From the stately monuments of Castle Hill to a revitalized industrial quarter on the banks of the Danube, each of Budapest’s neighborhoods has a distinct personality that gradually changes as you cross from one kerület (district) into another.
Similar to the arrondissements in Paris, each district fans out in a clockwise direction, beginning at Buda (districts I and II), onto Óbuda Island (III), and then across Pest (IV through to XXIII, including Csepel, District XXI).
The layout makes the Hungarian capital reasonably simple to navigate; however, travelers aren’t likely to find themselves in all 23 districts. Thus, it’s essential to narrow down your plans with this guide to the best neighborhoods to visit in Budapest.
District I: Castle Hill
Best neighborhood for history lovers
With cobbled streets, Ottoman-era echoes, and grand Habsburg palaces, Castle Hill offers layers of history. Alongside the neighborhood’s medieval relics, you’ll find the Hospital in the Rock, a subterranean infirmary that played significant roles during WWII and the 1956 Revolution, brutally suppressed by the Soviet Union.
Begin your day with a visit to the thermal pools set under the Ottoman domes of the Rudas Baths, offering a unique bathing experience. Afterward, take a leisurely walk through the Tabán area to Krisztina tér, where you can enjoy a decadent brunch. Don’t miss a visit to Buda Castle to explore the impressive Hungarian National Gallery or the Castle Museum. To satisfy your sweet tooth, indulge in a velvety cream cake at Ruszwurm Cukrászda, the city’s oldest patisserie. Finally, visit the turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion for breathtaking views over the Danube.
District V: Belváros and Lipótváros
Best neighborhood for architecture and design
District V is home to impressive architecture, including the Parliament and St Stephen’s Basilica. While bullet holes from the 20th century still scar some facades, modernity blends seamlessly into this historical backdrop with trendy design hubs and chic cafes.
Begin your day with brunch at Szimply Food followed by a coffee at Kontakt next door. Instead of the tourist traps on Váci utca, discover Hungarian design at local stores like MONO Art and Design and Paloma. A must-visit is the emotional Shoes on the Danube memorial before heading to admire the unique art nouveau architecture of Ödön Lechner’s Postal Savings Bank.
District VII: Erzsébetváros and the Jewish Quarter
Best neighborhood for Jewish history
This district blends a complex history with contemporary life, featuring a former Nazi ghetto where beautiful synagogues stand alongside trendy ruin bars and eclectic shops.
Start your morning at Tel Aviv Café, soaking in the atmosphere before diving into the Jewish heritage at the Great Synagogue and the Orthodox Synagogue. Explore unique shops like Printa for local designs and Gozsdú Udvar for a trendy courtyard experience. When hunger strikes, grab a quick bite from Bors Gasztro Bár or enjoy elegant dining at Mazel Tov.
District VIII: Józsefváros
Best neighborhood for bohemians
Once considered less desirable, District VIII is becoming a haven for creativity, with the Palace District showcasing its historical grandeur and scars from the past.
Sip a coffee at Lumen and admire the area’s charming architecture. Venture into vintage shops or explore the exquisite detailing at the Ervin Szabó Library. Follow this with lunch at Budapest Bagel before visiting the Hungarian National Museum.
District IX: Ferencváros
Best neighborhood for modern art lovers
Ferencváros, once an industrial hub, is now a vibrant cultural complex centered around the National Theater and the Palace of Arts. Known as the “Craft Beer District,” it offers a plethora of local brews to sample.
Begin your exploration at the Central Market Hall for local flavors and souvenirs, followed by a visit to the impressive Bálna complex. Round off your day with dinner at a unique local restaurant and enjoy a selection of craft beers at Élesztő, a converted glass factory.
