In this guide, I will help you to find Where to stay in Budapest first time (for family, couples). I’ll show you the list of the best areas in Budapest for first-timers (with a map and video), best hotels in Budapest for all budgets (including the hotel where I stayed), and safest places.
Budapest is the capital and largest city of Hungary, located in the heart of Central Europe. With a rich history dating back to ancient times, Budapest is known for its stunning architecture, thermal baths, and vibrant cultural scene.
Budapest is known as the City of Baths due to its abundance of natural thermal springs. The thermal baths are not only popular among tourists but also loved by locals as places to relax. Most popular baths are Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Gellért Thermal Bath, and Rudas Thermal Bath.
Budapest has an efficient public transportation system, including metro lines, trams, buses, and funiculars, making it easy to get around the city. Budapest is a very walkable city, you can also easily explore on foot.
Budapest is a very safe city for visitors but like any other major city, you should always remain vigilant and take standard precautions to avoid petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and scams. Also avoid walking alone in poorly lit streets at night.
The safest places to stay in Budapest for visitors are the most popular areas including District 1 (Castle District) and District 5 (Belváros-Lipótváros). As always, it’s essential to use common sense and take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay in any city.
Budapest has been inhabited since Roman times, and the city itself was formed in 1873 by the unification of three distinct cities: Buda, Pest, and Óbuda. The Danube River flows through the city, dividing it into the hilly Buda side and the flat Pest side.
Where to stay in Budapest first time?
The best areas to stay in Budapest for first-time visitors are Belváros-Lipótváros (District 5), Castle Hill (District 1), District VII, District XIII, and District VI. These are central safe districts, offering plenty of hotel options for all budget travelers.
District V is the best overall area to stay in Budapest for first-timers due to its central location and proximity to major sights such as the Parliament building, Chain Bridge, and St Stephen’s Basilica. It also offer a great range of hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops.
District V also offers easy access to the Castle District, which is home to iconic monuments such as Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion. It is easily explored on foot and is well-connected to metro stops and the Budapest-Nyugati train station, offering trains to other parts of Hungary.
Pest (District 5) is the best location for visitors seeking vibrant nightlife, wide range of affordable accommodations, restaurants, and shops. Buda (District 1) is the best base for travelers seeking a quieter atmosphere, stunning views of the Danube River, and proximity to Buda Castle.
I recommend spending at least three days in Budapest to explore the city, which is enough to visit the famous attractions, enjoy the local food, thermal baths, and ruin bars. If you have more days, you can see the city in a relaxing pace, get to know more about local culture and history.
Where did I stay in Budapest?
When I first visited Budapest, I stayed for 5 nights at the mid-range Prestige Hotel Budapest. The hotel has a prime location in Downtown Budapest, close to the Danube River and Chain Bridge. Also easy access to the tram and metro for further exploration. I had a wonderful stay with a clean and elegant room.
