundings close to the Dohany synagogue. You can stay in spacious, modern, fully-equipped rooms in soft, warm colors. Take advantage of our excellent American buffet, meeting rooms and numerous services to facilitate your travels.
Near the center: Ferencváros
This area of the metropolis, known as Ferencváros, lies to the south of the Belvaros district. It's very close to the city's must-see attractions, starting with the neo-Gothic Vasarcsarnok Great Halls, a huge covered market not to be missed.
It's a rather residential area, and you won't find much in the way of accommodation. It's mainly concentrated to the north of the district, near the Halles market, and here's our selection.
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Right next to Les Halles market, you'll find this beautiful, original and affordable establishment, laid out like an art gallery. It's an ideal place to stay in the heart of Budapest, with small but cosy rooms and large communal areas for socializing.
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This charming local hotel is decorated in a blend of industrial and retro styles. You can stay in tastefully decorated and fully-equipped rooms. Its large rooftop is perfect for enjoying a view of the city in summer.
Accommodation east of the Danube: Józsefváros
It's in the Józsefváros area that you'll find some nice places to visit if you're staying in Budapest for a while. It's in this 8th district that you'll find the Magyar Museum, Budapest's National Museum, which traces its history back to the Palaeolithic period.
It's also where you'll find the sublime neoclassical Keleti pu railway station, whose façade is well worth a visit. Numerous parks around the station provide a green setting for a stroll, which is sure to give you a rest during your stay in the Hungarian capital. A variety of places to stay can be booked, especially around the museum.
Here are the places we've found to visit in this part of the city:
- Magyar Nemzeti Muzeum: Budapest's National Museum, retracing the city's history.
- Keleti Pu Station: Connected train station adjacent to the metro station
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Close to the National Museum and the business center, you can stay at this affordable establishment. The rooms are new and modern, and you can take advantage of the hotel's sauna. It's an ideal place to stay close to Váci Street and Budapest's neighboring districts.
Summary
As you can see, Budapest is a capital that we recommend you visit if you love history and the neo-renaissance style. And, of course, the city’s reputation for its historic thermal baths will guarantee you a memorable stay in the Hungarian capital.
The capital also boasts a number of parks to enhance your stay, and to punctuate visits to museums and historic sites with more relaxing strolls. It’s a great place to live, and you’ll never be bored thanks to the wide range of cultural sights on offer