Best Neighborhoods in Budapest
Belváros-Lipótváros, Terézváros, Ferencváros, Józsefváros, and District I's Castle District are some of the best neighborhoods in Budapest. They're popular tourist areas filled with beautiful buildings, stunning monuments, and some even have the hottest hotspots. Whether you're a tourist or you're moving to Budapest, these are the districts to take note of!
Where to Stay in Budapest for The First Time
Belváros-Lipótváros (District V) and the Castle District (District I) are where you ought to stay if it's your first time in Budapest. Not only do they house some of the city's main tourist attractions, but the former has a lively commercial scene with all sorts of neat hotspots while the latter also doubles as a residential district. Even if you can only spare one day in Budapest, these are the best neighborhoods to spend your time in.
Areas to Avoid in Budapest
Although the crime rates in Budapest are generally low, there are still some areas you'd do well to avoid. They include Hero Street in District X, the Party District within Districts VI and VII, and Lipotvaros in District V. These are some of the dodgiest parts of the city where criminal activities aren't exactly rare.
Belváros, Budapest
A stunning Neo-Gothic structure looms over the fifth district of Budapest, Belváros. It's the Hungarian Parliament, one of the more important political buildings in the city. The place's outstanding beauty symbolizes the decadence one can witness in this beautiful part of the Hungarian capital. Here, an array of fine-dining restaurants and high-end shopping await those who live the jet-set lifestyle where money isn't an issue. The famous fashionable street, Váci Utca, further proves this district's devotion to glamour. And as for residence? Expect the most exquisite luxury apartments in Budapets; homes fit for modern-day kings and queens who sit and luxuriate atop the corporate ladder!
What to Do in Belváros, Budapest
Spend money! Shop, eat, pamper yourself, and more! Belváros is among the more affluent neighborhoods in Budapest. It offers a whole host of hotspots where you can luxuriate to your heart's content. Even if the living costs in Budapest aren't that high, if you have more than enough money to spend, you can have a ball in Belváros!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Budapest's Angyalföld
Generally referred to as the “West Village” of Budapest, you can liken District XIII's Angyalföld to the more famous West Village of New York City. After all, like the latter, the city's District XIII is all about a more bohemian spirit, communed by artists, musicians, and writers alike. While Paris has Montmartre, Budapest has its District XIII. Today, it's become a congregation of new ideas, full of boldness and excitement, enough to energize those who visit or even choose to live here. Every day, you get to be in the thick of the Hungarian capital's creativity, bursting with wild colors, beautiful melodies, and amazing stories!
What to Do in Budapest's Angyalföld
Even though Budapest's Angyalföld is more of a residential area, there's still a lot you can do in this part of town. Gather up your friends and have fun at Szent István Park, for example, which is an exquisite green space you have to see. Laugh out loud at The Vígszínház (Comedy Theatre) too, a huge favorite among locals and tourists alike. And when you need a break from it all, escape to Margit Island. Amidst its stunning gardens, you can have the time of your life at the Palatinus Water Park.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Erzsébetváros, Budapest
Erzsébetváros, Budapest's District VII, is also its Jewish Quarter. The relics of the country's once-strong Jewish past before it got hit by the Second World War can be seen in the Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest of its kind in Europe. But don't worry, it's not all sad and misery here. The district itself has become the foodie center of the Hungarian capital. From popular establishments to exciting hidden gems, this is where you'll want to eat to your heart's content. It has some of the best restaurants in Budapest. And the best part? The places here are affordable. Luxury dining is more common in Belváros than here in Erzsébetváros.
Where to Eat in Erzsébetváros, Budapest
Chess Restaurant in the Queen's Court Hotel & Residence is the city's staple fine dining hotspot. Its upscale approach to authentic Hungarian cuisine is worth all the high prices. M Restaurant, on the other hand, somewhat serves as the antithesis of Chess Restaurant. It's a homely and rather intimate eatery of contemporary local dishes. And no list of the finest restaurants in Budapest is complete without any mention of Paprika. As the national spice of Hungary, this place's bestsellers all have that kick to them.
Is Erzsébetváros, Budapest Safe?
Yes, it is. Erzsébetváros is one of those districts with very low crime rates. Hence, it's a popular choice among those who want to raise a family in the bustling Hungarian capital.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Ferencváros, Budapest
The bustling local life is alive and well in Budapest's District IX, Ferencváros. This is thanks in large part to the Central Market Hall, a covered market that locals flock to when they shop for food, drinks, and more. It helps that this district is also the most diverse, so the stalls here offer goodies from all around the world. Beyond the market, however, is a relatively quiet neighborhood where people just go about their business. It's busy but not noisy, crowded but not suffocating. You might even say it's “just right.”
