Separated by the Danube, Buda and Pest may be two halves of the same capital city, but they’re very different when it comes to sightseeing, partying and nature. While Buda boasts undulating hills and peaceful residential areas, Pest is the sleepless heart and soul of the city’s nightlife.
Pest effortlessly creates a lively social scene with its upscale restaurants, bars and nightclubs, while Buda offers peace and relaxation. So which side is best for you? With more than 400 million annual visitors to HotelsCombined, we’ve brought you the best Budapest hotels in both Buda and Pest to ensure you make the most of your holiday, whichever side you choose.
Why You Should Stay in Pest
What’s the draw of Pest? Well, for starters it’s your gateway to some of Budapest’s best dining, including Michelin-starred restaurants, gastropubs and authentic Hungarian eateries. You’ll also find the city’s world-famous ruin bars, along with the open-air Széchenyi Baths, which hosts “spa parties” in summer. Pest has its fair share of cultural attractions too, including the Hungarian State Opera and St. Stephen’s Basilica.
Must-Do Pest Experiences
- Browse fresh local produce, fruit and vegetables at the Hold Street Market and Downtown Market.
- Drink in old city ruins with live music, multiple bars and food vendors at Szimpla Kert.
- Relax with a soak in the circa-1913 Széchenyi Thermal Bath.
Top Hotels in Pest
Boutique Hotel Budapest
Located next to the Great Market Hall, Boutique Hotel Budapest places you among some of Pest’s best restaurants and cultural attractions. The hotel’s buffet breakfast is a great way to start the day, while the Araz Bistro & Bar serves Hungarian cakes and pastries and specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
The contemporary urban design of the rooms ensures comfort and convenience with hi-tech entertainment, mini bars, air conditioning and extra beds upon request. The City Room and Superior Room include either a queen-size bed or two twin beds, along with an LCD TV, soundproof windows and tea and coffee making facilities. The Superior Room’s advantage is its “first-class spring-box bed”, which features side support foams and comforting thermobond fibre.
Nearby Attractions
- Historical City Wall Exhibition (240 metres)
- The Pinceszínház theatre (450 metres)
- Hungarian National Museum (500 metres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 185 – USD 306
Guest Rating: 8.2
Address: So utca 6, V. district, Budapest, Hungary
Danubius Hotel Astoria City Center
The historic Danubius Hotel Astoria City Center preserves Budapest’s past within its circa-1900s building, which boasts fin-de-siècle architecture and elegant rooms and suites. The Standard Room has modest yet comfortable furnishings, while the Deluxe upgrade provides courtyard views and plush bedding and seating. Alternatively, book the Deluxe Family Suite for a chandeliered living room and private balcony.
On-site dining is highlighted by the traditional Café Astoria & Restaurant, known for its global breakfasts, fresh coffee and local cuisine. The business-minded hotel also features six conference and event rooms, including the 100-pax Podium stage and 200-pax Empire ballroom.
Nearby Attractions
- Hungarian State Opera (1.2 kilometres)
- Katona József Theater (400 metres)
- Szimpla Kert ruin bar (600 metres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 247 – USD 426
Guest Rating: 8.7
Address: 19-21 Kossuth Lajos utca, V. district, Budapest, Hungary
Carat Boutique Hotel
Carat Boutique Hotel is encircled by many of Budapest’s best historical, cultural and foodie experiences. However, you’ll find plenty of excuses for spending time at the hotel, from the fitness centre and sauna to the cosy lobby bar and delicious breakfast buffet.
The modern rooms here cater to a range of travellers, such as the cosy Carat Double ideal for couples, spacious Carat Twin for solo travellers or friends and family-sized Carat Triple. All of these rooms offer mini bars, comfortable bedding, coffee and tea making facilities, LCD TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi. You can also pay a little extra for a room with a balcony or an extra bed or baby cot.
Nearby Attractions
- Underground Railway Museum (160 metres)
- Ellato Kert & Taqueria (500 metres)
- Lutheran Museum (220 metres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 317 – USD 387
Guest Rating: 8.7
Address: Kiraly Utca 6, VI. district, Budapest, Hungary
Mamaison Hotel Andrassy Budapest
HotelsCombined visitors rave about the high-quality rooms at Mamaison Hotel Andrassy Budapest, particularly the generous floor plans and bathrooms with bathtubs. The Junior Suite adds more luxury with its private balcony, whirlpool bath and city views, while the Ambassador Suite also features a separate living room with a fireplace.
Don’t miss out on dining on delicious Hungarian and French cuisine at La Perle Noire Restaurant & Lounge, which opens up to a charming terrace in summer for barbecues and cocktails. Business travellers can take advantage of flexible conference rooms with hi-tech audio-visual equipment and professional catering.
