Hotels in Budapest, Hungary

Budapest Hotels

Fully deserving of its nickname ‘the Paris of the East’, the Hungarian capital of Budapest has firmly established itself as one of Europe’s premier weekend getaways. It’s truly a city of 2 halves, divided by the glistening River Danube. To the north lies Buda, with its majestic royal palace, quaint cobblestone streets, and charming, fairytale-like atmosphere. To the south sits vibrant Pest, with its alluring café scene, and achingly hip bars located in atmospheric ruined houses and courtyards. The icing on the cake is the opulent spa baths scattered all over the city, where you can luxuriate in rejuvenating thermal waters to your heart’s content.

Things to see

Buda Castle is an obvious first port of call. This exquisite historical site dates back as far as the 13th century, and includes a number of beautifully preserved and restored Medieval, Baroque, and 19th century buildings. Within the complex, you’ll find the Hungarian National Gallery, famed for its incredibly diverse collection of Hungarian art, which encompasses everything from Medieval stone carvings to 20th century photography. The nearby Budapest History Museum offers amazing insight into the city’s culture, with archaeological artifacts that date back over 40,000 years. A trip to a thermal bath is a quintessential Budapest travel experience, and the Szechenyi Baths are perhaps the most impressive in the city. It’s one of Europe’s largest spa complexes, with 3 vast outdoor pools housed in the courtyard of a magisterial neo-Baroque palace.

Hotels in Budapest

There’s a wonderful array of hotels in Budapest to pick from. Prices across the board are reasonable by European standards, so you may find that your budget stretches to a spot of 5-star luxury. The city’s top hotels boast amazing amenities, like full-service health spas, 24-hour gourmet room service, state-of-the-art business centers, and even glitzy casinos. There’s also a wealth of mid-range hotels, where you can enjoy great perks like heated indoor swimming pools, flat-screen TVs, fully-stocked minibars, and complimentary toiletries, all for a great price. And the city is a fantastic destination for backpackers and budget travelers, with lively hostels offering travel essentials like free WiFi and hot drinks.

Where to stay

Castle Hill is the oldest part of the city, and a jaw-dropping UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a great choice for first-time visitors and architecture buffs, as many of the city’s top attractions and landmark buildings can be found here. The whole area is closed to private cars, so it’s a joy to explore by foot. Accommodation is in relatively short supply, however, so you may want to consider the broader surrounding Buda district. There’s a wealth of fascinating museums here, as well as some delightful traditional restaurants. If you’re looking for a livelier, more modern urban experience, you should consider basing yourself across the river in Pest. Here you’ll find gleaming shopping malls, first-rate cuisine from all corners of the globe, and pulsing bars and nightclubs.

How to get to Budapest

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is handily located around 20 kilometers from the city center. You can fly direct from major cities all over Europe. Once you land, you can take a bus to nearby Ferihegy train station. From here, you can reach central Budapest in under 30 minutes. Otherwise, there are private airport shuttles, which operate round the clock and will drop you off anywhere you like. Metered taxis and rental cars are also readily available – the journey into town should take around 30 minutes, depending on traffic.