We visited Budapest several times and fell in love with the wonderful city, deciding to live there for a while. We learned about the finest and worst areas to base yourself on, and now we’re here to help you choose where to stay so you don’t waste time commuting between the top spots.
In this beginner’s guide to the finest districts to stay in Budapest for your first visit, we won’t go over every district you may remain in because many aren’t suitable for first-timers! Caleb and I believe that the greatest place to stay will *most likely* be the same regardless of whether you’re traveling alone, with your family, or as a couple like us.
Best Districts to Stay in Budapest
Spoiler alert: District V is the finest district to stay in for first-timers, but we’ll also include our second and third recommendations in the guide! Let’s start with a video featuring some Budapest highlights:
01. District V/Belváros
We chose this as the ideal area to stay for first-timers because it is considered the high-end hub of downtown and contains the most restaurants, cafes, and wine bars. If you haven’t tried Hungarian wine, you’re in for a treat! *drools*
It also features several of the major tourist attractions, commercial centers, and a wide range of lodging alternatives. If you just have a few days in Budapest, staying in District V will allow you to make the most of your time by getting around to the “must-see-stuff” on foot.
And then restore those calories burnt while walking with cozy Hungarian cuisine, correct? #Vacationlogic.
Where to stay in District V?
We prefer to book “mid-budget” hotels, focusing on location and pricing above opulence. We never go there anyway!
Our best choice for that travel style is this Art Deco flat. It is very stunning, spacious historic, and in an excellent location!
The Main Tourist Attraction In District V
- St Stephens Cathedral.
PRO TIP: The ticket office for Basilica is not located within the church. If you face the main entrance, it is on the right side of the street.
- Váci Street for Shopping
- Shoes along the Danube
- Hungarian Parliament Building
- A short walk to the Hungarian Opera House and the House of Terror Museum.
Our Favorite Restaurants in District V
- Hungarikum Bisztro is one of the top restaurants in Budapest. It feels like a family home, and the staff is very friendly! The portions are large, and you must make a reservation or you will not be admitted.
Trust us, we tried several times before finally making a reservation! - Porc and Prezli Etterem – This is the spot to get delicious Chicken Paprikash, and the wine list is superb!
- Cafe Kor is a true hidden gem (and Eater agrees!) It was nearly dead when we went (it was off-season), and the inside is quite low-key, with a large menu and wonderful, traditional food.
- WINE NOT? is a beautiful and quiet wine bar with an amazing selection of Hungarian wines! It’s not the cheapest option, but we enjoyed it!
- Artisan Budapest is the best breakfast and bakery location. The pistachio cheesecake and cardamom custard dessert will blow your taste senses away.
INSIDER TIP: Check out Fagel, which is located next door. Artisan owns an oatmeal shop (the breakfast sort), and it’s fantastic!
Safety Concerns in District V
We felt safer in Budapest than in many other European nations (and we’ve been to practically all of them). Because District V is the main “touristy area,” pickpockets are the most common thing to keep an eye out for. It is extremely improbable that you will come across any murderers here. You understand what I mean.
As always, don’t accept random gifts from strangers (believe us, they’re not free), and avoid walking down dark alleys at night. Be wise.
02. District VII/Erzsébetváros
We rank this as the second-best spot to stay for first-timers because it is close to District V and is brimming with fantastic restaurants, bars, and clubs, including the well-known Ruin bars.
When we were in Budapest, we resided in this district and adored the younger, hipper, more true, artsy feel. As a couple who enjoys fine cocktail and wine establishments, this is the ideal place. Honestly, we didn’t find the club scene to be that noisy or unruly, despite living right next to the Ruin Bars. We wouldn’t let others’ claims about its being a “party area” mislead you. Sure, you shouldn’t stay here if you have children, but if you’re a couple like us, it’s ideal.
It’s also the Jewish Quarter, so there’s plenty of history and synagogues to explore!
Where to Stay in District VII?
The 7Seasons Hotel is our favorite spot to stay in Budapest overall. Technically, it is District VI, however, it is located right in the midst between V and VII. We enjoy it since it’s in a central passageway with eateries and even a laundromat, and it’s close to all of the activities. The accommodations are huge flats at an affordable price for a couple, but there is also a front desk.
Major Tourist Attractions In District VII
- Ruin Bars
- Gozdu Udvar
- Dohány Street Synagogue
If you want to stay fit while on vacation, there is a great gym in Gozsdu called “Go Active.”
Our Favorite Restaurants/Bars In District VII
- Kek Rosa feels like a completely local experience, with simple, traditional dishes and generous servings.
- Getto Gulyas – a romantic, modern atmosphere with basic Hungarian gastronomy, including unique variations on Gulyas and Paprikash. I loved the venison!
- Tati Farm to Table is one of the city’s most modern/trendy/date-night vibes, with innovative farm-to-table cuisine. They provide some standard alternatives as well as some more unique options, which we like.
- TukTuk Bar is one of our favorite cocktail bars in all of Europe. Amazing, innovative Asian-inspired cocktails.
- Warm Up Bar is a fantastic cocktail bar with no menu; simply tell them your favorite flavors and let them surprise you.
- Kadarka is a wonderfully chill, low-key wine bar with a huge selection of wine at reasonable pricing!
Safety Concerns in District VII
Because this *is* more of a “party atmosphere,” you’re significantly more vulnerable to pickpocketing at night, especially with drunk individuals around. But that never happened to us, and we never felt in danger.
03. District I/Budavar
We rank this as the third best spot to stay for first-timers since it is the closest district to the main sites on the “Buda” side of Budapest, which is great if you have *very* little time in Budapest and don’t want to waste time walking.
The castle district is also more beautiful, quieter, and romantic, which may be a great bonus for couples like us!
It also has several hot baths, which we enjoy, and you can still go to the pest side if you don’t mind walking a little. Remember, delicious Hungarian cuisine and drink await, so you’ve got this!
Where to Stay in District I?
We recommend staying at the Monastery Boutique Hotel. The rooms are huge and designed in a lovely and modern style. The breakfast is wonderful. Did you see the glass chamber where you might have breakfast? Plus, the location is ideal for visiting the main sites on the Buda side!
Major Tourist Sites In District I
- Buda Castle
- Matthias Church
- Thermal baths include Gellert and Rudas.
- Fisherman’s Bastion
Let’s set some expectations: you’ve probably seen stunning photographs of a Fisherman’s Bastion with no people, which means you might be disappointed when you arrive and it’s crowded.
PRO TIP: If you want to see it at its most spectacular and least crowded, go at sunrise. We received photographs like the one below when we did that.
Our Favorite Restaurants In District I
To be honest, we prefer the restaurants on the Pest side. Here are some recommendations:
- Stand-25 Bistro
- Aranybastya (great views!)
- Ruszwurm Confectionary: Try the signature “Kreme” here!
Safety Concerns in District I:
District I is considered to be safer than the Pest side of Budapest because it is quieter and more popular!
Conclusion:
Well, that concludes our honest advice as to where to stay in Budapest for the first time! Regardless of which area you choose, you will be drinking epic wine and eating tasty, flavor-explosion food in a GORG city, so we are confident you will have a fantastic time! If you have any questions, please let us know in the comments!
[…] However, choosing the ideal time and length is nothing if you choose the wrong district to stay! We’re here to help with our guide to the 3 greatest districts to stay in Budapest for first-timers! […]