The best area to stay in Budapest for first-timers

Last Updated on August 25, 2025 by Ioana

Choosing where to stay in Budapest the first time you visit can be overwhelming. With so many neighborhoods, each offering its own vibe, it’s hard to know which area is right for you. In this blog post I’ll share about the best area to stay in Budapest as well as some of the best hotels to help you plan your trip. This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.

Are you looking for help with planning your trip? Check out these helpful resources:

• Flights​​
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• Train tickets
• ​​Bus tickets​​
• ​​Activities, tours, and day trips​​
• eSIM for international data

District	Best For	Vibe	Highlights
Belváros–Lipótváros (V)	First-Time Visitors	Central & Bustling	Major Attractions, Shopping, Dining
Várkerület (I)	History & Scenic Views	Quiet & Picturesque	Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion
Erzsébetváros (VII)	Nightlife & Culture	Lively & Trendy	Ruin Bars, Jewish Heritage
Újlipótváros (XIII)	Local Experience	Residential & Calm	Cafes, Boutiques, Danube Views
Ferencváros (IX)	Authentic Budapest	Bohemian & Artistic	Central Market, Ráday Street

1. Belváros–Lipótváros (District V) – Best for First-Time Visitors

District V is located on the Pest side is the heart of Budapest. It’s home to major attractions like St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Hungarian Parliament, and the Danube promenade. It’s perfect if you want to be close to the action.

Luxury: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus

Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest is a 5-star luxury hotel. It has spacious, stylish rooms and a relaxing spa. Many rooms have stunning views of the city or the Danube.

There are multiple gourmet restaurants and a fitness center.

The hotel is in the heart of the city. It is a short walk from St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Parliament. Váci Street and many bars and restaurants are nearby.

It is ideal for those who want to enjoy Budapest’s attractions, cafés, and shopping. 

Luxury: Aria Hotel Budapest

Aria Hotel Budapest is a 5-star boutique hotel with a unique music-inspired theme. Each of its stylish rooms is dedicated to a different musical genre, featuring an in-room iPads with curated playlists.

Many rooms come with balconies or terraces overlooking the city or the hotel’s glass-covered courtyard.

Guests can enjoy a daily complimentary wine and cheese reception with live music. I think this is so cool!

The on-site Harmony Spa includes a heated pool, sauna, steam room, and massage services. There’s also a rooftop bar offering great views over Budapest’s skyline.

The Aria Hotel is ideal for travelers looking for both luxury and and a unique atmosphere.

Mid-Range: Hotel Erzsébet City Center 

Hotel Erzsébet City Center is a 3-star hotel located in the heart of Budapest. It offers modern, comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi and excellent service. This hotel is a great value for money due to its great location.

You’ll be within easy walking distance of the Great Market Hall, and the Danube promenade. Public transport is also nearby, making it easy to reach other parts of the city.

Hotel Erzsébet has an on-site restaurant and bar. The surrounding streets are filled with cafés, eateries, and shops.

If you want to stay central without breaking the bank, this is one of the best options in Budapest.

Budget: Mera Hotel 

Mera Hotel is a budget-friendly option in central Budapest. It offers cozy rooms with contemporary décor and comfy beds. The hotel has all the amenities you need for a pleasant stay.

The location is excellent since you’ll be just a short walk from many tourist attractions. There is a metro station of the historic yellow metro line near the hotel on Andrássy Avenue.

There are plenty of coffee shops, bars, and restaurants nearby. It’s an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers.

2. Várkerület (District I) – For History and Scenic Views

This district is on the Buda side of the city. Here you can find Buda Castle, Matthias Church, and panoramic views from Fisherman’s Bastion. It’s quieter in the evenings, making it the perfect choice if you seek a more relaxed atmosphere.

Luxury: Hilton Budapest 

Hilton Budapest is a five-star hotel located in the historic Castle Hill. The rooms are spacious and elegant, featuring modern décor, and plush bedding.

The large windows offer some of the best views of the Danube River and the Parliament Building.

The hotel offers a daily buffet breakfast with a wide selection of both international and Hungarian dishes. There is also an on-site restaurant serving seasonal dishes. 

The hotel offers a fitness center, business facilities, and 24-hour room service. A unique feature is that the hotel integrates medieval ruins into its architecture.

The hotel is located next to Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion. So it offers one of the best views of the Pest side of the river.

Mid-Range: Monastery Boutique Hotel 

Monastery Boutique Hotel is a 4-star hotel located in a renovated 17th-century building in Buda. Its rooms combine historical character with modern comforts.

The rooms have warm colors, stylish furnishings, and comfortable beds. Some rooms offer views of the Danube or the city’s rooftops.

Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast served in a cozy dining area. The space has vaulted ceilings that highlight the building’s monastic heritage.

Amenities include free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, and an on-site bar. At the same time, the hotel’s boutique size ensures more personalized service.

Its location is perfect for those who want to experience the quieter side of Budapest. However, you’ll still be close to major attractions. The Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church are just a short walk away.

