In which quarter house in Budapest?

Looking for a good neighborhood to stay in Budapest? In this article, you are directed to the offer of accommodation in the Hungarian capital.

With 525 km2 of area, Budapest , capital of Hungary, is five times greater than Paris! It is one of the most extensive cities in Europe, but make sure: everything is happening in the city centre. Budapest was born from the merger – on 22 December 1872 – of three independent cities, divided into two by the Danube: Obuda, Buda and Pest. Here is a presentation of the neighborhoods and their different atmospheres to stay in Budapest.

In general, Hungary remains a cheap country for Europe, even to stay in Budapest. 1 to 5 star hotels, rooms at the living room, accommodation on Airbnb, room for rent, youth hostel: you will not find it hard to find how to stay. The difficulty lies in the place: in Pest or in Buda? Close to discotheques and trendy bars, close to the streets where to get out, near gourmet restaurants? On the calm heights of Buda? Near the central station? We help you make your choice:

Buda and Castle District

The Castle area , on the west bank of the Danube in Buda, is the heart of the historic centre of Budapest. Judging on the hills, it reflects the tense periods of Hungary: it houses the Royal Palace – where you can visit the history museum of Budapest and the Hungarian National Gallery -, the door of Habsburg and the Turul - an eagle with wings deployed, the mythical bird of the Magyars -, the fountain of King Matthias, the Sandor Palace – the place of residence of the current president of the Republic - the bass

The district will also offer a magnificent view of the Danube and the city. It is a very busy area by tourists in the day, and quieter in the evening, occupied by locals and artists. Ideal to find a nest cozy in a romantic setting, but nightlife is no longer calm.

Belvaros and the 5th arrondissement

It is a very central area of Pest, and more is, very quiet. Small enclave of the 5th arrondissement, Belvaros, it is “THE place to be” for all visitors looking for a dynamic setting: a wide range of bars and restaurants and accommodations for all budgets, access to most monuments and museums most interesting to see. In addition, these will be accessible on foot, without taking public transport. This area is also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers many sites to discover, such as Hungarian Parliament , Váci Utca Street – the main pedestrian and commercial street of Budapest -, Vörösmarty Square, Basilica, Gresham Palace, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, the Hungarian National Bank building, the temple of Deák Square. To stay in Budapest, this neighborhood will be a pleasure but since it is very popular, it is also a little more expensive than in other neighborhoods.

Terézváros, 6th arrondissement

Also called Terézváros, it is the 6th arrondissement, on the Pest side, that you will have to choose to stay in Budapest if you want to visit the Opera, the avenue Andrássy – which is characterized by its buildings of neo-Renaissance style and its artistic architecture -, the Maison de la Terreur – museum dedicated to the periods of dictatorships that Hungary has known during the 20th century,

As in the 5th arrondissement, it is in the 6th district that one passes from a political institution to a cultural or historical monument, to an unusual bar or a majestic place where to stroll during the beautiful days. At the north-east end of the borough, you will also have a good time in Parc Városliget, located in the 14th arrondissement. So there is one for every taste, every budget.

Erzsébetváros, 7th arrondissement

Also very popular with tourists, the 7th arrondissement – or rather Erzsébetváros – is a good option to stay in Budapest. Located in Pest, on both sides of Nagykörút, between the kiskörút and Dózsa György út – two major axes of the city – and taken in a pond between the 6th and 8th arrondissements, it is at the heart of the budapestian activity. It has a central position, and corresponds to the former Jewish quarter, which was the theatre of the Budapest Ghetto during the Second World War. If you are staying in this area, you will have access to many synagogues, including the Great Synagogue of Budapest – the largest in Europe, the second in the world – a strong Judaism square in Central Europe. Aparthotels, hostels, hotel rooms, accommodation on Airbnb , you will only have the embarrassment of choice to find accommodation and be just a step away from an energetic city centre, to enjoy the nightlife, restaurants and bars of Budapest. The atmosphere is therefore likely to be agitated to the west of the large circular boulevard in the city centre, Erzsébet Körút Avenue. Nevertheless, it will be more calm in the east.

Ferencváros, 9th arrondissement

Ferencváros, the name given to the city of the 9th arrondissement, is interesting for its southern part. Further south, you will be too excited and will have to spend too much time in public transport. It is the district of students, universities (Corvinus University and Semmelweis University of Medicine). You will have access to the Hungarian Museum of Decorative Arts, the National Theatre (Nemzeti Színház), the MÜPA – a museum that promotes the interdisciplinarity between music, visual arts and performing arts – at Ráday Street and its many restaurants, the Protestant temple of Calvin Square, the covered market and the Holocaust Museum. As a result, the park Népliget – in the 10th arrondissement – will offer you a moment of calm.

Finally, we recommend that you book your night in advance, in order to arrive at the airport with a drop point to aim and to put your luggage to explore the city calmly.