The 5 Coolest Neighborhoods in Budapest

With so many districts to choose from, finding the best neighborhoods in Budapest can be tricky. District I: Castle Hill is home to some of the city’s top attractions, from Buda Castle to Fisherman’s Bastion. Or check out District VIII: Józsefváros, the trendy side of town for fantastic restaurant options and vibrant nightlife. District V: Belváros-Lipótváros is ideal for lodging and exploring Budapest’s most beautiful boulevards and squares, with excellent shopping and eateries abound. While in this neighborhood, visit the Parliament and Basilica; both are architectural marvels worth seeing. Discover the top Budapest neighborhoods in this guide if you’re seeking art, history, or culture.

1. District I: Castle Hill

Best for: history buffs, relaxing atmosphere, foodies, art lover
Best way to get to Castle Hill: The central metro station in District I (Budai Vár), which includes the Buda Castle and other iconic landmarks, such as Széll Kálmán tér. This station is located on Metro Line M2 (Red Line) and is one of the main transit hubs on the Buda side of the city.
Top things to do in Castle Hill: Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, Hungarian National Gallery, thermal pools

The 1st District of Budapest is the Castle District, the historical part of the Buda side of Budapest. It consists of Buda Castle Hill and other neighborhoods, like Tabán, Krisztinaváros, and parts of Gellért Hill. When visiting Buda Castle, walk the cobblestone streets dating back to the Ottoman era, get lost in the beauty of the colorful buildings, and transport yourself back to medieval times. There is much history here, like the 14th-century ruins near the Buda Tower or the Fisherman’s Bastion. If you want to relax and wind down, go to a famous thermal bath, like the Rudas Baths. Or climb up one of many of the neighborhood’s viewing points to see the entirety of Budapest and the Danube with a gorgeous panoramic sweep.

2. District VIII: Józsefváros

Best for: bohemians, vintage hunters, foodies
Best way to get to Józsefváros: Blaha Lujza tér is a central transportation hub on Metro Line 2 (Red Line). It serves as the primary metro station for accessing Józsefváros, especially the southern parts of the district.
Top things to do in Józsefváros: Palace District, stylish bars, casual eateries, Hungarian National Museum, Orczy Park

District VIII used to be a neighborhood travelers would avoid, but now it has become a bohemian hotspot with local roasteries and cafés, fantastic eateries, and excellent vintage shopping. Visit the Palace District, named after the apartments that once belonged to Budapest’s aristocratic elites, and see some beautiful architecture and lovely parks. Walking down the oldest street in the Palace district, Bródy Sándor utca, you will find some interesting exhibition spaces and art galleries filled with burgeoning talent, the next big stars in the art world. For a relaxing Budapest weekend itinerary, have brunch at a stylish restaurant accompanied by live music, and then visit the Hungarian National Museum to see some historical relics.

3. District IX: Ferencváros

Best for: students, living like a local, nightlife, arts, café culture
Best way to get to Ferencváros: The central metro station for District IX is Kálvin tér. This station is located on Metro Line M3 (Blue Line) and Metro Line M4 (Green Line).
Top things to do in Ferencváros: National Theater, Palace of Arts, Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art, Central Market Hall

The former industrial area of Ferencváros is becoming a popular hub for tourists, who especially love the National Theater, the Müpa Budapest, and the Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art. The district is also home to many hot bars that serve some of the finest local craft beers, earning it the nickname “Craft Beer District.” The Central Market Hal is a wonderful place to visit, where you can find memorable souvenirs, delicious treats, and plenty of hidden gems worth exploring. Or visit Balna, a giant complex next to the Danube that houses some of the city’s best cafés, restaurants, galleries, and boutiques.

4. District VII – Erzsébetváros

Best for: nightlife, Jewish culture and history, pub crawler, club hopper, classical music
Best way to get to Erzsébetváros: The central metro station for District VII (Erzsébetváros) in Budapest is Blaha Lujza tér. This station is located on Metro Line M2 (Red Line), one of Budapest’s most important lines, connecting you to key locations across the city.
Top things to do in Erzsébetváros: ruin bars, clubs, Dohany Street Synagogue, Jewish meals, Jewish Quarter

If you’re looking for the liveliest part of Budapest and want to enjoy the city’s nightlife to the fullest extent, look no further than the 7th District! Also known as the city’s Jewish District, the area boasts plenty of bars and clubs to dance the night away. The district has cultural sites worth visiting, including Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest European synagogue with beautiful architecture. If you enjoy classical music, visit the Hungarian State Opera House, one of the best places for concerts in Budapest, for beautiful renditions and impressive productions, or stop by Liszt Ferenc Square, or the “Piano Square” as the locals call it, where you will find a statue of the great pianist Franz Liszt along with several great restaurants and cafés nearby.

5. District V – Belváros-Lipótváros

Best for: architecture and design, souvenir hunters, coffee lovers
Best way to get to Belváros-Lipótváros: Deák Ferenc tér station is the central hub for Belváros-Lipótváros which can be reached by Metro Line 1 (Yellow Line), Metro Line 2 (Red Line), or Metro Line 3 (Blue Line).
Top things to do in Belváros-Lipótváros: See the elegant residences, visit Parliament, cross the Chain Bridge, stop by St. Stephen’s Basilica, get inspired at MONO Art and Design and Paloma.

Belváros-Lipótváros is at the heart of Budapest, with many fantastic meeting points like new-wave cafés and delicious brunch spots during the daytime or bars and clubs for night owls. The environment is gorgeous here: you can still see the stones from Pest’s old city wall surrounding District V, but today, elegant residences and monuments along the Danube are a sight to behold. Visit the Hungarian Parliament and St. Stephen’s Basilica in the inner city, or find the perfect foodie gift in the paprika-packed tourist shops on Váci utca. If you love arts, learn more about Hungarian design at MONO Art and Design on Kossúth Lajos utca.

FAQs

What is the best area to stay in Budapest?

District V is ideal for accommodation, particularly its northern and southern parts stretching from Parliament to the Basilica and Ferenciek Tere to Kálvin Tér. These areas offer a peaceful atmosphere. The central part of District V is livelier and includes Váci Utca, a bustling shopping street worth exploring, even if you’re not shopping.

What is the trendiest neighborhood in Budapest?

Józsefváros, known as the 8th District, is Budapest’s trendiest area. It’s a hidden gem offering great Budapest food, hip bars, historical landmarks, stunning architecture, and the beautiful Orczy Park. This neighborhood is perfect for exploring vibrant street life and unique attractions.

Where do young people go in Budapest?

Budapest’s Party District, mainly in district VI around Király Street, is the city’s nightlife hub. It offers numerous cafes, pubs, nightclubs, and bars. Wesselényi Street, Akácfa Street, and Kazinczy Street also have vibrant spots for a lively night out and cultural attractions like the Kzinczy Synagogue.

Is District 7 a good area in Budapest?

District 7 is the vibrant heart of Budapest, known for its bohemian and hip atmosphere. It’s more gritty than the refined District 5 and offers more energy than District 6. The area attracts both the young and the young at heart, with a mix of crumbling and newly renovated architecture reflecting its eclectic charm.

Which side of Budapest is nicer?

Buda offers a more upscale and residential atmosphere, ideal for a quieter, leisurely sightseeing experience. In contrast, Pest is vibrant and lively, perfect for tourists seeking entertainment and fun. Both sides have their unique charm, catering to different preferences.