The Hungarian capital of Budapest is high on the bucket list of any traveller in Europe. After all, where else can you spend the night in a ruin bar before nursing your hangover over a game of chess in a thermal spa? Not to mention the sublime architecture you’ll pass by from place to place that boasts everything from baroque to art nouveau.
Another bonus of travelling to Budapest is the cost of travel. It’s much lower than capitals in Western Europe, meaning your money will go much further. Including with your accommodation.
There are a ton of hostels and hotels in Budapest, but you might be surprised to learn that vacation rentals in Budapest such as those found on Airbnb, are just as affordable. Most hotels will charge you a city tax, which is included in the price of an Airbnb in Budapest, so you will end up paying around the same price but missing out on homely comforts.
As well as offering homely comforts, vacation rentals in Budapest are often in the most historic buildings in the city center that’s within walking distance of many key attractions.
It all sounds like a good idea, right? Well, you’re going to need some help whittling down the list of Airbnbs in Budapest because there is a ton of options. I’ve put together this list of the best Airbnbs in the city, including five of the best Airbnb Experiences, so you can plan what to do when you’re there.
Go check it out!
Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Budapest
Friendly Home in the Heart of Budapest
- > $
- > 3 Guests
- > Great location
- > Fully equipped kitchen
Cherry Tree Studio
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Private bathroom
- > Coffee machine, fridge and microwave
Blue 72 Central Apartment
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > King bed
- > Self-check-in
Apartment at Oktogon/Central
- > $$
- > 8 Guests
- > Fully equipped kitchen
- > Courtyard common space
Central Harmony Penthouse
- > $$$$$$$$
- > 10 Guests
- > Rooftop hot tub
- > Terraces in ALL bedrooms
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What to Expect from Airbnbs in Budapest
The short answer? A lot. As one of the cheapest capital cities in Europe, you can get an entire studio flat for the price you’d pay for a dorm bed in a hostel in Paris or London… if you know where to look, that is. If you’re backpacking Budapest on a budget, you’ll feel like you’re in paradise. With loads of flats, entire loft apartments, and penthouses in the historic centre, there’s an embarrassment of riches.
Which rentals Budapest you choose should depend on what you want to do when you’re there. The city is quite large! The castle is on the Buda side of the river; however, it might be more fun to stay in Pest, as there’s lots of nightlife and restaurants. That’s where the thermal spas are, too.
Many Budapest Airbnbs will see you dealing with a local host. However, in larger and pricier properties, you may go through a business instead.
Loft
A little more exclusive than an entire flat, loft apartments are always found above the first floor of the building. However, more often than not, they’ll be on the top floor.
Often studio-type flats, they’re best for small getaways. Couples will love them, and small groups of friends and family will too. Though they use space cleverly, anything more than six or eight guests in a loft apartment might feel like a bit of a squeeze.
With their top floor position, loft apartments are usually well lit and offer facilities like living spaces and fully equipped kitchens. Some may even have roof terraces or balconies – worth paying the extra money for if you want views of the Danube, the castle, or the Parliament Building with your morning coffee.
Boutique Hotel
Yes, I get it. You turned to Airbnb because you wanted to get away from the drab and mundane charms (or lack of) of a hotel. However, boutique hotels have only their name in common with the uninspiring budget hotels you find in every city.
Often passion projects by local people, these hotels usually boast a handful of individually designed rooms where you’ll feel right at home. A boutique hotel is the perfect option for someone who wants to have a place bursting with character and individuality but isn’t quite ready to go for a fully self-contained apartment.
Though there are more than 60 boutique hotels listed in Budapest, do be aware that some may be in the same property.
Entire Flat
My third top type of accommodation in Budapest is the entire flat. Though it’s probably the most common type of listing on Airbnb in general, don’t let that put you off. You can get some crazy places that you wouldn’t even think up in your wildest dreams!
