Budapest guide
Where We'd Stay
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Budapest gives you more grandeur for your money than almost any other European capital. For a first visit, stay in District V or VI (Pest), within walking distance of the river, Parliament and Basilica. Rough nightly prices: 60 to 90 euros for good budget rooms, 90 to 180 for mid-range, 150 to 300 for top boutiques, and 350 plus for the palace hotels. March is usually cheapest; summer and Christmas are busiest.
Luxury
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace — The splurge
A 1906 Art Nouveau palace at the foot of the Chain Bridge, restored down to its mosaics, tiles and peacock gates. Many rooms look straight across the Danube to Buda Castle. Named to Travel + Leisure's 2026 list of the world's best hotels.
Visit Four Seasons Gresham PalaceMatild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel — Belle Époque glamour
A beautifully restored 1902 palace beside Elisabeth Bridge, with river views, a grand cafe, and Wolfgang Puck's Spago restaurant. Soundproofed rooms despite the central location.
Visit Matild PalaceBoutique
Aria Hotel Budapest — Best boutique
A music-themed hotel steps from St. Stephen's Basilica. Breakfast, an afternoon wine-and-cheese hour with live music, and spa access are included, and the rooftop High Note SkyBar has one of the best views in Pest.
Visit Aria Hotel BudapestHotel Clark Budapest — Best for couples (adults only)
On the Buda side at the Chain Bridge, directly below Castle Hill. Ask for a Danube or Castle view room, and have a drink at the Leo Rooftop.
Visit Hotel ClarkMid-range
Hotel Moments Budapest — Best location for the money
A four-star hotel in a historic palace on Andrássy Avenue, three minutes' walk from both the Opera House and St. Stephen's Basilica. Rooms circle a glass-roofed courtyard, the breakfast gets rave reviews, and it is one of the highest-rated hotels in the city.
Visit Hotel MomentsPest-Buda Design Hotel — Stay inside the Castle District
Just ten individually designed rooms in a building that has welcomed guests since 1696, 200 metres from Matthias Church. Go out for an early stroll before the crowds arrive, and have dinner at its traditional Hungarian bistro downstairs. Note: rooms are reached by stairs only.
Visit Pest-Buda Design HotelBudget-friendly
Bohem Art Hotel — Central and characterful
A converted factory filled with work by young Hungarian artists, 50 metres from the Danube and a block from Váci Street. The Great Market Hall is a five-minute walk. Doubles from about 75 euros when you book direct.
Visit Bohem Art HotelHotel Charles — Room to spread out
A friendly three-star at the foot of Gellért Hill on the Buda side. Every room is a roomy studio with its own kitchenette, handy for longer stays. The bus to the centre stops at the door, and Rudas Baths is close by. Rooms from about 65 euros.
Visit Hotel CharlesPrices and opening hours checked September 2026. Confirm with official sites before you travel.
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