From parks to museums – find the best hotel in Budapest

Location and offerings

Budapest has many hotels in all categories. Most business travelers prefer to stay in green, quiet areas just outside the center. Among families with children, you can see two tendencies, some prefer to stay in the center, close to all the attractions while others prefer to stay in the green belt of Budapest outside of the center.

For couples it looks about the same, they also choose either downtown or cozy and picturesque areas with lovely rooms and suites. For those looking for an affordably priced option there are many good budget hotels. Most have relatively good location and all the hotels offer rooms with private bathrooms.

The finest luxury hotels are exclusively in the inner parts of the city center with attractive locations and proximity to nightlife, restaurants and shops. Many have a beautiful view of the Danube.

When looking for a hotel it is always wise to think through what you want out of your stay and then select the location and price range accordingly.

Attractions and sights

Budapest is a historic city that consists of the two parts Buda and Pest, which are separated by the Danube River. There is a unique Castle district and several famous historic spas with curative thermal baths. The most famous are the Széchenyi, Gellért, Kiraly, Rudas and Lukacs.

The beautiful river and the scenic location are attractions in themselves, but there is much more to discover. Many visit the National Museum, Museum of Art and the Terror Museum.

The city is one of Europe's best preserved cities after World War II and there are a lot of unique historic buildings, castles and churches. Some of the city's most popular attractions are Margaret Island, Gellért Hill, Artist's Palace, the famous Andrassy and St. Stephen's Basilica.

Children usually appreciate such attractions as the Budapest Zoo and Aquaworld water park.

Restaurants, shopping and nightlife

Budapest's west side Buda offers a quiet and exclusive character. The Pest side offers a lot of activity, where you can find many great shopping streets, restaurants, bars and cafes.

There are pubs, discos and nightlife with live music and shows. These have no guards or queues, and a night out in Budapest is often both convenient and inexpensive.

Liszt Ferenc tér and District 5 are considered to be the hottest areas for nightlife. Exclusive Vaci utca street boasts the most fashionable boutiques. The cultural life in Budapest is rich and varied, you can enjoy theater, music and other performances.

The famous State Opera attracts many visitors, as well as the great artist's Palace. There are also several large stadiums, the largest of these are Nepstadion, Syma Arena and the Papp Laszlo Sport.

Trade shows and events

In the high season, the Budapest frequented by many tourists and there is an ongoing variety of festivals and performances as Spring Festival, Budapest Palinka (brandy festival) and A Sziget (Island Festival). There are several great venues that host concerts and sporting events. The Budapest Marathon and the large Christmas market attract many visitors each year.

There are many hotels in Budapest, but at peak season and on special occasions, the best ones can become booked up. So it's a good idea to be early with your booking, particularly if you have special requests regarding your accommodations. Please make inquiries about the availability before you book the trip.

Travel to and in the city

Most visitors arrive in Budapest via air, car, bus or train. Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is 16 kilometers southeast of downtown Budapest. From there you can comfortably get into town by bus or train.

Budapest is a busy urban area and driving in the central city is not recommended - especially for tourists. The public transport is a much better option to rely on, the system is very well developed. Real time data on the schedule and traffic conditions are available on screens at the stops and via smart phone apps. The public transit system offers bus, tram, subway and commuter trains.

In the city there are also several boat lines, but these should be considered as pleasant sightseeing tours rather than a quick transportation.

There are many taxis in the city and these are a relatively cheap mode of transport. A yellow license plate means that the taxi is licensed and approved. Radio Taxi and the English-speaking taxi company City Tax are examples of reputable taxi companies. It is always wise to call and book a taxi, to make sure you are getting a fair price. Hailing one on the street can lead to an expensive trip.

Weather and climate

Compared to other major European cities, Budapest has a very favorable climate with many hours of sunshine. In winter the temperature can creep down below zero and snowfall does occur, but during the hottest months, July and August, the temperature can rise to over 35 degrees. During this period, a hotel with good air conditioning is preferable. The best time to visit the city is from May to June and September to October - when the climate is most agreeable.

Price structure

Budapest is a relatively inexpensive city to visit. As in most large cities, it is wise to avoid the most obvious tourist traps. Prices of taxis can vary greatly and it is best to book your trip through the hotel, or restaurant if you are out.

City pass

Budapest Card is a great way to save money. By purchasing the card you are entitled to free travel on public transport, free admission to many museums and baths, and a variety of other discounts.