We list the best hotels in Budapest as recommended by travel experts from CNN, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, New York Times and more. All hotel recommendations have been referenced with customer reviews and we only listed places with at least a 4 out of 5-star customer review rating.
Best cheap hotel in Budapest: Bohem Art Hotel
Best boutique hotel in Budapest: Baltazár Boutique Hotel
Best luxury hotel in Budapest: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace
Best hostel in Budapest: Pal’s Hostel & Apartments
Best eco-friendly hotel in Budapest: Casati Hotel
“Spread across several different buildings in central Budapest, this personable and characterful hub offers a range of accommodation from dorms and private rooms in self-catering apartments. All are well maintained and service is friendly and helpful.”
“Though the rooms at this delightful small hotel are a little on the compact side, each one is decorated in its own individual style (the suites done by local artists – we particularly like Room 302).”
“Closer to the action in Pest, just off touristy Vaci Utca, is the La Prima, a self-styled “fashion hotel” that opened in 2011.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Budapest.
“Design hotels can sometimes feel insubstantial. Not so the Palazzo Zichy, a stylish, chic 80-room establishment that opened in 2009 in a restored 19th-century mansion, whose thick walls lend a sense of solidity. The mix of original, neo-Baroque stairwells and modern minimalist décor probably shouldn’t work, but it does.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Budapest.
“Gerlóczy hits the mark with an excellent combination of good value, decor and atmosphere. Set over four floors of an 1890s building on an attractive square, the individually designed and well-proportioned rooms all have king-sized beds.”
“Guests looking for excellent yet affordable views of St. Stephen’s Basilica can book one of three rooftop suites at 12 Revay Hotel, or chose one of the 53 smaller rooms at the hotel, which opened in 2015.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Budapest.
“Located in the Jewish Quarter, in its previous life the Zara was an elegant bathhouse. The 272-room hotel has art deco touches throughout, and offers great amenities for business travelers as well as for tourists.”
“This B&B offers a fantastic bird’s eye view of this beautiful city. Steps lead up from the little breakfast room to the a rooftop terrace, with one of the best panoramas I’ve seen.”
“There’s a lot to love about this fantastic, 10-room boutique hotel that has opened on the site of Hungary’s oldest hotel. Each room is individually designed, with oak floors, excellent bedding and quirky touches.”
“When it opened in 2013, this boutique hotel brought a welcome shot of style to the Castle District; it’s a good option for design lovers who like to avoid the chains.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Budapest.
“Brody House is more than just a super-cool boutique hotel in the up-and-coming Palace District. It’s also a hub of creativity, focused on showcasing and supporting local artists, designers, writers, musicians and other creative types.”
“Ten years after the arrival of the posh Callas cafe and restaurant, Callas House opened directly upstairs in 2016, offering 25 beautiful rooms and suites on Pest’s most stylish boulevard, next door to the Budapest Opera.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Budapest.
“The Corinthia first opened as the luxurious Grand Royal Hotel in time for the Magyar Millennium in 1896, and, despite being destroyed during Hungary’s 1956 revolution, it’s just as luxurious today.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Budapest.
“With its two-million-piece mosaic tiled floor, 19th-century stained glass roof panels and intricate ironwork, the Four Seasons in Budapest is an art nouveau masterpiece. Rooms are spacious and luxe with vaulted ceilings and marble bathrooms”
Recommended by:
Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
New York Times
Recommended by:
New York Times, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times
Recommended by:
CNN, Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
The Guardian
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Frommers, CNN, Telegraph
Recommended by:
CNN, Lonely Planet, Frommers
Recommended by:
New York Times, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Fodors, Forbes, CNN, Frommers, Telegraph
Recommended by:
CNN, Forbes, Lonely Planet, Fodors, Frommers, Telegraph
Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and the 10th most populous city in European Union that is bisected by River Danube.
Some of the best neighborhoods in Budapest are:
Várkerület
Várkerület is a neighborhood located on the Buda side of the capital city and is the home to a wide array of the city’s beautiful landmarks. It is a residential neighborhood that offers striking panoramic views over the River Danube and the Pest side of the city. With its cobblestone-paved paths, traditional cafés, colorful buildings, the area holds charm for locals and visitors alike.
Belváros-Lipótváros
Belváros-Lipótváros is a quaint neighborhood filled with clubs, bars, restaurants, cafés, and architectural marvels. The area is thronged by a large number of tourists and it accommodates a large number of souvenir shops. The coffee shops and eateries are hallmarks of this area and offer a gastronomic experience to locals and visitors.
