Where to Stay in Budapest

The most ideal accommodation areas are: Deak Ferenc tér, Oktogon, and Budavar. These areas are central, close to attractions, and have excellent public transportation. You will find detailed information and our hotel recommendations for each area in the subheadings below.

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a holiday destination whose popularity has rapidly increased in recent years. Due to its extraordinary architecture and atmosphere, it is known as the “Little Paris of Central Europe.” As a very lively city, Budapest offers enjoyment for everyone interested in history, architecture, thermal baths, gastronomy, and nightlife. On our “Where to Stay in Budapest” page, we will introduce the best and safest areas as someone who has lived in this city for a long time. Afterwards, you will also find our list of Budapest hotel recommendations.

The Danube River divides the city into Buda and Pest. Although they are parts of a single city, we can say that the two sides have a completely different atmosphere. Buda is seen as the historic part, while Pest is known as the more lively and socially vibrant area of the city. Visitors coming to the city for the first time generally prefer to stay in the Pest section because many activities and must-see structures are located on the Pest side.

The Best Areas to Stay in Budapest

Budapest, which consists of 23 districts in total, has these districts numbered clockwise in an expanding circle, just like in Paris. We have compiled the most popular Budapest accommodation spots for you from these districts, each having a different atmosphere and type of accommodation facility.

Those visiting Budapest for the first time can choose Deak Ferenc tér and Oktogon areas to be close to everything. Those who are more view-focused and want to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the Buda side can choose Budavar, and those who want to stay around the iconic Hungarian Parliament Building can choose Lipotvaros. Belvaros is one of the best spots in the city; although it often has bustling streets, it is loved for its location and modern structures. Terezvaros is ideal for those who want to feel the local atmosphere and prefer traveling by public transport.

Erzsebetvaros is suitable for families and has affordable accommodation options. Those who want to stay in the same environment as the local residents and be close to historical structures prefer Jozsefvaros.

⚡ Quick Top 3 Budapest Hotel Recommendations for Those in a Hurry:

• Luxury and Modern: Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection
• Central and High Quality: House Octogon
• Cheap and Highly Rated: ibis Budapest Castle Hill

📍 Deak Ferenc tér

Deak Ferenc tér, considered the center of Budapest, is always lively and hosts many tourist spots. The city’s symbol, St. Stephen’s Basilica, is located here, and the area in front of this church is accepted as the Old Town Square. Many events, Christmas markets, and similar activities are organized here.

Vaci utca, Budapest’s most popular and crowded street, is also located in the Deak Ferenc tér area. This street features many souvenir shops, traditional restaurants, and luxury stores. The area is also prominent for its nightlife. Deak Ferenc tér has many nightclubs and bars that are full at all hours of the day.

From Deak Ferenc tér, which is on the river bank, you can go to any area you want by tram, bus, or metro. Staying in this area can be a bit more expensive compared to other areas because it is central and popular. However, it is definitely the preferred place we recommend for those who want to be close to everything and stay in the heart of the city.

Some hotels located within the boundaries of Deak Ferenc tér have a view of the Danube River. From the rooms of these hotels, it is possible to watch the Buda side, the castle view, and the pleasant sight of the river.

Budapest was ranked 2nd among Europe’s friendliest cities by Condé Nast Traveller with a score of 91.88%. Hotels around Deak Ferenc tér receive high scores, especially for location and ease of transportation.

Advantages of the Area:

• This is the heart of the city, and almost all tourist places are within walking distance.
• It has many public transport networks such as metro, tram, and bus; you can easily go anywhere.
• Many amenities like restaurants, entertainment venues, markets, etc., are available.

Disadvantages of the Area:

• Since it is central, the tourist crowd is high, and it can be noisy.
• Due to the tourist density, both accommodation and food/drink prices are more expensive compared to other areas.