This hotel is ideal for travelers who appreciate a mix of history and modern comfort at a reasonable price.

Budget: Buda Castle Fashion Hotel 

Buda Castle Fashion Hotel is a 4-star boutique hotel situated within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Castle District.

The rooms are spacious for a budget-friendly option. They feature comfortable beds, seating areas, and minibars. Family rooms and suites are available for those traveling in groups.

Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast served either in the courtyard or indoor dining area. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk, and an elegant lounge with a fireplace. 

The Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, and Buda Castle are all within a few minutes’ walk. Public transport connections nearby make it easy to reach Pest.

For travelers seeking both a good location and a good price, this hotel is an excellent choice.

3. Erzsébetváros (District VII) – The Jewish Quarter & Nightlife Hub

Known for its vibrant nightlife, the 7th district is home to the famous ruin bars like Szimpla Kert. It’s also rich in cultural heritage, with the Great Synagogue and Jewish Museum nearby. It’s perfect for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Budapest’s lively atmosphere. 

Mid-Range: Hotel Nemzeti 

Hotel Nemzeti Budapest – MGallery is a 4-star boutique hotel that combines Art Nouveau elegance with modern comfort. The rooms feature high ceilings, soundproof windows, and espresso machines.

The hotel also offers family rooms and suites for those needing more space.

Guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet served in the hotel’s historic atrium. This space has a stained-glass dome and elegant decor reflecting Budapest’s Belle Époque era.

There’s also an on-site bar, 24-hour reception, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.

The hotel is close to the famous New York Café and the Hungarian State Opera. Public transport is very convenient, with tram 4/6 and a metro station just steps away. 

Hotel Nemzeti is perfect for those who want boutique charm, central location, and great value.

Budget: Roombach Hotel

Roombach Hotel Budapest Center is a modern and affordable hotel located in the Jewish Quarter. Its rooms are compact but smartly designed with colorful decor, comfortable beds, and air conditioning.

The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and 24-hour reception desk. The staff is known for being friendly and helpful with tips for exploring Budapest.

The hotel’s location is perfect if you want to prioritize the nightlife experience in Budapest. That’s because it’s just steps from famous ruin bars like Szimpla Kert. Ruin bars are famous in Budapest. You should go to one while in town.

Pro tip: join a food tour while in the Jewish Quarter

There are also plenty of amazing restaurants in the Jewish Quarter. I joined this food tour in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter and I highly recommend it! It was one of my favorite experiences in the city. 

The tour started near an old synagogue. It was a great way to connect food with history. We walked through the 7th district and stopped at small local places.

We tried street food like Lángos (fried bread with sour cream and cheese) and warm soup. It felt like home since Hungarian food is quite similar to Romanian food (I’m Romanian).

Later, we had a full meal with classic Hungarian dishes. My favorite was nokedli dumplings — soft, comforting, and so delicious.

Dumplings are a typical dish from European cuisine, and I absolutely love it. You’ll find it in almost every restaurant in Budapest, in different versions and tastes.

We also tasted local drinks. Pálinka is too strong for my taste. The Tokaji wine was sweet and easy to drink. Everything came with a story. The guide talked about the area, the people, and the food culture.

The tour was very relaxed. Just walking, tasting, and chatting with other travelers. If you want to explore Budapest like a local, this is a great way to do it.

4. Újlipótváros (District XIII) – For a Local Experience

This residential area offers a more authentic Budapest experience. It has tree-lined streets, local cafes, and boutiques, and it’s close to the Danube. It’s ideal for those wanting to live like a local.

Luxury: Danubius Hotel Helia 

Danubius Hotel Helia is a 4-star wellness-focused hotel located along the Danube River. It’s in a quieter part of Budapest.

Its rooms are bright and comfortable. They have modern furnishings, desks, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. The rooms have large windows and many of them offer river views. Suites have stunning views across the Danube toward Margaret Island.

The hotel’s highlight is its extensive wellness and spa facilities. Guests can enjoy indoor thermal pools fed by natural hot springs, saunas, and steam rooms.

There’s also a well-equipped fitness center and wellness treatments available on-site.

Danubius Helia also has a restaurant serving Hungarian and international cuisine. There is also a lobby café and terrace overlooking the river.

Public transport is nearby, allowing easy access to central Budapest while enjoying a peaceful riverside retreat.

5. Ferencváros (District IX) – The Bohemian District

This district offers a mix of traditional and modern Budapest. It’s less touristy, providing a more authentic experience with local eateries and bars. It is also home to the Central Market Hall and the vibrant Ráday Street. I stayed here while visiting Budapest and I loved the vibe of the neighborhood.

Not recommended: B&B Hotel Budapest City

I stayed at B&B Hotel Budapest City. While it was a very affordable hotel and its location was great, I found the hotel a bit disappointing.

The walls of the room were dirty. There were black lines and what appeared to be feet marks on the walls.

There was no toilet paper in the bathroom when I first got to my room after check in. I had to go downstairs to get some.

The towels had a hair on them. Overall, it felt like a budget hotel that’s not well run. I was surprised to see this because the reviews you see online are amazing.

