Which Area of Budapest Is Best for Visitors To Stay In? Everything You Need To Know

Budapest has several great areas for visitors to stay in. The best spot for you depends on your budget and how close you want to be to Budapest's popular attractions.

Whether you're into historic charm, buzzing nightlife, or that cool local feel — this guide will help you find the best area to stay in Budapest. Once you’ve figured out your vibe, it’s easy to pick the right hotel for your budget and start planning an unforgettable trip.

Buda vs Pest: Which Side Side Is Best?

Budapest is split by the Danube River into two very different halves — Buda and Pest — and each side offers a totally different vibe for travelers.

Buda, on the west side, is calm and scenic with cobblestone streets, rolling hills, and iconic landmarks like Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Gellért Thermal Bath. It's a great choice if you're into history, panoramic views, and a slower pace.

Pest, on the east side, is the lively, flat, and fast-moving heart of the city — filled with ruin bars, nightlife, cafés, and major sights like St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Hungarian Parliament, and the buzzing Jewish Quarter.

If you’re after peace, views, and elegance — stay in Buda. If you want to be close to bars, restaurants, and the city’s energy — Pest is where it’s at.

Best Areas For Tourist

District V (Belváros - Downtown)

District V is the heart of Budapest and the most central area to stay in. It’s ideal for first-time visitors who want to be within walking distance of major landmarks like the Budapest Parliament Building, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Danube Promenade.

This area is packed with elegant cafés, high-end shopping streets, and some of the best restaurants in the city. It’s also one of the safest areas, making it a great choice for families and solo travelers. Hotels here tend to be on the pricier side, but the convenience of staying in the city center makes it worth the cost.

Attractions Near District V

• Hungarian Parliament – Located in District V
• St. Stephen’s Basilica – Located in District V
• Shoes on the Danube Bank – Located in District V
• Váci Street (Shopping Street) – Located in District V
• Danube Promenade – Located in District V
• Chain Bridge – 5-minute walk
• Buda Castle – 15-minute walk or short tram ride

District I (Castle District)

If you’re looking for a quieter and more historic setting, District I is an excellent choice. This area is home to Buda Castle, Matthias Church, and Fisherman’s Bastion, offering some of the most spectacular views of the city.

Unlike the bustling Pest side, this district has a more relaxed and old-world charm, with cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and fewer crowds in the evenings. It’s ideal for history lovers and couples looking for a romantic getaway. However, dining and nightlife options are more limited compared to other districts.

Attractions Near District I

• Buda Castle – Located in District I
• Matthias Church – Located in District I
• Fisherman’s Bastion – Located in District I
• Hospital in the Rock – Located in District I
• Gellért Hill & Citadella – 15-minute walk
• Chain Bridge – 10-minute walk across the river
• Hungarian Parliament – 15-minute drive or tram ride

District VII (Jewish Quarter)

For those who love nightlife, street food, and a vibrant atmosphere, District VII is the best place to stay. This is Budapest’s party hub, filled with ruin bars, trendy cafés, and some of the best street art in the city.

The Jewish Quarter is a favorite among backpackers and younger travelers, offering a mix of budget hostels and boutique hotels. The area is also rich in Jewish history, home to the Great Synagogue, one of the largest in the world. While it’s an exciting place to be, it can get noisy at night, so it’s not the best choice for those seeking peace and quiet.

Attractions Near District VII

• Great Synagogue (Dohány Street Synagogue) – Located in District VII
• Szimpla Kert (Famous Ruin Bar) – Located in District VII
• Gozsdu Courtyard (Bars & Restaurants) – Located in District VII
• Hungarian National Museum – 10-minute walk
• St. Stephen’s Basilica – 10-minute walk
• Andrássy Avenue (Shopping & Opera House) – 15-minute walk

District IX (Ferencváros)

District IX is one of Budapest’s up-and-coming areas, blending history with a modern arts scene. Once an industrial neighborhood, it has transformed into a trendy district with unique galleries, cool coffee shops, and a mix of old and new architecture.

Ferencváros is a great option for travelers looking for a less touristy and more authentic experience. The area is also home to the famous Great Market Hall, where you can taste traditional Hungarian foods. It’s a budget-friendly option while still being well connected to the rest of the city via public transport.

Attractions Near District IX

• Great Market Hall – Located in District IX
• Museum of Applied Arts – Located in District IX
• Bálna Budapest (Cultural & Shopping Center) – Located in District IX
• Liberty Bridge – 5-minute walk
• Gellért Baths – 10-minute walk
• Hungarian National Museum – 10-minute walk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area of Budapest for first-time visitors?