Normally, budget travellers would be best off in a private room, but in Budapest, you can easily get a studio flat for a small outlay – ideal for digital nomads to work without being disturbed, or couples to have privacy for that romantic break they’ve had planned all year.
With entire flats across the whole of Budapest, pick the area that best suits your travel plans. The Castle District is ideal for cultural tourists, while the elegant Downtown is good for first-time tourists. Want to embrace the city’s nightlife? Head for Terézvaros and its ruin bars!
Why Stay in an Airbnb
Now you’ve seen what kind of Airbnbs you can expect, I’m pretty sure your mind will be made up. But if it’s not, here are five top reasons to stay in an Airbnb.
- Local Experience: Rather than planning through TripAdvisor or your guidebook, get recommendations on things to see and do by your local and knowledgeable host!
- Unique Properties: As you’re about to see, it’s not hard to find a unique and unusual property through Airbnb. Many vacation rentals tend to be in historic buildings and have been refurbished into glowingly modern apartments. So go on, treat yourself!
- Affordability: As well as beating hotels and hostels on uniqueness, Airbnbs knock them out of the park when it comes to value for money.
- Amenities: When staying in an Airbnb, you have access to all the amenities you would have at home including things like a washing machine or air conditioning. This means you have all the homely comforts while you’re travelling.
- Safety: If you’re new to Airbnb, the concept may leave you with questions on safety. However, they can be answered from the ratings system, which protects both host and guest. And if you’re worried about Budapest’s safety – don’t be – the city is pretty chill!
- Airbnb Experiences: Airbnb offers more than just awesome places to stay. I’ll go into more detail about its Experiences platform later. But first…
The Top 15 Airbnbs in Budapest
Now, let’s get to the part you’ve been waiting for. Here is my hand-picked selection of the 15 best Airbnbs in Budapest. All you need to do is pick the one that suits you best!
Overall Best Value Airbnb in Budapest | Friendly Home in the Heart of Budapest
- $
- Great location
- 3 Guests
- Fully equipped kitchen
The central location of this Budapest Airbnb is just the start of what makes it so great. With room for three guests, it could suit a couple on a budget or even a very small group of friends. Hey, it’s so cheap that a solo backpacker could stretch to it. You’ve got a living room and a fully equipped kitchen with a washing machine, so if you fancy a night off from ruin bars, you’re sure not to be disappointed. If you want a place to stay in Budapest‘s city center with all the attractions within walking distance, I’ve found it for you.
Best Budget Airbnb in Budapest | Cherry Tree Studio
- $
- Private bathroom
- 2 Guests
- Coffee machine, fridge and microwave
If you’re travelling on a budget, you’re lucky to have your pick of places in Budapest. You won’t find anywhere cheaper than the Cherry Tree Studio… at least, that you’d want to spend the night in! With room for two guests, it’s ideal for a solo traveller looking for a local experience or a couple on a shoestring. In your room, you can prepare simple meals with the use of a microwave and coffee machine.
Budget Tip: Dorms in Budapest start from $10USD per bed. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Search for hostels in the area!
Perfect Airbnb for Solo Travellers | Cosy Historic Studio
- $
- Top location
- 2 Guests
- Access to kitchen
A studio is a good option for a solo traveller as it provides enough space to move around and has all the amenities you would need, but at a fraction of the price. This gorgeous two-story studio is in a beautiful historic building and has been decorated with ornate features and furnishings.
As well as this, there are also stunning views of the Danube. The location of this studio could not be better, being in district 5, right on the riverfront. You can easily walk to many of the cities top attractions from this apartment including Central Market Hall, Hungarian National Museum and Liberty Statue.
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View on Osprey View on REIMost Romantic Airbnb for Couples | Blue 72 Central Apartment
- $
- King bed
- 2 Guests
- Self-check-in
Budapest is a very romantic city. Take your other half to the spas, go for a sunset walk along the Danube, or take a river cruise. For all these things, you’ll need a comfy and convenient base. That’s exactly what the Blue 72 Apartment is! Offering a king bed, plus a spacious living area, fully stocked kitchen with a washing machine, it’s the perfect place to come back to after a busy day and spend some alone time with your partner. Plus it’s located right in the city center so you are within walking distance of many of the top attractions.