🏨 Where to Stay in Budapest Deak Ferenc tér

• $$$ – Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection (Luxury and Scenic) This hotel, located right in the center of Budapest, offers the opportunity to be close to St. Stephen’s Basilica from its panoramic terrace. You can experience a luxurious stay and feel Budapest in this hotel, whose rooms are air-conditioned and specially designed.
• $ – Ozone Private Rooms (Cheap and Central) This facility is within walking distance of many tourist areas, and about a 3-4 minute walk from Deak Ferenc tér square. Travelers who choose this place are very satisfied with the facility’s location. The rooms are very clean and spacious. Since they operate in an apartment concept, you have a private area, and free Wi-Fi is available in the rooms.
• $$ – Astoria Boutique Suites (Modern and Mid-Priced) Located close to Deak Ferenc tér, the hotel is in the Astoria neighborhood. Since Astoria has a metro station, you can reach anywhere either by metro or with short walks. The modern design and location of the hotel are appreciated by all guests. If you want to stay in the middle of the city for average prices, you can choose this place.

🌟 Oktogon

One of the small squares and areas in the Pest region of Budapest is Oktogon. There is a very popular street named Andrassy that connects Oktogon with the previously mentioned area, Deak Ferenc tér. This long and wide avenue features the Opera House, luxury clothing stores, and buildings adorned with historical statues. Everyone visiting Budapest should take a pleasant walk on this street. You can reach Oktogon by walking for about 15 minutes on Andrassy avenue, starting from the Deak Ferenc tér area.

Oktogon is a complete transportation hub. It provides easy access everywhere by both metro and tram. This area, which locals also prefer to live in, is also loved for its lively nightlife and beautiful restaurants.

Oktogon is right between Deak Ferenc tér and the iconic Heroes’ Square. It is very easy to walk to both places. Also, it is possible to find reasonably priced hotels in Oktogon. This is why this area is our favorite for accommodation in Budapest.

Advantages of the Oktogon Area:

• The city center, Deak Ferenc tér, can be reached in 10-15 minutes on foot.
• It is calmer and less crowded despite being close to the center.
• It provides easy access to tourist spots.
• Prices are more affordable compared to the center.

Disadvantages of the Oktogon Area:

• Since it is an area with intense party and nightclub activity, it can be noisy even late at night.

🏨 Where to Stay in Budapest Oktogon

• Hotel Oktogon Haggenmacher ⭐⭐⭐⭐ This hotel, offering modern service in one of Budapest’s buildings with historical architecture, features a nice restaurant in its courtyard. It is 1-2 minutes away from Oktogon square. The hotel also has spa and wellness services. It is the right choice for a quality accommodation experience right on the square.
• House Octogon (Apart Hotel – Great Location) Located on Andrassy Avenue, House Octogon is 100 meters from Oktogon square. If you want to live like a local Budapester in a quiet and peaceful area, in a very clean apartment, you can choose this place.
• easyHotel Budapest Oktogon (Cheap and Central) easyHotel, offering accommodation in small but cozy and complete rooms, is the best option for those who want to stay centrally and cheaply.

🏰 Budavar – Old Town / District 1

Budavar, also referred to as the Castle District, is known as the oldest settlement unit in Budapest. This area, especially preferred by first-time visitors for accommodation, features beautiful cobbled streets surrounded by impressive Middle Ages monuments such as Matthias Church, Royal Palace, Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya), the Castle District, and the northern part of Gellert Hill. Budavar, one of the most expensive areas of the city, hosts great luxury hotels as well as chic shops, bars, and first-class restaurants.

By staying in Budavar, you can have fantastic views. Moreover, this is the safest area of the city because many official authorities are located in this district. However, you will be a bit distanced from other activities and tourist sites. You will need a taxi or public transport to see the tourist attractions in Pest.

Advantages of the Budavar Area:

• It has fantastic architectural views.
• It is very close to tourist spots.
• Although it is a tourist area, it is calm and offers a peaceful accommodation experience.

Disadvantages of the Budavar Area:

• Since it is located in the Buda region, it is slightly far from the activities in the Pest region; public transport may be required.
• Amenities like restaurants, cafes, bars, and similar options are limited.