| 💖 Best Area for First-Timers | District V (Pest Side) |
| 💎 Best luxury hotel: | InterContinental Budapest, an IHG Hotel |
| 🏨 Best mid-range hotel: | Prestige Hotel Budapest |
| 💰 Best budget hotel: | D8 Hotel |
Overviews of the best areas to stay in Budapest for first-time visitors
Here’s an overview of each area and why they are often recommended for first-time visitors:
| Best areas in Budapest for first-time tourists | Why should you stay in this area? |
|---|---|
| District V Belváros | is the downtown area on the Pest side, offering a great mix of historic landmarks, shopping streets, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. You’ll find attractions like St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Hungarian Parliament, and the Chain Bridge in this area. |
| District I (Buda Castle) | located on the Buda side, atop Castle Hill. Staying here allows you to experience the medieval charm of Budapest, with the stunning Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Matthias Church nearby. The area offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Danube River. |
| Terézváros | the 6th District, a vibrant area known for its elegant boulevards, grand buildings, and cultural attractions. Here you’ll find the famous Andrássy Avenue, the Hungarian State Opera House, and the lively Liszt Ferenc Square with its trendy restaurants and cafes. |
| Erzsébetváros | the 7th District is known for its vibrant Jewish Quarter, which is a trendy and lively district with a rich history. It’s known for its vibrant nightlife, ruin bars, and street art. |
| Óbuda | the oldest part of Budapest that offers a more relaxed and residential atmosphere compared to the city center. Óbuda Island, hosting the Sziget Festival, is a popular attraction here, and you’ll also find the Roman ruins of Aquincum in this district. |
| Palace district | the 8th district is an up-and-coming neighborhood known for its beautiful, renovated buildings. It’s a multicultural area, home to the Hungarian National Museum and the stunning New York Palace Café. |
| Ferencváros | the 9th district is home to the lively Ráday Street, which is known for its restaurants, cafes, and wine bars. This area provides a more local and authentic experience. |
| Kelenfold | the 11th district is a peaceful and residential area, popular among families and those looking for a quieter stay. It’s well-connected to the city center and offers easy access to the Gellért Hill and the Citadel, providing beautiful views of Budapest. |
Map of areas and districts of Budapest:
Best areas to stay in Budapest for first-time tourists are:
1. Lipótváros-Belváros (District V)
The 5th district, also known as Belváros – Lipótváros, is the best overall place to stay in Budapest for first-timers due to its prime location and wide range of hotels for all budgets. Compared to district 1 in Buda, district 5 is flatter with more nightlife, restaurants, bars, and shops.
Disitrict 5 is the downtown area, the political, commercial, financial, and tourist hub of Budapest, and all of Hungary. It is very well connected with Castle District by public transportation and by numerous walkable bridges including the Chain Bridge, Liberty Bridge, and Elizabeth Bridge.
Pest is easily explored on foot. Additionally, it is home to Keleti Station, Nyugati Station, and Déli Station – the three main railway stations in Budapest. They all meet at Deák Ferenc Square, the largest public transport hub of the city, offering easy access to other parts of the city.
In addition to shopping, dining, and nightlife, district 5 is also within walking distance to major attractions such as the Hungarian Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Szechenyi Baths, and Great Market Hall.
The most prominent landmark in Lipotvaros side of the city is the Hungarian Parliament Building. This is a place filled with slightly older, less flashy buildings, which will appeal to a more niche audience than the Belvaros side.
There are also important buildings, such as the Hungarian Academy Of Sciences, the Supreme Court, the Ministry Of Youth, and the Ministry Of Education can all be found here, making it a perfect choice for those who like their trips to be learning experiences.
You can also find the famous St Stephens Basilica, one of the two tallest building in Budapest, as well as the Shoes on the Danube memorial to the Hungarian Jews who were shot by the Arrow Cross Party in the Second World War.
The 5th district host numerous beautiful squares, including:
- The Liberty Square, a popular location of events and market, home to interesting attractions like the Memorial to Fallen Soviet Soldiers, German Occupation monument, statue of Ronald Reagan, and American Embassy.
- The Elizabeth Square, a lively area, lined with cafes, restaurants, and a Ferris wheel.
- The Vorosmarty Square, an upscale area with lots of shops, cafes and restaurants.
Other places of interest are the Endre Ady Memorial Museum, the 18th-century Orthodox Cathedral of Our Lady, Lion Fountain, Petofi Museum of Literature, Gresham Palace, and Vigado Concert Hall.
If you love shopping, you must check the Váci Street and Deák Ferenc Fashion Street, perhaps the most famous shopping street in all of Hungary. It is a pedestrian area filled with high-end establishments.
On top of all of this, the area also features a wide range of bars, cafes, and restaurants, with notedly lower prices than in the other half of the district, giving you the option to enjoy both days and nights out, without having to constantly worry about how much you’re spending.
Budapest is one of the many northern European cities that are known to put on quite a display throughout when Christmas comes around. While markets, trees, displays, and decorations will be present throughout the city, what’s on offer at St Stephen’s Basilica, goes above and beyond everything else.
District V offers a wide range of accommodations, mostly luxury hotels, and also well-priced apartments, bed and breakfast, and budget hotels. Many 5-star hotels offer spacious rooms with Danube river views, superb service, and rooftop terraces.