Best Airbnb in Budapest for Families | Apartment at Oktogon/Central
- $$
- Fully equipped kitchen
- 8 Guests
- Courtyard common space
Travelling to Budapest with the family? You’ll be pleased to know that it’s not all about studio flats and private rooms; you can easily find larger apartments too – such as this central apartment with three bedrooms. It offers room for up to eight guests, making it perfect for a family vacation. And thanks to the three bathrooms, there’ll never be a queue when you’re getting ready to go out!
Over the Top Luxury Airbnb in Budapest | Central Harmony Penthouse
- $$$$$$$$
- Rooftop hot tub
- 10 Guests
- Terraces in ALL bedrooms
Budapest is lauded for being a cheap destination. But what happens when you have some money to throw around? Well, you get a rooftop jacuzzi, sauna, and terrace in a penthouse off Andrássy Street – often referred to as Budapest’s Champs-Elysées! If you want some privacy, there are terraces in all bedrooms, too. This extravagant apartment is perfect for gatherings of family and friends.
Best Loft in Budapest | Top Loft with 2 Panoramic Terraces
- $$$$
- Two roof terraces
- 4 Guests
- Located in a historic building
I like lofts in Budapest, but this one has to be my favourite. From all the mod cons on show in the photos, it’s hard to believe this is located in a historic building. But this loft is full of surprises. It also boasts not one but two roof terraces, perfect for enjoying a morning coffee or something a little stronger as you watch the sunset. Just make sure you actually set some time aside to get out and make the most of the city!
Best Boutique Hotel in Budapest | Atelier Suite @ Buda Castle
- $$$$$$
- French breakfast included
- 2 Guests
- Right by Budapest Castle
One of the most breathtaking Airbnbs in Budapest, this boutique hotel is worth every forint. The baroque roof means you’ve got beautiful beams adding character to the room, while the windows offer awesome views over the city’s Castle District. You’ll get a French breakfast each morning, perfect for fuelling up before a day of exploring.
Best Entire Flat in Budapest | Design Studio at the Ruin Pubs
- $
- Fully equipped kitchen
- 4 Guests
- Flexible check-in
Looking to explore Budapest from your entire flat? Then look no further than this studio apartment. There’s space for up to four guests, but since one of the beds is a sofa, it might be better for a couple. As well as flexible check-in, you’ve got a fully equipped kitchen and dining area if you don’t want to spend money eating out for every meal. The exposed brickwork and low lighting are really atmospheric – great for pre-drinks before hitting the ruin bars!
Perfect Airbnb for Digital Nomads | Entire Rental Unit W/ Central Location
- $
- Dedicated workspace
- 4 Guests
- Top location
This cozy Budapest Airbnb is the perfect place for digital nomads to settle down for a while and catch up with some work. The work-life balance in Budapest is amazing – as is the low cost of living.
Of course, to be a functioning (let alone successful) digital nomad, you’ll need fast Wi-Fi and a dedicated workspace. You can check both off the list at this apartment – as well as your own living space, tons of natural light, a spacious living room, washing machine and it’s just a short walk to many of the city’s must-see attractions including Chain Bridge and The Parliament Building.
Best Airbnb Plus in Budapest | Amazing Museum Like Industrial Space
- $$$$
- Designed by an artist!
- 5 Guests
- Pinball machine
Airbnb Plus properties are hand-picked according to their high review scores, attentive hosts, and a personal visit from an Airbnb staff member. Designed by an artist, this quirky apartment is pricier than most Budapest flats, but you do get a pinball machine – and there’s a trailer inside the house! Fun and entertaining, it’s a one of a kind Budapest Airbnb!