🏨 Where to Stay in Budapest Budavar

• $$$ – Hilton Budapest ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Located in the heart of the district, next to the Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya) and Matthias Church, the 5-star Hilton Budapest hotel offers a magnificent city view. The strikingly designed hotel features a gym, SPA center, parking, family rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.
• $$ – Hotel Orion Várkert ⭐⭐⭐ Located on a quiet street in a central location, the 3-star Hotel Orion Várkert serves within walking distance of attractions. Offering simply decorated rooms, the hotel has a sauna, gym, restaurant, and parking.
• $ – ibis Budapest Castle Hill ⭐⭐⭐ The 3-star ibis Budapest Castle Hill is the choice of those who want to stay on a budget in the historic center of the city. The modernly designed, pet-friendly hotel features a restaurant, bar, and parking.

🏛️ Lipotvaros – Belvaros / District 5

District 5, which covers the Lipotvaros and Belvaros neighborhoods, is particularly recommended for first-time visitors to Budapest. This area hosts numerous hotels suitable for every budget, fantastic cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Attractions in the area include the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Shoes on the Danube Bank Monument, the Chain Bridge, and St. Stephen’s Basilica. The district also offers great things for those who want to explore the city’s architecture; you can see many neoclassical-style buildings while strolling on the streets open only to pedestrians.

Lipotvaros, like Budavar, is on the city’s waterfront. Therefore, it offers the opportunity to stay in hotels with views. It is adorned with magnificent structures in terms of architecture and history. This place can be described as the best area to experience every moment of the city.

Advantages of the Lipotvaros Area:

• Since it is located near the Danube River, it has wonderful views.
• It is close to tourist spots and reachable on foot.
• You can cross to the other region by walking over the bridge.

Disadvantages of the Lipotvaros Area:

• Hotel prices can be high because they are scenic and central.

🏨 Where to Stay in Budapest Lipotvaros – Belvaros

• $$$ – Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Serving in a building constructed in 1906 and renovated in 2004, the 5-star Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest offers its visitors a magnificent city view with its location opposite the famous Chain Bridge. The hotel, designed with a blend of classic and modern, features a swimming pool, gym, SPA center, restaurant, and bar.
• $$ – Hotel Rum Budapest ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Located about a 5-minute walk from the metro station, the 4-star boutique hotel Hotel Rum Budapest operates in a historic building. Its spacious rooms, decorated in different styles, feature a TV, work desk, mini-bar, and tea/coffee maker.
• $ – Gaia Hostel (Cheap Hostel) Gaia Hostel, located about a 5-minute walk from Buda Castle, is an accommodation facility with shared toilets and bathrooms. The hostel, which has TVs in some rooms, offers free Wi-Fi access throughout.

🎭 Terezvaros / District 6

Terezvaros, or District 6, is an ideal place for culture, art, and architecture lovers. This is because it is home to the famous Andrassy Avenue, the Opera House, the Academy of Music, the Operetta Theatre, the House of Terror, and many other museums. To explore the district, you can walk from one end of Andrassy Avenue to the other. The journey will take you to the Millennium Monument, Vajdahunyad Castle, and Szechenyi thermal baths. Around Nyugati train station, you can visit the shopping center where you can find many brands you are looking for.

Terezvaros is a region preferred by both locals and immigrants to live in. It stands out both for its affordable prices and its central location. Transportation is easy from here to most places, and it offers visitors a completely local atmosphere. Although many visitors prefer to stay in Airbnb homes here, there are also hotels offering good prices and quality service.

Advantages of the Terezvaros Area:

• It offers the opportunity to live among the local people.
• Prices are more affordable as it is not an overly touristy area.
• There are plenty of quiet restaurants and local food options.

Disadvantages of the Terezvaros Area:

• Public transport use is required to reach tourist spots.

🏨 Where to Stay in Budapest Terezvaros

• $$$ – Hotel Moments Budapest ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Located on the famous Andrássy Avenue, the 4-star Hotel Moments Budapest is about a 5-minute walk from the State Opera House. The modernly designed hotel features a SPA center, gym, restaurant, and buffet breakfast service.
• $$ – Medos Hotel ⭐⭐⭐ Located about 100 meters from the metro station, Medos Hotel offers its visitors 3-star service. The hotel’s modern rooms, which include large family rooms, feature a TV, air conditioning, a seating area, a balcony, and bathroom amenities.
• $ – Sakuranbo – Guest House The Sakuranbo guesthouse, preferred by those looking for affordable accommodation in the Terezvaros area, offers very simply prepared accommodation spaces. The facility has shared bathroom and shared kitchen use.