Stay in the Pest side and Fifth District quarter if you’re couples, families who are the first time visiting Budapest; you enjoy shopping in high-end stores, you like fine dining, you like a diverse range of sights and activities, you want a learning experience.
Best places to stay in Belváros-Lipótváros for first-timers:
luxury ($$$): InterContinental Budapest, an IHG Hotel, 5-star hotel, one of the best places to stay in Bupdates for first-timers due to its excellent location on the banks of the Danube next to Chain Bridge, within short walk from all important sights. It has rooms for singles, couples, and families with kids.
mid-range ($$): Prestige Hotel Budapest, 4-star hotel, centrally located in district 5, offering easy access to major sights such as the Chain Bridge, St. Stephen’s Basilica and Buda Castle. It is also easy walk to Tram line 2 stops at Széchenyi rakpart, and metro line M3 stops at Arany János utca..
budget ($): D8 Hotel, 3-star hotel, one of the best places to stay in Budapest on a budget, close to Chain Bridge, State Opera House, and St. Stephen’s Basilica. Featuring family rooms with a private bathroom with free toiletries.
🔍MORE HOTEL DEALS IN BELVAROS-LIPOTVAROSIf you are still wondering how long should you stay in Budapest, check out my post on How Many Days in Budapest is Enough?– 3 Days in Budapest Itinerary to know more how long is enough and more best things to do in this Hungarian capital city.
2. Castle District (District I)
District 1, also known as Castle district, is located on the West bank of the Danube River. District 1, Buda along with district 5, Pest is the best area to stay in Budapest. It’s better to stay in Buda if you want to stay in a quiet residental neighborhood with romantic feel and lots of historical attractions.
District 1 is home to the most popular tourist attractions like the Matthias Church, Royal Palace, and Central Market. It’s also in close proximity to Budapest’s thermal baths such as the Rudas Baths and historical Gellért Thermal Bath.
Castle District is located in a hilly area that offers stunning views of Pest and the Hungarian Parliament Building across the river. It also offers many photo opportunities with cobbled streets, beautiful monuments, and ancient houses.
Its central attraction is the stunning Buda Castle, the home of countless Hungarian kings throughout the ages. While construction on the original building was completed in 1265, much of what you see today was added much later, in the mid-18th-century.
Sitting atop Castle Hill and dominating the city’s skyline, it is surrounded by buildings featuring Baroque, Neoclassical, and even Medieval architecture. The Castle Hill Funicular offers a quick trip to the summit.
Within the complex are some of the most iconic attractions in all of the city, including the gothic, 14th-century-Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion, built to symbolize the chieftains who founded Hungary in 895, and the Sandor Palace, the official home of Hungary’s Prime Ministers and Presidents throughout the years.
There are numerous museums, library, and art galleries in and around the Buda Castle for history buffs and art lovers to explore, include:
- The Hospital in the Rock Museum is a labyrinth of interconnected caves beneath Buda Castle that used to house a hospital and a nuclear bunker during WW II.
- The Budapest History Museum.
- The National Széchenyi Library.
- The Hungarian National Gallery.
The Rudas Bath is one of the oldest thermal baths in Budapest, a good place for medication and relaxation purposes. This historic spa was built in the 16th century, during the time of the Turkish occupation, a true Ottoman bath, with six therapeutic pools and one swimming pool.
If you like hiking and enjoying the wonderful scenery, check out Gellért Hill. Gellért Hill is at its most beautiful in the afternoon when the sun is coming down.
On the hill, you have panoramic city views, 19th-century Citadel, historic monuments like the Statue of Liberty, Liberty Monument, Cave Church, and Gellért Bath, the most famous Art Nouveau thermal baths in Budapest
On the northern slope of Gellert Hill, you will find Tabán. Tabán is a big green area on the banks of the Danube, an ideal place for relaxing with its many bars and cafés. Deer House and Aranyszarvas Restaurant are worth checking out!
Other landmarks in Buda district to mention are the Vienna Gate, Castle Garden Bazaar, Statue of Independence, Military History Museum, Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, Garden of Philosophers, and Fairy Tale Museum.
