City Guide: Budapest

Budapest is grand, clean and functional, yet it’s also gritty, chaotic and serendipitous, which makes it all the more exciting to visit. Here’s where to stay, eat, drink and play in the Hungarian capital.

29 March, 2018

Words by: Tas Tobias

It’s
been said many times before: Budapest
stands between Eastern and Western Europe, not just geographically,
but culturally too. The city is grand, clean and functional, yet
it’s also gritty, chaotic and serendipitous, which makes it all the
more exciting. But not all parts of
Budapest are equal, so here are a few words on some of the best
neighbourhoods.

Towering over the Danube River, Castle Hill (District 1)
includes the medieval old town, with landmarks like the Buda Castle
and the Matthias Church. Spend the day here roaming the charming
streets lined with baroque residential homes, but after sunset,
it’s time to cross the river to the Pest side.

The old Jewish Quarter (District 7) is currently the undisputed
hotspot of Budapest. During the day, hip cafés, designer stores and
restaurants dominate the scene. And come nighttime, the area’s many
bars fill to capacity with locals and tourists alike.

Nearby lies the Palace Quarter (District 8). Hungarians often
describe this as the “new cool part” of Pest, so take time to
explore this neighbourhood dotted with impressive pre-war buildings
and new restaurants. At the centre of town, Budapest’s Downtown
(District 5) is turning high-end with a growing number of five-star
hotels, rooftop bars and excellent fine-dining options.

hotel

Brody House

Budapest, Hungary

Exhibiting unusual creativity and good taste, the team behind Brody House has converted 11 high-ceilinged rooms of a historic pre-war residential apartment into artistically designed suites featuring rustic décor and contemporary art. The common room overlooks the faded-yet-grand villas of Budapest’s once glamorous Palace Quarter. Guests of Brody House receive free admission to Brody Studios, a sought-after Budapest private club operated by the same owners.

Address

Bródy Sándor u. 10
1088

+36 126 612 11
Go to website

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hotel

Rum Hotel Budapest

Budapest, Hungary

This 40-room boutique hotel in the heart of the city overlooks a pretty downtown plaza lined with the city’s top law school. The industrial chic interior complete with light wood finishes tastefully blends with the historic, 19th century exterior. Cherry on top is the year-round rooftop lounge with 360 views over Budapest and the modern Hungarian restaurant on the ground floor.

Address

Királyi Pál u. 4
1053

+36 142 490 60
Go to website

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hotel

Casati Budapest Hotel

Budapest, Hungary

Located on a quaint backstreet in between the famous Andrássy Avenue and Király Street, this 25-room boutique hotel is just a stone’s throw away from both Budapest’s fancy shopping area and the city’s party center. Quench your thirst with a nightcap at the Shanghai-themed bar, Tuk Tuk, on the ground floor, or, if you’re curious to see one of the best ruin bars, walk over to Anker’t.

Address

Paulay Ede u. 31
1061

+36 134 311 98
Go to website

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hotel

Iberostar

Budapest, Hungary

Despite being part of a hotel chain, Iberostar feels like a boutique hotel. The gut-renovation of this 50-room building was the last work of one of Hungary’s best architects, Péter Reimholz, and the result is an eye-catching combination of old and new. The hotel is centrally located near most sites and the best restaurants, and it also boasts some of the most spacious rooms in Budapest. Don’t miss the dimly-lit, mosaic-tiled hot tub in the spa and be sure to ask for a room where the royal-looking Liberty Square provides the backdrop.

Address

Október 6. u. 26
1051

+36 135 430 50
Go to website

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hotel

Hotel Van Zandt

Budapest, Hungary

Named after the cult Texan singer/songwriter Townes Van Zandt, this elegant yet hyperactive hotel celebrates Austin’s musical past and present. Hotel Van Zandt presides over Rainey Street, a small web of wood-panelled houses converted into stylish bars and music venues. Antique rocking chairs sway back and forth on the front porches and the interior is sleek and mature – from the glitzy, industrial-style concierge awash with golds, bronzes and grey brick to the simple palettes and clean lines of the 319 rooms. The suites are dotted with record players, and many have sweeping views of the Colorado River. Opened in 2016, the hotel has already become an entertainment destination in its own right. Employees press a cold beer into your hand upon arrival, before pointing you in the direction of the lobby, which is filled with comfy sofas, a roaring fireplace and a sculpture of a flock of birds crafted from old records. Van Zandt has invested millions in lighting and sound systems, which play in every corner, including the hotel restaurant and live music venue Geraldine’s, and the outdoor pool (where the tunes play underwater.)

Address

605 Davis Street
TX 78701

+18 772 022 191
Go to website

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hotel

South Congress Hotel

Budapest, Hungary

This eye-wateringly beautiful boutique hotel lives slap bang in the middle of South Congress, the treasured drag of cowboy boot stores, vintage shops and iconic taquerias. Somewhere between a Harajuku concept store, a Hollywood mansion and a Tribeca loft, this sumptuous space houses three restaurants: a 12-seat, impossible-to-get-into Japanese multi-course experience, an extremely sexy grill and a California-inspired café. There’s a rooftop pool overlooking downtown Austin, a coffee and a juice bar, a New York nail salon, a huge bar area and a bevy of unique bedrooms, some with adult-sized bunk beds. The entire hotel is decked out with greenery and reclaimed furniture, with eye-catching bronze, glass and brick walls.

Address

1603 South Congress Avenue
TX 78704

+15 129 206 405
Go to website

hotel

Maverick Hostel

If you’ve come to the Hungarian capital to fulfil your Grand Budapest Hotel fantasies without spending a fortune, look no further than the Maverick. It doesn’t get more luxurious than this hostel housed within a renovated mansion house built by the Habsburg Dynasty. Centrally located, close to the River Danube and a 15-minute walk from main tourist attractions, the surrounding neighbourhood boasts a number of cool coffee shops and places to find traditional Langos (salty fried dough served with cheese). Contrary to the usual hostel experience, there’s not a bunk bed in sight; expect spacious and clean dormitories featuring antique furnishing, many of which even have fireplaces. This is accommodation fit for royalty, but without the price tag to match.

Address

1051 Ferenciek tere 2
Budapest
Hungary

+36 126 731 66
Go to website

Book Now

City Guide: Budapest

Brody House

Rum Hotel Budapest

Casati Budapest Hotel

Iberostar

Hotel Van Zandt

South Congress Hotel

Maverick Hostel

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