You might think this title is silly, but Budapest really is separated by the river into two sides that are actually called “Buda” and “Pest”. Figuring out where to stay in Budapest can be a conundrum. We stayed on both sides so we were able to get a good idea of what we liked about each and why you’d want to stay there. If you’re indecisive like us, or want to try out both, you can also go for it! Our itinerary started and ended in Budapest so it allowed for us stay in Budapest on each side, we visited Tokaj & Eger in Hungary as well.
Where to stay in Budapest (Buda Side)
Hotel: Maison Bistro & Hotel
This hotel was stylish and felt high end. The staff was extremely kind and professional, and the dining experience was fantastic. We arrived a bit before check in so we had lunch at the restaurant and the food was fantastic. Breakfast here was made to order as well and was so delicious. Our room was large, clean, and well appointed. We were in an annex building next door to the hotel, so we had to walk outside to get to and from our room from the hotels common areas. We didn’t find this to be an issue. However, if I was booking again, I think I’d be specific about being in the main part of the hotel. We were also able to park very near to the hotel which was quite nice. We just had to give them some information and we could park right outside the Buda complex. Parking can be complex when you stay in Budapest so makes sure to scout this out in advance.
The neighborhood surrounding the hotel is SO lovely. The streets and few dining spots and shops around this area are beautiful and so charming. You can stroll to the Fishermans Bastion, Matthias church, and the Buda Castle in just a few minutes, and we did this multiple times each day.
Benefits of the Buda-Side when you stay in Budapest
We greatly enjoyed staying on the Buda side of the river. Although we admittedly went over to the Pest side for a number of activities, the Buda side felt so much cleaner and quieter. A few of Budapest’s main attractions are here, such as the Fishermans Bastion, the Matthias church and the Buda Castle. If you are like us, and you don’t mind walking a lot on your trip, this is still an excellent location to stay in Budapest.
We very much enjoyed being up here in the morning, it was a stunning area to walk and run around without the crowds. It is arguably the MOST beautiful place to stay in Budapest for sunset. We loved sitting at the little cafe in the Fishermans Bastion and watching the sunset over the river with views of the Parliament building.
It was also beautiful to see all lit up and peaceful at night. Truly this area of Budapest is crowded from about 9:30 am till Sunset. Around those hours, it is VERY relaxed and enjoyable. It felt very clean and safe and just had a vibe we enjoyed immensely.
If you’re interested in lovely sunset spots during your stay in Budapest check out my post —-> 4 Epic Sunset Spots in Budapest
Other hotel options on this side
The Clark Hotel: I was torn between a few hotels when booking our stay in Budapest. The Clark adults only hotel seemed like an excellent choice on the Buda side also. The views right at the end of the chain bridge look stunning and they can also be seen from the lovely looking rooftop bar. This hotel looks like it has every amenity you could want and is also in close proximity to everything on the Buda side.
Hilton Budapest: I am not one for staying in chain hotels, not because they’re not nice, but I just love a boutique style experience. However, this hotel looks absolutely lovely, and I know that sometimes these spots are popular for a reason. The views from some of these rooms have to be the best you can get in all of Budapest. There is a lovely rooftop bar here, a sauna, food options, fitness center, etc. If you’re looking for a stay in Budapest where you know what you can expect from a brand, this would be a great choice.
Where to Stay in Budapest (The Pest side)
Hostel: Lavendar Circus
This is a little out of character for me to recommend, I VERY rarely stay in hostels. I will be honest, we only had one night on the Pest side and so I was more concerned about having a comfortable bed, in an easy location, and I didn’t overthink the rest of it.
This place was truly fantastic and exceeded my expectations. It was by no means fancy or 4 star, and it was nothing like where we stayed on the Buda side. If you’re looking for that vibe, I will provide some more options. However, this hostel was so cozy, cute, and quirky and we absolutely adored it!
The walk up to the hostel was an adventure. There was cute art work all the way up the walls, not to mention the interior of this building was just stunning. The staff were very friendly and helpful. We had a private room and it was perfect. We had a cozy bed, a nice warm shower, and a nice little view out the window too!
Honestly, I would have been more than happy to stay here for a few nights and soak in the vibes a little bit more. You just have to know what you’re getting. This was also a very affordable choice for being right near all the action on the pest side. This truly has to be one of the most unique places you could stay in Budapest.
Benefits of a stay in Budapest on the Pest side
Honestly, there are many benefits of staying on the Pest side. But if I am telling the truth, I much preferred the peacefulness of the Buda side. The Pest side is where most of the action is, there are so many ruin bars, restaurants, hotels, parks, the parliament building, metro and transportation options etc. over here. This is absolutely the side where the action is and it is FAR more lively.
We ate 90% of our meals on this side, even when staying in Buda, and we spent a lot of time walking back and fourth over the bridge. So admittedly, this side makes a bit more sense to stay in if you want to see and do a lot. To us, this side felt a little chaotic, touristy, and dirty. It could be the time we visited, or the weather (although our weather was decent), but we just weren’t completely vibing with it.
If you’re looking for a fun activity that includes views of both sides during your stay in Budapest, check out my post —> Budapest River Cruise with Unlimited Prosecco
Other hotel options on this side
Stories Hotel: I thought this hotel looked VERY charming on my search for hotels. I was trying to stay a little lower in budget when we stayed on the Pest side, but if I was not, I would have loved this hotel. It looks delightful! The location is excellent, the style is wonderful, the restaurant on site “Twenty Six” was an excellent and GORGEOUS place to grab a meal. Each room has the coolest looking decor and the reviews are excellent.
Hotel Moments: A 9.4 on booking.com is seriously an incredible score, it is very rare that you see this high for reviews of a place. I pay attention to that sort of thing! The location here is great, the rooms look very stylish and spacious, and oh my god if I had the money I’d hands down be booking the Basilica Suite with Terrace!! If we returned this is definitely a place I’d stay in Budapest.
Final Thoughts
I don’t believe you can go wrong choosing where to stay in Budapest. You just have to choose what is right for you. If you want a more slow, peaceful, high end experience with some bonus walking… stay in Buda.
If you want to be in the action, on the go, and constantly stimulated… stay in pest.
If you’re interested in more things to do, see, and eat in Budapest check out my post here —-> Budapest Mini Guide: 15 Things to See, Do, and Eat
More of Hungary
If you’re interested in some other parts of Hungary…
Check out my post —-> 24 hours in Eger Hungary
Check out my post —-> Hungary’s Most Popular Wine Region: Tokaj
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