Castle District is an upscale area, it can be busy during the day and quiet at night. It’s most suited for families with children, couples, and luxury travelers who after a peaceful and quiet night’s sleep; if you want more nightlife, head to Pest.
District 1 is easy to reach by foot and public transportation. The pedestrian Széchenyi Bridge and the Elisabeth Bridge connect to to the downtown area. It is also home to Batthyany Ter and Budapest-Deli Railway Station, as well as many tram and bus stations.
Stay in Buda if you want a lot of sightseeing; you are first-time travelers; you are interested in the rich history of the city, and historical architecture; you want a romantic location for couples with quiet nights; you are couple looking for romatic location.
Best places to stay in Budapest in Buda for first-time visitors:
luxury ($$$): Hilton Budapest, 5-star hotel, offering great views over the river and the city. Located in the Castle district, next to the Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church, it is a great base in Budapest to explore the romance of old Buda and the city centre of Pest.
luxury ($$$): Hotel Clark Budapest – Adults Only, 5-star adults-only hotel, one of the best places to stay in Budapest for couples, offering beautiful river views from the rooms. Its location prodives easy access to Buda Castle, Matthias Church, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Parliament Building and Citadella.
budget ($): Ékszerdoboz A Budai Vár Alatt, budget-friendly accommodation, located in the Buda side, within easy walking distance to popular attractions such as Matthias Church, Trinity Square, and Buda Castle.
🔍MORE HOTEL DEALS IN DISTRICT ISee More: Where to Stay in Budapest for Christmas Markets
3. Erzsébetváros (District VII)
If you come to Budapest for nightlife, you can consider to stay in the 7th district. Located in the Pest region of the city, Erzsébetváros, or Budapest’s District VII, is home to the Jewish community of Budapest and the many legendary ruin bars.
Erzsébetváros has historically been known as Budapest’s Jewish Quarter. It’s home to the most famous synagogues such as e Rumbach Street Synagogue, the Kacinczy Street Synagogue, and Dohany Street Synagogue.
The crown attraction of the area is the Dohany Street Synagogue. Built in the mid-1800s, featuring a Moorish Revival style architecture, it is the largest functioning synagogue in all of Europe.
Housed within the complex, you will find the Great Synagogue itself, along with the Hero’s Temple, a graveyard, a memorial, and the Jewish Museum. For anyone interested in Jewish history in culture, both here and around the world, this is an absolutely can’t miss attraction.
Other landmarks in district 7 are Gozsdu Weekend Market, Madách Theater, Karavaan street food, and New York Palace.
Despite its main attraction being something so cultured and historic, the other major draw of the area is vastly different, as the 7th district is the district to stay in for those looking to enjoy the best nightlife on offer in Budapest. The bar area is centered around Elizabeth Boulevard (Erzsebet krt) and Charles Boulevard (Karoly krt).
The VII district is home to many good ruin bars and pubs. Szimpla Kert is popular, along with Warm Up Bar, and Blue Bird Karaoke Bar. This is a place that has a huge range of choices when it comes to your evening entertainment, allowing you to eat, drink and dance the night away in a different place every time.
The 7th district borders with the sections of the 5th and 6th districts that are the runners up in the nightlife department, meaning you can easily stroll between the three, to ensure you find something that takes your fancy on any given night.
This hip and popular area have plenty of accommodations for budget travelers and there are some upscale options for luxury travelers. Many accommodations provide a royal spa, on-site restaurants, cafes, and spacious guest rooms.
Stay in District VII: Erzsébetváros if you are budget travelers looking for a vibrant nightlife; you are interested in Jewish history and culture; you are visiting Budapest for the first time;
Best Places to Stay in District VII for first-time visitors:
- luxury ($$$): Anantara New York Palace, 5-star hotel, located in a 19th-century building in the heart of Budapest, near the Opera, Andrássy Boulevard, and Hop-on Hop-off bus stop.
- mid-range ($$): Hotel Memories, 4-star historic hotel, located a short walk from Dohány Street Synagogue, Deak Ferenc Square interchange metro station, and National Museum.