But I owe you the truth. So if I were to visit Budapest again I wouldn’t stay here.

Mid-Range: Three Corners Lifestyle Hotel

Three Corners Lifestyle Hotel Budapest is a 4-star hotel in the Ferencváros district. It’s a really good spot if you want to be somewhere a little quieter but still close to the main sights.

You’ll be a short walk from the Central Market Hall and the Danube, and the Corvin-negyed metro stop is nearby if you want to get around quickly.

The rooms are modern and spacious with comfortable beds and everything you need for a city stay. Guests love the breakfast here – it’s a big buffet with lots of fresh options, and people say it’s one of the best in the city.

There’s also a small sauna and fitness area if you want to unwind after a day of sightseeing, plus a little garden that’s great in the warmer months.

What makes this hotel stand out is how relaxed it feels and how friendly the staff are. It’s an easy place to come back to after exploring Budapest, and you’ll have public transport, cafés and restaurants all within walking distance.

Luxury: Kozmo Hotel Suites & Spa

Kozmo Hotel Suites & Spa is a 5-star luxury hotel in a restored historic building in Budapest. The rooms and suites are spacious and elegant.

They feature designer furniture and large windows that fill the space with light. Bathrooms have walk-in rain showers and premium toiletries. Suites also offer separate living areas and private terraces.

A highlight of Kozmo is its world-class wellness facilities. Guests can enjoy a serene spa with an indoor pool, sauna, and steam bath.

There’s also a modern fitness center on-site. The hotel’s fine dining restaurant serves gourmet Hungarian and international cuisine. There’s also a bar and library lounge for more relaxed moments.

Budget: Ibis Budapest Centrum

Ibis Budapest Centrum is an affordable 3-star hotel located on Raday Street. This is one of Budapest’s most famous streets with plenty of cafes and restaurants.

Rooms are clean and functional. They feature comfortable beds, soundproof windows, and flat-screen TVs.

Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast buffet each morning. The hotel also has a 24-hour bar serving snacks and drinks. It is a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Its location is a big plus since you’ll be right next to the Kalvin tér metro and tram hub. Thus, it’s easy to reach all other parts of the city.

The Central Market Hall and the Danube are just a short walk away. And you’ll have plenty of dining options on Ráday Street.

FAQs about Budapest

How can I get around Budapest?

Budapest is a very walkable city and many attractions are clustered together. The city also has amazing public transportation. I used the trams, buses, and trolleybuses. 

I also love how easy it is to use public transportation in Budapest. You just have to download the Budapest Go app and buy the ticket in advance. A ticket costs 500 HUF, which is about 1.25 euros.

On all public transportation options there is a QR code next to the door. All you have to do is click validate on the ticket in the app, scan the QR code before boarding and you’re all set. Loved it!

If you’re not a fan of public transportation you can use the Bolt app to get a car.

Is Budapest safe for a solo female traveler?

Yes, I felt 100% safe in Budapest. I went to both the Buda and Pest sides using public transportation, I was out after dark, and I had zero problems. 

Be mindful of your surroundings, as always, but compared to other European cities like London or Paris, I felt much safer in Budapest.

What currency do they use in Budapest?

They use the Hungarian forint (HUF), not the euro.

How to get cell phone data when visiting from abroad?

The cheapest and most convenient way to get data while visiting from abroad is to buy an eSIM.

An eSIM is a digital SIM that lets you activate a data plan from a provider without having to use a physical SIM card. They are super easy to use.

I use Airalo. You can go to their website, select the country you’re traveling to, select how many GB of data you want, and how many days you want the eSIM to be active for.

After you pay you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to activate the eSIM.

You can activate it on your phone in under 1 minute. Once the eSIM is activated you don’t have to do anything else. When you’re at your destination you will automatically get data.

Do I need cash for my trip to Budapest?

I didn’t use cash while in Budapest. All places where I went accepted cards. 

But it’s always a good idea to have some cash so you can tip tour guides or buy souvenirs or something else from small mom-and-pop shops who probably prefer cash.

Pro tip: always get cash from an ATM in the airport instead of going to an exchange place. Your bank will always have better exchange rates when taking out cash in a foreign currency from an ATM.

Do I have to tip in Budapest?

Tipping is not mandatory, but it is highly encouraged. I usually leave 1-2 euros (or the equivalent in the local currency) as tip when I eat out. They highly appreciate it when you do this.

Do I need to book tickets for attractions in advance?

I highly recommend you book tickets for popular attractions online in advance of your trip. Budapest is a very popular destination so it’s very likely that tickets will sell out. Especially if you visit during the summer months. Booking in advance will give you peace of mind.

Do people speak English in Budapest?

Yes, they do. Budapest attracts a lot of visitors each year and, as you can imagine, very few tourists speak Hungarian. 

Do you recommend Budapest as a solo destination?

I highly recommend Budapest as a destination for solo female travelers. The city has such a rich history, there are so many things to do, it’s a safe city, and the food is delicious.

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