
Whether for its famed nightlife, relaxing thermal baths, or (unfairly) underappreciated wealth of cultural attractions, Budapest deserves to be visited by all. So congratulations! – you’ve booked your tickets and are planning your itinerary. Just one matter remains: where to stay in Budapest.
Budapest is a big city, comprising roughly 1.75 million inhabitants spread across 525 square kilometres (203 square miles) and 23 districts. While its efficient and affordable public transport system of buses, trams, metro lines and suburban railways connects the city’s various districts, you’ll want to minimize your time in transit by basing yourself in the centre.
Luckily for you, Budapest offers a range of options – from affordable accommodation to amenity-packed luxury hotels. So whether you’re visiting for the city’s famous nightlife or thermal baths or are simply coming for a relaxing city break, you’ll find plenty of locally sourced suggestions for where to stay in Budapest.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your upcoming trip, check out our article on top things to do in Budapest.
Located on the west side of the Danube on the Buda side of town, the Várkerület district (or Castle District as it’s often known) is Budapest’s oldest and most picturesque neighbourhood.
A medieval medley of cobbled streets and upmarket, the Castle District is home to three top-tier attractions: Buda Castle, the National Gallery, and Budapest’s History Museum. A short walk away is the scenic Fisherman’s Bastion — a must for photos — and the towering Gellért Hill, which offers stunning views over both Buda and Pest. Here you’ll also find the Rudas and Gellért Baths (popular thermal spas).
Fisherman's Bastion in the Castle District
👍 Romantic city breaks and sightseeing vacations
👎 Partygoers or people with mobility issues
Since the Castle District is a UNESCO World Heritage site, its accommodation tends to be more upscale, with plenty of luxe hotels and fancy eateries. Here are our top picks.
Situated a 10-minute walk from Budapest History Museum and a 20-minute walk from Budapest Castle, this recently renovated 1-bedroom apartment offers a comfortable air-conditioned room with a balcony. Sunhill Studio’s amenities include a washing machine, a flat-screen tv, and a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave and toaster. To make your stay extra special, you can request wine or champagne upon your arrival for an extra fee.
Price: from €70 per night.
Converted from an 18th-century abbey, the four-star Monastery Boutique Hotel infuses character and comfort into a quaint historic setting. Many of its rooms feature original exposed brickwork and its breakfast is delicious, featuring fresh pastries, fruit, and yoghurt. Sightseers can’t beat this hotel for convenience since it is situated so close to Fisherman’s Bastion and Castle Hill.
Price: from €104 per night.
Winner of TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best award three years running, this five-star hotel is as comfortable as its location is convenient. With suites overlooking the Danube, Parliament, Chain Bridge, or Buda Castle, Hotel Clark offers all the amenities you would expect from a modern five-star hotel, including the chic, stylish Leo Bistrot and Leo Rooftop Bar.
Price: from €191 per night.
An excellent compromise between a central location and plenty of things to do
Situated on the eastern bank of the Danube, on the Pest side of town, the Terézváros District offers something for everyone.
Shoppers will find plenty to pique their interest among the international brands that line the famous Andrássy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage site adorned with noble Neo-renaissance architecture. Sightseers are spoiled for choice with museums like the House of Terror Museum and the Opera House. And people looking to relax can easily access the nearby Széchenyi Baths – Budapest’s most famous thermal baths.
The Széchenyi Baths
While the area offers plenty to see and do, the neighbourhood isn’t as packed full of hotels as other central areas. That means you get a good mix of convenience (you can still walk downtown, though getting the tram or bus is faster) while also experiencing the local pace of life.
Best places to stay in Terézváros
Located close to the Andrássy Avenue shopping street and House of Terror, the three-star Silver Hotel offers reasonably priced accommodation smack bang in the centre of the city. The rooms, while simple, are bright and airy, with comfy beds and all the amenities you’ll need. Its continental breakfast has a decent variety, but the real highlight is dining on the balcony and enjoying views over the city.
Price: from €49 per night.
Situated close to Heroes’ Square and within walking distance of Széchenyi Thermal Baths, the Mirage Medic Hotel is the best place to stay in Budapest for a relaxing spa weekend. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the breakfast is excellent, with plenty of vegan options too. But if proximity to the baths is what matters most, you can’t go better than here.
Price: from €98 per night.
👍Young people and partygoers
👎Couples and sightseers
Often called the Jewish Quarter (for reasons of pronunciation), the Erzsébetváros district is home to Budapest’s best nightlife. Famous for its ruin bars, breweries, and nightclubs, this is the place to be after dark and is the starting point of our top-rated Budapest Tipsy Tour.
As well as being home to the best bars in Budapest, the Jewish Quarter is also full of great places to try local and international food. Here are our top picks for where to stay.
Situated just three blocks down from Szimpla Kert ruin bar, the three-star Nova Apartments is ideal for travellers looking for comfort and convenience at the heart of Budapest’s party district. Its rooms are well-equipped, clean, and – most importantly – soundproof, so the early-morning revellers won’t keep you up beyond when you call it a night.
Price: from €60 per night
Looking to get the most authentic experience of Budapest and meet like-minded travellers? Get the best of bar crawling and touring on a fun-filled Tipsy Tour!
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