- budget ($): Roombach Hotel Budapest Center, great 3-star hotel, offering a ticket service, a tour desk and luggage storage. It is located close to an underground station (line 1, 2, and 3), and the Gosdu Court with numerous restaurants, bars and pubs.
4. Józsefváros (District VIII)
The District VIII, or Józsefváros, is also known as the grand Palace District because it’s home to many palaces such as Degenfeld-Schonburg Palace, Gráf Károlyi Alajos Palace, Almássy Palace, and Gráf Festetics Palace.
There are also plenty of cultural and historical attractions including the National Museum, the Metropolitan Ervin Szabo Library, and the Academy Of Drama And Film are surrounded by a wonderful collection of bars, restaurants, and hotels, to keep you entertained day and night.
The Erkel Theatre which is Hungarian State Opera House, Orczy-Kert which is one of Budapest’s biggest gardens, The Centre For Foreign Languages, as well as the Hungarian Natural History Museum and Corvin Budapest Film Palace are all located here.
You also have the Dandár Gyógyfürdő Spa, the Martsa Műterem és Művészkert, the Holocaust Memorial Centre, Wenckheim Palace, the Flag Museum, and the József Attila Memorial.
On top of all of that, this district is also home to a large collection of universities. Not only are many of these stunning buildings to view in themselves but they also bring with them a distinctively student culture and environment. This is perfect for those looking for a livelier environment that’s attainable on a budget.
As a final parting gift, it is also the location of Budapest’s main train station, Budapest Keleti train station, making it the perfect place to stay for anyone traveling by train. You can use the red M2 line, blue M3 line, green M4 line both have stops in this area.
Stay in District VIII: Józsefváros if you want to be near the airport or train station; you’re looking for a more budget-friendly area; this is your first-time visiting Budapest;
Best places to stay in District VIII for first-timers:
mid-range ($$): Impulso Fashion Hotel, 4-star family-friendly hotel, centrally located in Budapest, close to II János Pál Pápa Tér, 1km from subway stop on line M4, with links to Keleti Train Station. ALso easy access to Blaha Lujza Tér transportation hub where you can catch metro line M2, the non-stop tram line 6 and numerous buses.
mid-range ($$): Courtyard by Marriott Budapest City Center, 4-star hotel, located in central Budapest, on Blaha Lujza Square with its metro, bus and tram stops.
🔍MORE HOTEL DEALS IN JOZSEFVAROS5. Terézváros (District VI)
This is a trendy neighborhood in Budapest and nowhere demonstrates that more than iconic Andrassy Avenue, the Champs-Élysées of Budapest, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Andrassy Avenue connects Elizabeth Square with Heroes’ Square, finish at the City Park. It’s an important cultural hub with plenty of museums, exhibition halls, and stunning architecture.
The high-end fashion shops are renowned while the Neo-Renaissance palaces ooze real style. This is an avenue that those on a budget can visit, just window shopping and not look for accommodation.
Terézváros is also home to the Hungarian State Opera House, the Operetta Theatre, The House of Terror, the Liszt Ferenc Music Academy, and many other museums such as the Postal Museum, the Hungarian Electrotechnical Museum, and the Zoltán Kodály Memorial Museum.
Other places of interest in the neighborhood are the most famous thermal baths, Szechenyi Baths, Vajdahunyad Castle, and Millennium Monument.
The district does have little for the budget traveler but in general, it is a place where the rich can rent large apartments and enjoy the activities in the immediate vicinity. That includes some bars that open in the afternoon and serve until very late.
Terézváros is served by Budapest Nyugati train station. To get around, use the Yellow M1 line stops in many places along Andrássy Avenue, and the Blue M3 line goes through to this area too. The underground line to Vörösmarty square and to City Park that stops at the City Zoo and Széchenyi Spa.