Erzsébetváros
Erzsébetváros is a neighborhood that is home to a plethora of clubs and bars that offer plenty of nightlife options. It is also a cultural hotspot and boasts of the Dohány Street Synagogue that provides great insight to the cultural heritage of the city.
Józsefváros
Józsefváros is a sprawling neighborhood that has a bohemian feel and filled with restaurants chic and bars. It is the home to the Semmelweis University that makes it a strong educational hub and its sociable atmosphere and casual eateries adds unique charm to it.
Terézváros
Terézváros is a lively neighborhood in the central part of the city with a wide range of eateries and places of interest.
Also check out our guide about the best areas to stay in Budapest.
If you're looking for a cheap hotel in Budapest, then try Bohem Art Hotel. It's an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It's in a good location, it's been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Budapest.
Not a fan of big chain hotels? No problem. If you want to stay in a boutique hotel in Budapest, then you should book Baltazár Boutique Hotel. The hotel has been rated highly by previous guests for its boutique style. It has also been recommended by influential travel journalists.
Also check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Budapest, it's a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.
If you're looking for a great hostel in Budapest, then you should check out Pal's Hostel & Apartments. The hostel has magnificent reviews by backpackers, it has been recommended by well-known travel experts and it's in a good location. Also check out our list of the best hostels in Budapest.
If money isn't a problem and you're looking for a luxury hotel in Budapest, then go for Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace. The hotel offers excellent service, it's in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it. Also check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Budapest, it's a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
Looking for a cozy place to stay in Budapest that serves you handmade and fresh breakfast in the morning? Go and check out B&B Parliament House. The B&B has been recommended by well-known travel experts and recent guests have given it top ratings.
A 3-star hotel in Budapest will cost you around $95 per night. For a 4-star hotel you will have to pay $140 per night and a luxury 5-star hotel in Budapest will cost you around $270 per night.
If you're looking for Budapest hotels that offer a good breakfast, try the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace or the Corinthia Hotel. Both hotels have excellent customer reviews ratings for their breakfast.
Budapest Segway Tour. See the sights of Budapest as you cruise the city on a Segway. This tour offers a choice of durations for your guided trip around central Pest. Price: $43.
Budapest: 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise with Welcome Drink. See the sights of Budapest from the River Danube on a 1-hour sightseeing cruise, and enjoy a seasonal cocktail or soft drink along the way. Glide past landmark monuments such as Buda Castle and the Vigado Concert Hall. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi. Price: $11.
Skip the Line: Széchenyi Spa Full Day Package. Skip the line at Budapest's world-famous thermal spring spa, Széchenyi Bath. Choose from a weekday or weekend ticket to the elegant spa. The largest thermal spring bath complex in Europe, it comprises 3 outdoor and 15 indoor pools. Price: $30.
More things to do in Budapest
Budapest is one of the best places to experience the charms of Central and Eastern Europe, without having to brave the snow of the nearby Alps. The Hungarian capital is a perfect destination for those who want to experience European culture without the stodgy food, language challenges, and sometimes surly service that come with it.
Located in the heart of Europe, Budapest is a convenient jumping-off point for trips to the region’s many natural wonders, as well as cultural experiences in its own right. This colorful city has been a central point of trade and exploration for many peoples for centuries. Today, it’s home to more than 1 million people and its many districts, sights, and sounds have been captured by countless visitors. The city is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and was ranked the second-best by Conde Nast Traveler while it was rated “Europe’s 7th most idyllic place to live” by Forbes.
The best way to experience Budapest is to plan your time wisely. There are so many different districts in Budapest and each one has a unique atmosphere. Spend some time researching what you want to do before you come, otherwise, you may end up with an incomplete picture of the city.
One of the best ways to get a feel for the city is by exploring its many districts. Budapest’s Castle District, which includes Buda’s Castle Hill and the historic area that once made up the Ottoman-era Royal Palace, is a must-see site. The grandeur of this district alone makes it worth visiting, but it also affords views of the Danube River as well as panoramic views of Pest and other districts. Another historical site worth visiting is Matthias Church, which features an ornate interior and impressive architecture.
