Pick your base camp
Where to stay in Budapest
4 neighbourhoods compared, so you can choose the right base for your trip.
Photo: Efrem Efre / Pexels · Pexels License
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Stay in District V to walk everywhere, in the Jewish Quarter (VII) for food and nightlife, in the Castle District for quiet evenings, or along Andrássy út (VI) for good value.
| Area | Best for | Price level | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belváros & Lipótváros (District V) | First-timers | $$$$ | Metro M1, M2 and M3 at Deák Ferenc tér; tram 2 |
| Jewish Quarter (District VII) | Food lovers and night owls | $$ | Metro M2 Astoria and Blaha Lujza tér; trams 4 and 6 |
| Castle District (Buda) | Couples | $$$$ | Bus 16 and the funicular; walk down to the river |
| Terézváros (District VI) | Value with a central base | $$$ | Metro M1 under Andrássy út; trams 4 and 6 on the Grand Boulevard |
1. Belváros & Lipótváros (District V)
Our pick for first-timersCentral, grand, walkable · Best for first-timers · $$$$
Why stay here
- Walk to the Parliament, Basilica and Chain Bridge
- Airport bus 100E stops here
Watch out for
- Pricier
- Touristy around Váci utca
Getting around: Metro M1, M2 and M3 at Deák Ferenc tér; tram 2
Hotels to look at
- SplurgeFour Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace: Art Nouveau palace from 1906 facing the Chain Bridge. Check live price (affiliate link, opens in new tab)
2. Jewish Quarter (District VII)
Lively, nightlife, street food · Best for food lovers and night owls · $$
Why stay here
- Great restaurants and ruin bars
- Good value
Watch out for
- Noisy at night, especially at weekends
Getting around: Metro M2 Astoria and Blaha Lujza tér; trams 4 and 6
Hotels to look at
- BudgetWombat’s City Hostel Budapest: Big, sociable hostel with private rooms in the middle of the quarter. Check live price (affiliate link, opens in new tab)
3. Castle District (Buda)
Quiet, historic, romantic · Best for couples · $$$$
Why stay here
- Beautiful at night when the day-trippers leave
- Views over the Danube
Watch out for
- Few restaurants in the evening
- Uphill from everything
Getting around: Bus 16 and the funicular; walk down to the river
Hotels to look at
- SplurgeHilton Budapest: Next to Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion. Check live price (affiliate link, opens in new tab)
4. Terézváros (District VI)
Elegant boulevards, theatres, cafés · Best for value with a central base · $$$
Why stay here
- Between the centre and the City Park
- Lots of mid-range hotels
Watch out for
- Busy traffic on the boulevards
Getting around: Metro M1 under Andrássy út; trams 4 and 6 on the Grand Boulevard
Hotels to look at
- Mid-rangeHotel Moments Budapest: Boutique hotel on Andrássy út near the Opera. Check live price (affiliate link, opens in new tab)
Hotel names are suggestions to start your search, not paid placements. Always check recent reviews, the exact location and the cancellation terms before you book.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Budapest for first-timers?
Belváros & Lipótváros (District V). Walk to the Parliament, Basilica and Chain Bridge. The trade-off: pricier.
What is the cheapest area to stay in Budapest?
Jewish Quarter (District VII) usually offer the best value with good transport. Prices change a lot by date, so compare live prices.
Do you list exact hotel prices?
No. Hotel prices change daily with demand and events, so instead we show a relative price level and link to live prices for your dates.
Plan your next step
Hotels in Belváros & Lipótváros
Check prices (affiliate link, opens in new tab)