Stay in District VI: Terézváros if you’re interested in historic and cultural attractions; you want to stay in a convenient area close to Downtown Budapest; you want plenty of activities and attractions nearby; you are first-timers;
Best Places to Stay in Budapest in Terézváros for first-time visitors:
mid-range ($$): Hotel Moments Budapest, 4-star hotel, located on the iconic Andrássy Avenue of Budapest, short walk from the State Opera House.
mid-range ($$): Radisson Blu Béke Hotel, Budapest, 4-star hotel in central Budapest, short distance from Nyugati Train Station and Andrássy Avenue. Also offers easy access to Oktogon Square with metro, bus and tram stops, as well as the House of Terror museum and State Opera House.
budget ($): Hotel Metro, 3-star budget hotel located in a quiet side street between Nyugati Railway Station and Westend City Center shopping mall. It is a short walk from The M3 metro station and many major sights.
🔍MORE HOTEL DEALS IN DISTRICT VI6. Ferencváros (District IX)
District IX. is known by many as Ferencváros. Ferencvaros is home to Central Market Hall and Corvinus University of Budapest, as well as within a short distance to the Liberty Bridge and Gellért Thermal Bath.
Ferencvaros is one of Hungary’s most famous football teams. It is also an ever-growing area in Budapest and a very diverse one. It runs next to the Danube and the Expo ’96 site is here. A good deal of renovation has been needed to address local problems and that is ongoing work.
This up-and-coming neighborhood is less touristy, more residential with locals and ex-pats. If you’re looking for cheaper accommodations with a local vibe, you can consider staying at district 9.
Budget travelers are certain to find something that they like here while the added appeal is the cultural experiences on offer. They include museums, theatres, and other concert venues:
- The National Theatre is on the Danube on the Pest side, close to the Rákóczi Bridge.
- The Palace of Arts was added in 2005 with the Ludwig Contemporary Arts Museum and the National Concert Hall on its grounds.
- The Danube River Promenade.
- Müpa Budapest.
- Dandár Thermal Bath
Accommodations in Ferencvaros are relatively cheap, you’ll find many budget accommodations between the inner city and the first ring road.
Stay in District IX: Ferencváros if you want a budget-friendly area with a good local vibe; You want to be close to the Danube; The arts are of interest to you; Budget accommodation is your idea; you are returning tourist;
Best places to stay in Ferencváros for first-timers:
- mid-range ($$): The Three Corners Lifestyle Hotel, 4-star family-friendly hotel, in central Budapest, near the Great Market Hall. Plus, it is short walk from the famous Raday street with its cozy terraces and restaurants.
- budget ($): B&B Hotel Budapest City, 3-star hotel, located in a prime location in central Budapest, featuring family rooms, a fitness centre, a 24-hour front desk, and an on-site parking for those travel with a car.
- budget ($): Ibis Styles Budapest City, great hotel, featuring air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV and a private bathroom, equipped with a bath and shower.
7. Kelenfold
Kelenfold is on the Buda side of the city and its appeal includes lovely views of the Danube. It developed as a residential area in the 1970s in a place that lacked the rich history of other parts of Hungary’s capital. Its design perhaps lacks style and imagination but forget that for a while.
Despite being residential, it has a vibrant nightlife and in the weeks of summer, there is outdoor music for both locals and visitors to enjoy. The Botanic Garden Buda is a restful place with clean air and plenty of attractive fauna.
Other place of interest are Barba Negra Music Club, Szent Gellert Church, the Savoya Park Shopping Mall, and the Kopaszi gát Park. You will find good budget accommodation here and surprisingly good cuisine as well.
Stay in Kelenfold if You are looking for budget accommodation; Relaxing in green spaces interests you; You want to experiece local vibe; this is not your first time visiting Budapest;
Best places to stay near Kelenfold station:
🔍MORE HOTEL DEALS IN KELENFOLD8. Óbuda-Békásmegyer (District III)
Obuda is the home of the Sziget Festival each year, one of the largest music and cultural festivals in Europe. If you’re attending this Sziget Festival festival, the Obuda neighborhood is a good base. While many people are aware of Budapest being formed by the joining of the cities of Buda and Pest, the third city involved in the merger, Obuda, is often overlooked.
As you may have gathered from its name, the modern-day District III now encompasses the old city of Óbuda and offers history and culture that differs from the rest of Budapest.