Where to Eat in Ferencváros, Budapest
The grand Central Market Hall, arguably District IX's crown jewel, is the best place to eat in Ferencváros. The culinary scene here is diverse, serving up a treasure trove of local delicacies, foreign cuisines, tasty snacks, and more. The Esetleg Bistro is a major highlight in the neighborhood too. It's a cool riverside hotspot that's perfect for hanging out, sipping a few cocktails, and indulging in Hungarian dishes. Craving some authentic Hungarian cakes and pastries? The much-beloved Nándori bakery is the place for you. Enjoy the sweet flavors of the city here!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Józsefváros, Budapest
District VIII's Józsefváros neighborhood is a serene area beaming with class and culture. The place is famous for the Hungarian National Museum and the Natural History Museum, two of the most popular cultural attractions in the city. And they're just the most famous ones. Józsefváros has more galleries to spare, so much so that it's become the artist's hub of the Hungarian capital. If you want to stay on top of Budapest's art scene, this is where you want to be! Luckily, the area also has countless luxury apartments and refined residences. It's not that hard to find a nice place to stay here.
What to See in Józsefváros, Budapest
Without a doubt, you need to see both the Hungarian National Museum and the Natural History Museum! Whether you're a tourist or a local, these cultural attractions never fail to leave anyone in awe. The same goes for the Grand Boulevard, an exuberant strip lined with Georgian houses, Neoclassical palaces, and more. It’s among the most Instagram-worthy spots in Budapest. Places like these embody the Palace District of the city, which is another moniker for Józsefváros.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Terézváros, Budapest
If you thought the downtown area of Belváros was glamorous, wait until you get to District VI’s Terézváros! Nestled in the busier Pest side of the Hungarian capital, this district has the famous Andrássy Avenue, a street that's actually become a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is Budapest's own answer to Rue Saint Honoré in Paris or Fifth Avenue in New York. Andrássy Avenue is a luxurious street lined with the most famous brands you know. From fashion favorites like Chanel and Gucci to sportswear behemoths Nike and Adidas, shopping is the name of the game here. And it helps that it's in a central part of town, making it easy to get to via public transport!
How Expensive is Terézváros, Budapest?
As the premier luxury shopping district of Budapest, Terézváros is an expensive part of the city. Though there are a few affordable hotspots here and there, the neighborhood as a whole is pretty pricey.
Is Terézváros, Budapest Safe?
Yes, it is. Terézváros is one of the safest neighborhoods of Budapest, thanks in large part to its affluence. The place can afford tight security and ample protection.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Újbuda, Budapest
Very rarely can you expect a capital city like Budapest to have neighborhoods that are as peaceful as the rural suburbs. But at least there's still Újbuda in District XI. It's peaceful enough, despite being one of the most populous parts of the Hungarian capital. Shouldn't the fact that many people chose to live here prove just how residential the place is? Correct! A whole community of residents makes up most of this part of the city, making it more suburban than urban compared to the other districts. And it helps that there are a ton of family-friendly hotspots here!
Is Újbuda, Budapest Safe?
It's generally safe in Újbuda. It's a residential area so it isn't as hectic here compared to other parts of Budapest.
Source: Flickr.com/ Fred Romero
Újlipótváros, Budapest
For all you nature-bound and Mother Earth-loving people out there, you'll fit right in Újlipótváros, Budapest's District XIII. Firstly, its main attraction, Margit Sziget (Margaret Island), is an island oasis of botanical bliss and outdoor fun perfect for the entire family. It helps that there's a water park and a sports center here as well. But beyond that, the area itself is bursting with fabulous flora, all while maintaining the peace of a true-blue suburban area within a bustling capital city. Going home here would feel like going on a quiet retreat every time! You can't say that about the other districts!
Is Újlipótváros, Budapest Safe?
Since Újlipótváros is one of the most peaceful neighborhoods in Budapest, it's no surprise that it's also a safe district. Though it still pays to be aware of your surroundings, there's very little to worry about in Újlipótváros.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Várkerület, Budapest
Budapest's first district, Várkerület, is also known as “The Castle District.” This monicker alone should tell you what to expect in this area. A whole series of medieval, gothic, and baroque structures await tourists ready to shoot their way through the Hungarian capital. But don't think this place isn't a fine one for locals because it is! Despite its popularity among foreign travelers, Várkerület itself is a calm neighborhood to live in. It's not necessarily as quiet as the other districts. However, it's peaceful enough to live out a simple and humble lifestyle in one of the most beautiful parts of the city.
What to See in Várkerület, Budapest
One of the best reasons to visit Budapest is to see its most stunning castles. Buda Castle, Matthias Church, and Fisherman’s Bastion are just some of what you can expect in District I's Várkerület neighborhood. Practically every corner is a feast for the eyes, not to mention Instagram-worthy too! Apart from that, Gellért Hill is nearby too. Get to the top of this natural wonder and see some of the amazing views of Budapest. What's not to love?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Let this neighborhood guide of Budapest introduce you to the wonderful and exciting Hungarian capital. Every district holds the true beauty and soul of this beloved metropolis, each more fascinating than the next!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get curated travel inspirations.
Submit |