🎨 Erzsebetvaros / District 7

Budapest District 7, or Erzsebetvaros, is known as the modern and bohemian face of the city. The area is prominent for its lively social life and nightlife, especially loved by young people for hanging out. During the day, you can explore the shops selling handicrafts and the streets, and in the evening, you can enjoy street food or restaurants serving local delicacies. Attractions in District 7, known as the smallest neighborhood in the city, include the New York Palace and the Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue in Europe and the second-largest in the world.

Erzsebetvaros has many new-generation cafes and bars as it has become popular in recent years. Young people, especially, love to spend time in these places. It also meets expectations in terms of location, but prices may be higher compared to other regions.

🏨 Where to Stay in Budapest Erzsebetvaros

• $$$ – Anantara New York Palace Budapest ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ One of the city’s most popular hotels, Anantara New York Palace Budapest, offers 5-star service in an elegant 19th-century building located near the Opera and Andrássy Avenue. The hotel features a swimming pool, SPA center, gym, restaurant, bar, and parking.
• $$ – City-Hotel Budapest Located on a quiet street in the center, City-Hotel Budapest is particularly preferred by families. Guests can stay in apartments with a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, living, and dining area at the facility.
• $ – Maverick City Lodge Maverick City Lodge, located about a 10-minute walk from the important transfer point Deák Ferenc Tér station, is the choice of those looking for budget-friendly accommodation. The hostel, which also has private rooms, offers shared or private bathrooms per room. The facility also has a common lounge and a shared kitchen.

👑 Jozsefvaros / District 8

District 8, or Jozsefvaros, one of the city’s most prominent tourist areas, is also referred to as the palace district. This is because it has many small and large palaces like Almássy Palace, Gráf Festetics Palace, Gráf Károlyi Alajos Palace, and Degenfeld-Schonburg Palace. Other attractions in the area include the National Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Szabó Ervin Library. Of course, there are also many restaurants, bars, and cafes serving local delicacies.

🏨 Where to Stay in Budapest Jozsefvaros

• $$$ – Hotel Palazzo Zichy Budapest ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Located in a neo-Baroque style building from 1899, Hotel Palazzo Zichy Budapest offers its visitors 4-star service. Its modernly designed rooms feature a TV, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi access, a work desk, a mini-bar, and a safety deposit box.
• $$ – The Three Corners Hotel Anna Superior ⭐⭐⭐ Located in the center of the district, in a pleasant location, The Three Corners Hotel Anna Superior offers its visitors 3-star accommodation. The hotel’s pleasant and modernly designed rooms include air conditioning, free Wi-Fi access, a TV, and free bathroom amenities.
• $ – Vajda 15 Hostel Budapest Vajda 15 Hostel Budapest, the choice of those looking for budget-friendly accommodation, is a hostel with private rooms. There is a shared bathroom and seating area throughout the facility. The rooms include a work desk and bedding set.

📝 Summary of Where to Stay in Budapest Recommendations

• For those who want to be in the heart of the city, close to everything: Deak Ferenc tér.
• For being close to local people and easy access to tourist sites: Oktogon.
• For staying in the Buda region amidst the views: Budavar.
• For feeling the life in the neighborhoods better and away from the city’s crowds: Other areas.

Important Note: Budapest is generally a safe and enjoyable city. However, some areas can be disturbing because homeless people live there. Blaha Lujza is one of these areas. Many homeless people stay in the parks and on the streets. For this reason, families do not prefer these areas much. We do not recommend making reservations in every area just because hotel prices are affordable. The areas we recommend in our article are safe and places where you can enjoy visiting Budapest.

• Approximately 6 million tourists visited Budapest in 2024.
• It ranked 2nd among Europe’s friendliest cities in the Condé Nast Traveller ranking.
• According to academic research, over 75% of the residents have a positive view regarding easy accessibility to transportation, parks, and events.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Accommodation in Budapest