Having been settled as early as the stone age, the region even served as the capital of the Roman province of Pannonia. While many of the actual remains of the city are now, unfortunately, obscured, there are still plenty of places to find out about the history of Obuda.
The Aquincum Museum contains displays demonstrating the lives of the Roman people that once lived here, surrounded by ruins of the towns they inhabited, complete with shrines, sculptures, columns, buildings, and even a sarcophagus.
The Kassak Museum displays exhibits relating to the Hungarian writer Lajos Kassak. The Óbuda Museum is dedicated to the local history of the area, complete with Hungary’s only Toy Museum and one dedicated to folk furniture. There’s even the Museum of Hungarian Trade And Tourism, as well as the Vasarely art museum, dedicated to his works, as well as those of a few other local artists.
Don’t fret if museums aren’t your thing though, as while I said many of the area’s ruins are obscured, there are still a number of Roman amphitheaters, baths, and even a villa scattered around.
On top of all of this history, we still have the main attraction to get to, as the stunning Hajogyari Island, also known as Obuda Island, is located here, in the middle of the Danube River.
Connected to the mainland by multiple bridges, the island features farms, parks and even a yacht yard, making it one of the most popular attractions in the city for those looking to get away from the concrete jungle for a while.
Stay in District III: Óbuda-Békásmegyer if you’re attending Sziget Festival; you are interested in Roman ruins and history, you enjoy getting back to nature, you like festivals, experience more unique culture.
Best places to stay in District III for first-timers :
mid-range ($$): Aquamarina Hotel Set on the bank of Danube River, there the boast from hotel to city center, and Parliament Stations. The main tourist attractions like Acquincum ruins, Szentendre, or the Danube Bend with the cities Visegrád and Esztergom are easily reachable.
budget ($): Alfréd Panzió Good location hotel can reach the city center easily by public transport, and within a short stroll from Danube banks.
🔍MORE HOTEL DEALS IN OBUDA10. Angyalföld (District XIII)
The penultimate option on our list is located in the District XIII of Angyalföld. While much of the district is a working-class area, this allows it to offer incredible value when it comes to both accommodations, as well as the prices in the surrounding shops.
However, the price isn’t the reason for this location making the list. Instead, it is an attraction somewhat similar in nature to our previous two entries.
Completing the set of three Danube islands located within Budapest, Angyalföld is the location of Margaret Island (Margit Sziget in Hungarian), one of the most popular recreational destinations in the city.
Covered largely by beautiful landscape parks and Roman ruins, the island is ideal for those who like outdoor locations. However, it also features a number of shops and restaurants, allowing you to enjoy the rural charms, while still being just seconds away from civilization when you want it.
Among its attractions are a Centennial memorial celebrating the unification of the city, a Japanese garden and fish pond, a zoo featuring exotic waterfowl and other animals, a pavilion designed for open-air concerts, a fountain with music and light displays, and an Art Nouveau water tower, the last two of which are both protected UNESCO World Heritage sites.
There are even two hotels located on the island itself and, with no private traffic allowed, this gives you the opportunity to completely immerse yourself in the environment. Angyalföld is most suited with young families, couples, and mature travelers.
Stay in District XIII: Angyalföld if you prefer a less built-up location, you enjoy walking in parks, you like zoos, you want to take in some beautiful river views, you are interested in roman ruins.
Best places to stay in District XIII: Angyalföld:
🔍MORE HOTEL DEALS IN ANGYAFOLD10. kerület-Csepel (District XXI)
From one island to another, we move to the 21st district of Csepel, which is located on the northern end of Csepel Island, the largest island in the Danube. It also holds the distinction of being the only entire district that is at no point located in either of the historical areas covered by Buda or Pest.
Perhaps not as abundant with attractions as some of the other locations on this list, it does provide a history and experience that differs from the rest of the city, while offering visitors the chance to enjoy their stay in a slightly more relaxed, less built-up environment.
Largely featuring a more middle class, suburban environment, sights such as a number of gardens, an 18th century Baroque parish church, the Csepel Gallery And Museum Of Local History, the Csepel Collection Of Factory History, and even the home stadium of Csepel FC, the Beke Teri Stadion, are among the more popular attractions in the district.
