The Best Districts To Stay In Beautiful Budapest

Known as the Pearl of the Danube, Budapest is one of Europe’s most enchanting historical cities, formed when two towns either side of the river, the elegant royal capital Buda and the thriving commercial centre of Pest, united into a single city in 1873. Now, its buzzing, bohemian atmosphere and wide range of attractions, from museums to nightlife to thermal baths, makes it one of Europe’s most-visited capitals.

To make the most of your time in this charismatic city, it’s helpful to have an idea where exactly you want to base yourself. The Hungarian capital is made up of 23 districts, each with its own unique character, so visitors are pleasantly spoilt for choice when deciding where to stay. To help you narrow it down, here’s a shortlist of just a few of the city’s many fascinating and diverse neighbourhoods.

The Castle District: Várkerüle

This is a quiet, affluent district that’s nevertheless located right in the heart of the city’s main historical attractions. As the name suggests, it’s home to Buda Castle, as well as Fisherman’s Bastion and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Várkerüle is the perfect spot for those who want to be within walking distance of the must-see sites, and on top of which its elevated position makes it ideal for evening strolls complemented by magnificent panoramic views over the Danube.

Belváros-Lipótváros

District V is a popular central location, home to the stunning and imposing Neo-Gothic Hungarian Parliament building. Visitors staying here can wander down Váci Utca, one of the world’s prettiest pedestrianised shopping streets, pick up Hungarian delicacies at the Hold Street Market, or visit the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial, a sobering tribute to the Jews killed by the river during the Second World War. 

Terézváros

This neighbourhood offers a rich medley of history, high culture, contemporary street art and nightlife. Among its long list of cultural attractions are the impressive Hungarian State Opera House, the House of Terror museum (dedicated to the Communist era), and Andrássy Avenue, a world-famous high end shopping street that’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Józsefváros

District VIII is trendy and vibrant, packed full of bars, art galleries and vintage shops. It’s a great base from which to visit the Hungarian National Museum and the Szabó Ervin Library inside the magnificent Neo-Baroque Wenckheim Palace. You are also within easy reach of the spooky Kerepesi Cemetery, the final resting place of some of Hungary’s most famous political and artistic figures.

How to Get There

Navigating public transport in a bustling foreign capital can be daunting to say the least, so booking a Budapest airport shuttle before your trip is the best way to keep your stress levels at a minimum. With a driver ready and waiting to take you straight to your hotel, a Budapest airport shuttle is a reliable and convenient way to get directly into the city centre. 

Without wasting time hanging around at the airport, you can dive straight into exploring the thriving culture and heritage of Budapest’s different neighbourhoods, and make the most of your break in this dynamic capital. 

Author Plate

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers in various countries across the globe. If you’re looking for an affordable Budapest airport shuttle, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.