Nearby Attractions
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath (1 kilometre)
- Zoltán Kodály Memorial Museum (350 metres)
- Vajdahunyad Castle (1 kilometre)
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 244 – USD 466
Guest Rating: 9.1
Address: Andrássy út 111, VI. district, Budapest, Hungary
Corinthia Budapest
Corinthia Hotel Budapest has been providing 5-star comforts and luxuries since 1896 and continues to preserve this esteemed history within its Art Deco building. The 19th-century Royal Spa features a 15-metre-long pool, saunas, a steam bath, fitness centre and Jacuzzi. You can also indulge in Asian delicacies at Rickshaw Restaurant or visit Le Bar for happy-hour specials, live music and the popular Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee.
Choose from finely-appointed rooms, suites or self-contained apartments. Most rooms have king-size beds, marble bathrooms and Nespresso machines, while certain suites add memorable luxuries such as separate living rooms, full kitchens and in-room Jacuzzis. Along with kitchens, the Residences also include washing machines and premium in-room entertainment.
Nearby Attractions
- Hungarian State Opera (800 metres)
- Füge Udvar ruin bar (600 metres)
- Magyar Theatre (600 metres)
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 360 – USD 1,094
Guest Rating: 9.2
Address: Erzsebet Korut 43-49, VII. district, Budapest, Hungary
Danubius Hotel Hungaria City Center
One of the most affordable hotels on this list, the 4-star Hotel Hungaria City Center has more than 100 years of history and continues to provide excellent value for money with its cosy rooms and suites. The Superior Rooms have extra-comfort beds and street vistas, while the Junior Suite and Suite boast separate living rooms.
The on-site Beatrix Restaurant expertly blends Hungarian and international cuisine, including hearty fish and meat dishes. Visit Fiáker Restaurant for home-cooking recipes and turn-of-the-century decor or head to the Lobby Bar to sip coffee, cocktails or wine while relaxing in antique lounges.
Nearby Attractions
- Kegyeleti Múzeum (750 metres)
- Madách Theater (1.1 kilometres)
- Puskás Ferenc Stadium (2 kilometres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 116 – USD 194
Guest Rating: 7.2
Address: Rákoczi Ut 90, VII. district, Budapest, Hungary
Hotel Location
Why You Should Stay in Buda
Upmarket and laid-back, Buda strikes a different chord to Pest with its national museums, forested walking trails and large contemporary shopping malls. Buda’s multiple hills and taller height means many of the hotels here offer sweeping river and city vistas. Rejuvenate your weary muscles in one of the many thermal baths or discover historic monuments, such as the 19th-century fortress, Citadella.
Must-Do Buda Experiences
- Explore the weaving trails through the verdant Buda Hills.
- Relax in the thermal pools, saunas and rooftop Jacuzzi at Rudas Baths.
- Browse international and local retail chains at the Mammut shopping mall.
Top Hotels in Buda
Art’Otel Budapest By Park Plaza
You can enjoy luxurious accommodation right on the Danube at Art’Otel Budapest By Park Plaza. If you want to wake up to river vistas, stay in the Art Room – Danube View, which also boasts blackout curtains, a bath, mini bar, work desk and flat-screen TV. There are also rooms with Buda Castle views and spacious Art Suites with separate living rooms and bathrobes.
Along with in-room dining, the hotel also boasts specialty coffee and desserts and Hungarian and international fare at art’bistrobar, which overlooks the Danube. Start your day with a sumptuous buffet breakfast of fresh fruit and yoghurt in the Drawing Room, then admire contemporary artwork by Donald Sultan. You can also work out in the fitness centre or sweat out any toxins in the sauna.
Nearby Attractions
- Church of Saint Mary Magdalene (1.1 kilometres)
- The Mammut shopping mall (1.6 kilometres)
- De la Motte Palace (750 metres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 260 – USD 442
Guest Rating: 8.7
Address: Bem Rakpart 16-19, Budavar, Budapest, Hungary
Gold Hotel Budapest
Offering the peace and comfort of a family-run hotel, Gold Hotel Budapest is located near some of Budapest’s most iconic historical sites. Ideal for business travellers, the hotel has a sophisticated conference room with a fully-stocked bar, a garden terrace and complimentary Wi-Fi. It also offers a delectable buffet breakfast at Amuleto Restaurant, which can also host dinner parties with live music.
Gold Hotel Budapest is best-known for its self-catered apartments. The Annex Apartment boasts two bedrooms, a full kitchen, balcony and separate dining and living rooms. The Rent-a-Flat special offers the same apartment, but for a better nightly rate and a seven-night minimum stay. You can also book a modern Single, Double and Triple room or stay in the Tower Room with a king-size bed and sitting area.
