If you’re planning a trip to Budapest and wondering where to stay… Look no further! In this guide I’ll share the best neighborhoods in Budapest that you can stay in so you can narrow down the choice by looking at particular interests or desires. Whether you’d prefer to live in the lively nightlife of District VII, have a historic place to call home on Castle Hill, Budapest has your perfect neighborhood.
1. District V – Inner City
District V – Inner City is where you want to be if you want to be in the heart of Budapest. And this district is ideal – right between historic sites and shopping streets, and eclectic dining. Wander down the well known pedestrianized shopping street, Váci Utca and visit the magnificent St. Stephen’s Basilica. Then you don’t want to miss seeing the Hungarian Parliament Building, one of the city’s main landmarks.
Best for:
- People who desire to be close to the major tourist attractions are the type of travelers.
- If you’re after a lively, busy atmosphere
2. District VII – Jewish Quarter
District VII – Jewish Quarter offers you can’t miss if you’re a partygoer or a fan of street art and alternative culture. Ruin pubs, funky art galleries, and its unique street art place this vibrant neighborhood on the map. By far the must visit in Budapest, at least for us, would be the famous Szimpla Kert , the first ruin pub in Budapest, or the Great Synagogue , the largest synagogue in Europe. What is also home to many trendy cafes and restaurants in The Jewish Quarter, too, which offer a wide variety of cuisines.
Best for:
- Nightlife enthusiasts
- Hipsters and art lovers
3. District VI – Terézváros
District VI – Terézváros is a brilliant choice for a mix of up market residential areas and trendy shopping strips. There are Andrassy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its elegant architecture and high end stores, this is its home. See what happens up in the House of Terror Museum, which gives you a chilling insight into Budapest’s darker history, or just take it easy in City Park where you’ll find the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath.
Best for:
- Upscale shopping and dining
- Architecture and history minded people
4. Castle Hill
Castle Hill is the perfect neighborhood if you’re looking for somewhere quiet and picturesque. Castle Hill is on the Buda side of the city and offers Budapest skyline and Danube River view from a panarama point. The historic Buda Castle, the Matthias Church, and a walk on the cobblestone streets. And don’t forget to try some traditional Hungarian cuisine in one of the local restaurants near here.
Best for:
- Peace and tranquility
- Exploring historical sites
5. District VIII – Józsefváros
If you’re after something less ‘off the beaten path’, then choose District VIII – Józsefváros. But it’s an emerging cultural spaces and up and coming neighborhood that is known for it’s vivid street art scene. The Museum of Applied Arts has unique exhibits which you can also visit, or visit the New York Palace, an ornate café and hotel. A visit to the Central Market Hall in Józsefváros completes your gastronomic tour and you can taste some of this local delicacies as such.
Best for:
Becoming curious with emerging cultural spaces.
Travelling around local markets and tasting local cuisine
Now having an idea what each of the neighborhoods of Budapest has to offer, you can pick the one most according to your interests or preferences. Either District V has your heart or you have your heart in Castle Hill – Budapest has something for just about everyone. Happy travels!
