Buda sits on the western bank of the Danube, the hilly half of Budapest, rising from the river towards forested slopes. Its landmarks include the Royal Palace, Matthias Church, the Citadella, Gellért Baths, the Buda Hills and Sándor Palace, and the air here is generally cleaner than across the river because of the hills and forests to the west.
For a visitor, the practical question is where to base yourself on this side of the water. Buda runs from the historic Castle Quarter down to the riverbank and out towards the hills, and the areas below are the ones worth considering. This guide covers what each area is like, who it suits and how it connects you to the sights.
Best areas to stay in Buda
1. Castle Quarter (Várnegyed)
This is royal Buda: the walled city on Castle Hill, built around the fortress and palace that were the nucleus of the town. Today it holds the Royal Palace, Matthias Church and Sándor Palace, the residence of the President of Hungary. Staying here puts you inside the historic core, within walking distance of the main sights on the hill.
It suits first-time visitors who want the landmarks on their doorstep and are happy to be on the hill rather than at river level. This is where the most expensive accommodation in the city is found, on or near Castle Hill. Expect steep streets and stairs between the hill and the riverbank below, so plan on walking or using the transport that climbs the hill.
2. The riverbank and Gellért area
The lower western bank of the Danube, below Castle Hill, is home to the Gellért Baths and the Citadella above them. This strip gives you the river, the baths and the views back towards Pest, with the Castle Quarter uphill from you.
It suits visitors who want to be close to the river and the baths while staying at a lower level than the hill itself. Connections across the river to Pest are straightforward from here, which matters because dozens of reliable backpacker hostels are mostly across the river in Pest. Be prepared for the climb if you plan to visit the castle sights on foot.
3. Óbuda
Óbuda, the medieval "Old Buda", lies within the colloquial definition of Buda and is included in the area the name covers today. It sits further from the Castle Quarter, in the northern part of Buda.
It suits travellers who prefer a quieter base away from the main visitor concentrations and do not mind being further out. As with the rest of Buda, the closeness of the hills and forests to the west means better air quality than in Pest.
4. The Buda Hills
The Buda Hills are among Buda's landmarks, and much of this side of the city is forested. Staying in or near the hills means trading proximity to the sights for greener surroundings.
It suits visitors who want space, quiet and cleaner air, and who are comfortable relying on transport to reach the centre. Distances to the Royal Palace, Matthias Church and the riverbank are greater here than from the Castle Quarter or the riverbank.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: hostels and small cheap pensions. Dozens of reliable backpacker hostels are mostly across the river in Pest, so a budget stay often means basing yourself there rather than in Buda. Apartments can be a cheap alternative for extended stays.
- Mid-range: small pensions and apartments in Buda, including options away from the hill where costs are lower than at the top end.
- Splurge: the most expensive accommodation is on or near Castle Hill. Costs of staying in Budapest are notably higher than elsewhere in Hungary.
Best area for a first visit
The Castle Quarter is the best base for a first visit, because the Royal Palace, Matthias Church and Sándor Palace are all here and you can reach them on foot. It puts you inside the historic core rather than looking up at it. The trade-off is cost and the hill itself, since this is where the most expensive accommodation is found and the streets climb steeply down to the river.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stay in Buda or Pest?
It depends on your priorities. Buda has better air quality because of the closeness of the hills and the forests to the west, and the most expensive accommodation is on or near Castle Hill. Dozens of reliable backpacker hostels are mostly across the river in Pest, so budget travellers often base themselves there instead.
Where is the cheapest accommodation?
Hostels start at the lowest prices and small cheap pensions sit just above them, but these are mostly across the river in Pest rather than in Buda. Apartments may be a cheap alternative for those making extended stays.
Is Buda hilly?
Yes. Buda lies on the western bank of the Danube and rises towards the Buda Hills, with much of the area forested. The Castle Quarter sits on Castle Hill, so expect climbs between the riverbank and the historic core.
How do I get around from Buda to the rest of the city?
The riverbank areas connect you easily across the Danube to Pest, where many of the hostels and other accommodation options are. From the Castle Quarter and the riverbank, the rest of Buda and the crossings to Pest are within reach, though the hills are further out.
Compare live prices for the area you choose with the booking tools on this page.