The most popular attractions in town include Fisherman’s Bastion, Heroes Square, the Vajdahunyad Castle and Museum Park (for those who are interested in folk traditions), Margaret Island (which offers plenty of outdoor activities), Dohany Street Synagogue (Hungary’s largest synagogue), and The House of Terror Museum—a museum dedicated to telling the story of Hungary during World War II.
Budapest’s Jewish Quarter is a must-visit for those interested in the city’s history. This small neighborhood is home to the Hungarian National Museum and its impressive collection of Judaica. The area also features a handful of synagogues, including the world-famous Dohany Street Synagogue, which was originally built in 1859. If you’re interested in learning more about Hungary’s Jews, this is an enlightening trip that will leave you with a better understanding of Budapest’s history and culture.
If you’re wondering what to do in Budapest, it’s hard to go wrong with a stroll through City Park. This vast green space is home to a variety of attractions, including the zoo and the Széchenyi Baths. The Buda Hills are also nearby, offering stunning views of Budapest at sunset. For those travelers who are looking for a truly stunning view, head to Fisherman’s Bastion, which towers over everything below it and provides sweeping vistas across the Danube River and Pest region.
Budapest is a nightlife hotspot, with more than 500 different bars and clubs in the city. Nightclubs are a must-visit for any trip to Budapest. It’s where the locals go dancing and party their cares away. Most people don’t go out until midnight, as most clubs don’t open until then. Once you find your favorite club, keep an eye on it and make sure you return during the evening to experience it at its best and catch some of that Hungarian magic.
If you want to enjoy traditional Hungarian culture while getting a taste of the vibrant Budapest nightlife, visit one of the many thermal baths in town, like Gellert or Szechenyi Baths. These historic places offer not only relaxation for your worn-out body, but also cultural experiences for your mind.
This is one of the most popular sights in Budapest, and for good reason. The Buda Castle area is home to an elegant palace, as well as a few other historic buildings that are worth a visit. These include the Fisherman’s Bastion, which offers an incredible view of the city from its spot on the hillside.
The castle itself is also worth a visit; it’s often possible to go inside and take a tour of some of its major rooms. On the outside, there’s also plenty to see at Buda Castle: expansive gardens, monuments, and more.
Hungary is a landlocked country, so there are no beaches for those who crave the sandy stuff. But the Buda Hills and Puszta plains offer plenty of scenic vistas, with ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
If you’re looking to get away from it all and explore Hungary’s more rural side, we recommend heading to the Puszta Plains. The Hungarian plains can be found in North-Central Hungary and are home to some of the country’s most iconic sights. It’s here that you’ll find small villages like Csorna that date back centuries. The Puszta also offers plenty of opportunities for hiking or biking along scenic vistas. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a horseback ride across these vast fields of grasses and wildflowers!
In spring, Budapest hosts the colorful flower festival, which is a spectacular display of nature’s beauty. The city also boasts one of the largest and most extravagant Christmas markets in Europe, complete with rideable horses and a wide selection of mulled wine. It’s undoubtedly worth a visit for its medieval charm and winding streets.
Budapest has a wealth of accommodation options to fit your needs, budget, and preferences. Budapest hotels range from modern business-friendly establishments to quaint boutique hotels with a more homey feel.
The following are some of the best areas in the city for different types of travelers:
1) The Budopol area is in central Budapest and offers easy access to many amenities such as restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, and shopping centers.
2) The Terézváros district is also centrally located and has many restaurants, museums, and theaters nearby. This area is well situated for those who want to find a large variety of things to do on any given day.
3) The Andrássy út district is nicknamed “the most beautiful street in Europe” due to the wide variety of architectural styles found there. This makes it an excellent choice for travelers looking for a more romantic style experience.
The decision to visit the Hungarian capital is an easy one. Budapest is a lively city with an intriguing history, a wealth of attractions and a dynamic, youthful feel. The best way to explore this wonderful city is to plan your time wisely, and to make sure not to miss Budapest’s main sights, including the City Park and Fisherman’s Bastion and the Jewish Quarter.
And, of course, there are plenty of things to do after dark. Visit one of the city’s many clubs; go on a pub crawl or a themed pub crawl; or head to one of Budapest’s spas. If you are looking for accommodation in the city, then you will have no problem finding somewhere to stay—whether it’s in the heart of the city or in a peaceful rural setting.
Want to get to know the city a bit better? Check out our guide about where to stay in Budapest, it includes recommendations about the best areas, museums, attractions and other things to do.
If you like our list of the best hotels in Budapest, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in Vienna or the best hotels in Athens.