District V (Belváros) is the best option for first-time visitors. It’s central, safe, and within walking distance of major attractions like the Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Danube River.

Which district in Budapest is best for nightlife?

District VII (Jewish Quarter) is the best area for nightlife. It has famous ruin bars like Szimpla Kert, a wide range of clubs, and a youthful, energetic vibe.

Is District I (Castle District) a good area to stay in Budapest?

District I — also known as the Castle District — is a beautiful and historic part of Budapest, sitting high on the Buda side with sweeping views over the Danube and Parliament. It’s where you’ll find Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Matthias Church — so it’s definitely scenic and peaceful.

But whether it’s the best place to stay depends on what kind of experience you’re after.

✅ Why District I is a good place to stay:

• Quiet and safe — fewer crowds and traffic than Pest
• Incredible views of the city and river, especially at night
• Surrounded by UNESCO-listed architecture and cobblestone streets
• Great for couples or those wanting a romantic or relaxed trip

❌ Why District I might not be ideal for some travelers:

• Limited nightlife and restaurants — you’ll likely go to Pest for that
• Fewer budget options — hotels and food here tend to be pricier
• Not very central for day-to-day exploring — you’ll spend time crossing the river
• Some parts are very touristy by day, then very quiet at night

District I is perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful, upscale, and scenic stay — especially for couples or families who don’t need to be out late. But if you’re on a tight budget, want a livelier atmosphere, or plan to explore most of Pest’s attractions, staying in District V, VI, or VII might be more convenient.

So yes, it’s a great area — just not for every traveler.

What area of Budapest is best for budget travelers?

The best areas in Budapest for budget travelers are mostly found on the Pest side, where you'll get easy access to public transportation, cheap eats, and affordable hostels or guesthouses — all without sacrificing location.

Here are some of the most budget-friendly neighborhoods:

Erzsébetváros (District VII) – Jewish Quarter

This is the heart of Budapest’s nightlife and backpacker scene. It’s full of hostels, cheap bars, ruin pubs, and street food spots — plus you’re walking distance from major attractions like the Dohány Street Synagogue and Gozsdu Courtyard.

• Great for social travelers and pub crawlers
• Tons of budget accommodations
• Centrally located for sightseeing

Józsefváros (District VIII) – Palace District

Parts of Józsefváros have been revitalized and now offer a good mix of cheap Airbnb options, budget hotels, and local restaurants. The inner portion near the National Museum is especially good for budget travelers who want a quieter base but still be close to the city center.

• Lower prices on lodging
• Short walk or tram ride to key sights
• Less touristy, more authentic local vibe

Ferencváros (District IX) – Near Great Market Hall

Home to affordable guesthouses and hostels, especially around the area between the river and the Corvin-negyed metro stop. This area feels a bit more local and is still well-connected by metro and tram.

• Budget dining near the market
• Cheaper than staying in District V
• Easy access to Gellért Baths and the Danube

Outer Terézváros (District VI) – Near Nyugati Station

Not as trendy as the Jewish Quarter but still very central and loaded with affordable places to stay, especially around Andrássy Avenue. It’s great if you want to be close to attractions but avoid the higher prices right in the city center.

• Near metro, tram, and train connections
• Close to Oktogon and House of Terror
• Budget hotels and mid-range guesthouses

So, where should budget travelers stay in Budapest?

Stick to Pest-side neighborhoods like Erzsébetváros, Józsefváros, or Ferencváros for the best mix of low prices, central location, and easy access to food, nightlife, and public transportation. You’ll get more for your money and still be close to everything that makes Budapest worth visiting.

Is Buda or Pest More Expensive?

It depends on whether you’re living in Budapest or just visiting.

The Buda side is generally more expensive for locals and long-term residents. It’s quieter, more residential, and full of upscale neighborhoods, embassies, and luxury homes. With its historic charm and peaceful vibe, Buda attracts families and professionals — and that drives up real estate prices and the cost of living.

But for tourists, the Pest side is usually where more money gets spent. It’s the center of city life, packed with restaurants, bars, ruin pubs, shops, and major attractions like the Hungarian Parliament and St. Stephen’s Basilica. Even if prices are technically lower, you’ll find yourself spending more here day-to-day on food, drinks, tours, and entertainment.

So:

• Buda is more expensive for living
• Pest is more expensive for visiting

Each side has its perks — it just depends on what kind of Budapest experience you’re after. So while Buda may have the higher cost of living overall, Pest is where most travelers spend more money during their stay in Budapest.

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