Connected to the mainland by a number of bike tracks, bridges, and railway lines, this makes it the perfect spot to enjoy the quiet life, while being able to quickly jump back into the hustle and bustle of the heart of the city whenever you choose.
Stay in XXI. kerület if you want a more laid-back location, you want a unique experience, you like river views, you want quiet accommodation that has easy access back into the city; this is not your first time;
Best places to stay in XXI. kerület:
🔍MORE HOTEL DEALS IN CSEPEL11. Budapest Airport
Budapest Airport, also known as Ferenc Liszt International Airport, is the main international airport in Budapest and the largest airport in Hungary. The airport has a variety of services and amenities such as travel agencies, tourist information, currency exchange and a post office.
It is located 20km from the city center, and will take 40 minutes drive by car. There are several ways to get to Budapest city center but the best way is through the 100E bus. Bus 100E depart from terminal 2 and stop at Kalvin Square, Astoria, and Deak Ferenc Square in the city center.
There is also 200E bus that take you to Kobanya-Kispest Metro Station, from here M3 Metro will take you to the city centre. This is the cheapest way to get to downtown Budapest.
Apart from public transport, you can use MiniBUD shared airport shuttle bus, airport taxi, or Bolt which is a Uber version of Hungary.
If you have a late arrival or early departure, staying near the airport is a good choice. This is some of the best places to stay near Budapest Airport:
- luxury ($$$): Airport Hotel Budapest
- mid-range ($$): Airport Almáskert Panzió
- budget ($): Airport16 bed and breakfast
Where should I stay in Budapest for the first time?
District V is the best overall neighborhood in Budapest for first-timers due to its central location, excellent connections to public transportation, and wide range of accommodations, restaurants, bars, and shops for all budgets. Staying here allows you to be located in the middle of the action.
What are the best areas to stay in Budapest for tourists?
District V Belváros, District I Buda Castle, Terézváros, Erzsébetváros, Óbuda, Palace district, Ferencváros, and Kelenfold are some of the best areas to stay in Budapest because they are the city’s most convenient locations for tourists.
Where to stay in Budapest for the Christmas market?
District V (Belváros-Lipótváros) is the best area to stay in Budapest for Christmas market because it offers easiest access to the city’s most popular Christmas market at Vörösmarty Tér (Vörösmarty square).
Where to stay in Budapest with family?
Some of the best areas to stay in Budapest with kids are District V (Belváros-Lipótváros), District VII (Erzsébetváros), District I (Castle Hill), District XIII (Újlipótváros), and Terézváros (District VI). These areas offer plenty of family-friendly hotels and attractions for children of all ages.
Is it better to stay in Buda or Pest in Budapest?
Both areas are ideal base for first-timers. Buda is better location for quieter atmosphere, and proximity to historical attractions like Buda Castle. Pest is a better choice for a wider range of budget-friendly accommodations, bars, restaurants, and shops.
How many days in Budapest is enough?
Based on your travel preferences, 3-5 days is generally enough to explore Budapest’s major sights, soak up its culture, and indulge in its cuisine. However, longer stays allow for deeper exploration and relaxation.
Read more:
- Best areas to stay in Prague
- Best areas to stay in Vienna
- Best areas to stay in Bucharest
- How to Plan Your First European Vacation
- How to Spend 10 Days in Europe
- How Much Does a Trip to Europe Cost?
In conclusion, Belváros (District 5), Castle district (District 1), Terézváros, Erzsébetváros, Palace district, and Ferencváros are some of the best places to stay in Budapest for tourists and first-time visitors due to their central locations, safety, and popularity.
District 5 and District 1 are the most popular areas for first-timers. Terézváros and Erzsébetváros provide vibrant nightlife, while Óbuda showcases a quieter side. The Palace district, Ferencváros, and Kelenfold offer unique cultural experiences.
Choose the area that suits your preferences and embark on a memorable Budapest adventure.
Personally, I chose to stay in District V (Pest) as a first-time due to its central location, and a wider range of accommodations, shopping, dining, and nightlife options compared to district I.