Nearby Attractions
- Citadella (1.4 kilometres)
- Rudas Baths (1.2 kilometres)
- Castle Garden Bazaar (1.1 kilometres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 221 – USD 374
Guest Rating: 7.9
Address: Hegyalja ut 14, I. district, Budapest, Hungary
Villa Korda Hotel
Villa Korda Hotel is located on Budapest’s green belt and complements the surrounding verdant parklands with its own immaculate gardens and lawns. Housed in a classical manor, the budget-friendly hotel offers convenient access to a wealth of recreational facilities, such as a gym and tennis courts, along with restaurants and shopping malls. It also has its own banquet hall with a bar and small kitchen.
The variety of rooms cater to a range of travellers and feature vintage furnishings. Most Single rooms have double beds, while certain Double rooms also have private terraces. Groups and families will appreciate the extra space in the Triple and Family rooms, which typically have multiple bed configurations and private terraces. You can also book the Suite for a separate living and dining room as well as a top-floor balcony overlooking the city.
Nearby Attractions
- Szemlő Mountain Cave (1.1 kilometres)
- Rose Hill Center shopping mall (1 kilometre)
- Cuevas Budapest (400 metres)
Star Rating: 3*
Price: USD 81 – USD 100
Guest Rating: 8.1
Address: Szikla Utca 9, II. district, Budapest, Hungary
Hotel Papillon
Budget-savvy travellers will appreciate the excellent value for money found at Hotel Papillon Budapest, which is a 10-minute walk from the nearest tram station. You can save money by staying in one of the Standard rooms, which come in Single, Double, Triple or Quadruple configurations. Alternatively, book the Superior Double for a work desk, sitting area, mini bar and balcony. The six-person Rózsahegy Apartment, meanwhile, has a large living room, kitchenette and two bedrooms.
Savour a delicious meal of Hungarian and international specialties at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, which serves local favourites like Hungarian paprika veal and stuffed pancake with ice-cream and chocolate sauce. Just down the road you’ll also find sumptuous Italian fare at Porcellino Grasso Ristorante and live music at the popular Kispipacs Piano Bár.
Nearby Attractions
- The Mammut shopping mall (750 metres)
- The Átrium theatre (500 metres)
- Ganz Ábrahám Öntödei Gyűjtemény museum (700 metres)
Star Rating: 3*
Price: USD 109 – USD 142
Guest Rating: 8
Address: Rózsahegy Utca 3/B, II. district, Budapest, Hungary
Danubius Hotel Flamenco
Overlooking a lush park and Budapest’s beloved “Bottomless Lake”, Danubius Hotel Flamenco complements its peaceful setting with relaxing foot and Shiatsu massages in its wellness centre. You’ll also find a plunge pool, sauna, solarium and a full gym with yoga and aerobic classes. Open during the warmer months, the Flamenco Terrace serves grilled specialties and cakes, while the Lobby Bar is known for its live piano and cocktails.
All of the rooms and suites at Danubius Hotel Flamenco have LCD TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, mini bars, room service and comfortable furnishings. Most of them, including the Economy and Standard rooms, also have views of Sas hill or the sprawling park. Upgrade to one of the Executive level rooms for access to free breakfast and newspapers in the Executive Lounge or book a Suite for a separate living room.
Nearby Attractions
- Buda Park Stage (350 metres)
- Botanic Garden Buda (350 metres)
- The Dezső Kosztolányi statue (350 metres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 148 – USD 329
Guest Rating: 7.2
Address: 3-7 Tas vezér utca, XI. district, Budapest, Hungary
Hotel Mediterran
Feel at home in Hotel Mediterran’s cosy and modern rooms that feature a Mediterranean touch, all of which have soundproofed windows, mini bars, bath products and complimentary Wi-Fi. The Standard rooms are a great budget-friendly option, while the Superior rooms offer larger floor plans. Families can book connecting rooms and those who enjoy relaxing outdoors can upgrade to a room with a balcony.
Hotel Mediterran caters to business travellers with its glass-enclosed Sunflower conference room, which has hi-tech equipment and garden views. Looking for more leisure activities? You’ll find an on-site sauna and Jacuzzi, along with a lobby bar where you can enjoy wine and beer. Relax in the communal garden terrace and start your day of sightseeing with a hearty buffet breakfast of meat, fruit and coffee. The hotel also offers babysitting and transfer services for valued convenience.
Nearby Attractions
- MOM Park shopping mall (550 metres)
- Testnevelési Egyetem Dr. Koltai Jenő Sportközpont (400 metres)
- Botanic Garden Buda (1.4 kilometres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 84 – USD 128
Guest Rating: 7.9
Address: Budaörsi út 20/a., XI. district, Budapest, Hungary
Hotel Location
What Awaits You in Budapest?
No matter where you decide to stay, Budapest is always ready to amaze you with its tranquil nature, rustic dining and drinking venues, cultural hubs and treasured historic sites. Whether it’s Pest or Buda, the city’s efficient transport and conveniently located hotels make exploring the city easy. These hotels also typically have their own restaurants, leisure facilities and a range of room and suite options for most budgets.
Do you prefer to stay in Buda or Pest? Let us know in the comments below.
