Best hotels in Budapest: where to stay by area

Budapest is two cities in one, hilly Buda and flat Pest split by the Danube, with historic thermal baths, grand boulevards and the famous ruin bars, and the area where you sleep changes the rhythm of the trip: the centre of Pest, the nightlife Jewish Quarter, Andrassy Avenue towards the park, romantic castle-side Buda, up-and-coming Ferencvaros. The metro and trams cover everything and the bridges are walkable, so location matters. Here are the best areas to stay, the prices to reckon with and, at the end, a selection of real hotels with live rates.

Where to stay in Budapest, area by area

Belvaros, the centre of Pest

The heart around the Parliament, St Stephen's Basilica and Vaci Street. It is the right call for a first-timer who wants everything on foot, with maximum centrality and the highest prices.

• The Parliament on the Danube
• St Stephen's Basilica
• The pedestrian Vaci Street and the Chain Bridge
• The Shoes on the Danube memorial

For centrality and elegance, look for hotels in central Pest.

The Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter of the seventh district is the heart of the nightlife, among ruin bars, street food and the great synagogue. It is the choice for anyone who loves nightlife, alternative venues and staying in the thick of it.

• The Great Synagogue on Dohany Street
• The famous ruin bar Szimpla Kert
• Bars, bistros and street food
• Steps from the centre and Andrassy

For nightlife and ruin bars, see hotels in the Jewish Quarter.

Andrassy and the City Park

The elegant Andrassy Avenue climbing towards Heroes' Square and the park, with the Opera and the Szechenyi baths. It is the choice for anyone after elegance, culture and the historic baths within reach.

• The State Opera on Andrassy Avenue
• Heroes' Square and the City Park
• The Szechenyi Baths
• Vajdahunyad Castle

For elegance and baths, look for hotels on Andrassy.

The Castle District, in Buda

On the Buda heights, the castle with the Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church gives the finest views. It is the choice for anyone after romance, calm and panoramas, a little away from the pulsing centre.

• Buda Castle and its museums
• The Fisherman's Bastion with its view
• Matthias Church
• Gellert Hill and its baths

For views and romance, see hotels in the Castle District.

Ferencvaros

The ninth district around the Great Market Hall and the Liberty Bridge is an up-and-coming, lively and cheaper area. It is the choice for anyone after value, a local feel and a riverside handy to the centre.

• The Great Market Hall with street food and local produce
• The Liberty Bridge towards the Gellert baths
• Cafes, bistros and neighbourhood life
• A direct tram to the centre

For value and local life, look for hotels in Ferencvaros.

What it costs

Indicative figures: Hungary uses the forint (HUF, around 400 to a euro) and Budapest stays very affordable.

• A double room in a mid-range 3-4 star: roughly 30,000-70,000 HUF a night (about 75-175 euros).
• A dinner for two with wine: about 15,000-25,000 HUF (about 40-65 euros); a coffee 800-1,200 HUF, a thermal bath entry 10,000-12,000 HUF.
• Transport: a single ticket around 450 HUF (just over a euro); a day travelcard is worth it.
• Tourist tax: in Budapest it is 4 percent of the net room price per night; under-18s are exempt. Verify at booking.

For a real sense before you choose, compare current prices in Budapest.

Getting there and around

The airport is Ferenc Liszt (BUD), about 16 km southeast, linked to the centre by the direct 100E bus to Deak Ferenc ter in around forty minutes. In town the metro (the oldest on the continent), trams and buses cover everything and the bridges are walkable.

A car is unnecessary and the centre is easy by public transport. With a good location, almost everything is on foot or a few stops away.

When to go

• April-June: a mild, splendid spring, maybe the best window.
• July-August: warm and lively, with festivals like Sziget in August and the terraces.
• September-October: pleasant weather and golden colours, excellent for walking.
• November-February: cold, but with Christmas markets and the baths steaming in the frozen air; lower prices.

Good to know

Which area is best on a first visit? Central Pest around the Basilica, or the Jewish Quarter for nightlife.

Do I need a car in Budapest? No, the metro, trams and buses cover everything; a car is unnecessary.

How much is the tourist tax? In Budapest it is 4 percent of the net room price per night, under-18s exempt.

What currency is used? The Hungarian forint (HUF), not the euro; cards are accepted almost everywhere.

Are the baths worth it? Absolutely: Szechenyi and Gellert are not to be missed, bring swimwear or rent it.

How many days do I need? Three nights for both banks, a bath and perhaps a Danube cruise.

The best hotels in Budapest

Below is a selection of real hotels in Budapest among the highest rated by guests, with live rates to compare right now. Choose the area first, then compare prices and book at the right moment.