Best Airbnb with a View in Budapest | Studio Apartment with Balcony
- $
- Balcony with views of Toldy neogothic lyceum
- 2 Guests
- Modern decor
If you’re looking for a Budapest Airbnb with a view, you will need to look hard. Fortunately, I have found the perfect vacation rental with a view of the gorgeous Toldy neogothic lyceum from its own private balcony. Here, you will find two chairs and a table where you can sit out and enjoy a morning coffee with a view of one of Budapest’s most beautiful buildings.
Located at the foot of Castle Hill, the chain bridge and Heroes Square are within walking distance of this modern apartment. As well as that view, you’ve also got an entire apartment to yourself, complete with a fully equipped kitchen, stylish living and bedroom space and a contemporary bathroom, all at a very low price!
Best Airbnb for a Weekend in Budapest | Spirit of Budapest City Centre
- $
- Incredible location
- 4 Guests
- Fully equipped kitchen
When spending a weekend in Budapest, location is the most important thing. But rather than settling for any old place in the city centre, make sure it’s comfortable and has a bit of character! Like this place. With room for up to four guests across two king beds, you have a cosy living space and fully equipped kitchen right in the heart of the historic centre.
Most Beautiful Airbnb in Budapest | Designer’s Loft in a Period Building
- $$$$
- Ultramodern appliances
- 6 Guests
- Wooden beams and exposed brick
A tasteful combination of contemporary and classic, this Airbnb Plus loft apartment is sure to take your breath away. Sit back on the leather sofa and look up at the wooden beams as you breathe in the air made cleaner by the enormous house plants. There are lovely spots throughout the apartment for watching TV, reading, cooking, and eating. When you reluctantly leave, you can at least be consoled by the fact that there are loads of attractions right on your doorstep!
Best Airbnb in Budapest for a Group of Friends | Bright and Spacious Central Home
- $$$
- Fully equipped kitchen
- 6 Guests
- Friendly neighbourhood
If you’re travelling with friends, it’s important to have a place where everyone can kick back and chill together. The large open plan living space here has an L-shaped sofa where you can chat or play games after a day of exploring the city. Eating out can be expensive, so make a group favourite in the fully equipped kitchen. No-one will end up on an air bed or a floor mattress either – only queen beds here!
Top 5 Airbnb Experiences in Budapest
I want you to have the best vacation in Budapest possible. So, I’ve not only found 15 epic Airbnbs, but I’ve also perused the best things to do in town through Airbnb Experiences.
If you’re new to all this, Airbnb Experiences are curated by local hosts and guides. They can be anything from a day trip to a lake with stops for wine or a historical walking tour around the city to a traditional cooking class.
They’re a great way to learn more about the history and culture of your destination through a local lens. So, check out these five Airbnb Experiences in Budapest that will take your trip to the next level!
Budapest Boat Cruise with a Bonus Drink
- €32/person
- 1 Hour
- Up to 10 guests
One of the most popular activities in Budapest, a cruise along the Danube allows you to see the city from a different perspective. While there are nighttime party cruises, this one is a little more sedate. However, you’ll still get a cocktail, champagne, or orange juice to enjoy while your local guide points out the city’s highlights.
Wine Not at Lake Balaton?
- €173/person
- 9 Hours
- Up to 8 guests
Many tourists who hit up Hungary never leave Budapest, and that’s a shame because there is some spectacular scenery away from the capital. The country’s largest lake, Baloton, is easily reachable in a day trip. It’s also a wine region, so take a guided tour where you can sample some of the finest tipples the region has to offer!
Budapest Historical and Cultural Tour
- €54/person
- 4 Hours
- Up to 10 guests
If you walk around Budapest on your own, you can be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of history. This four-hour walk will make sure you see all the important sites without being completely overloaded with information. If you’re in a large group, you’ll be pleased to know you could qualify for a discount!
Hungarian Cooking Class & Market Walk
- €72/person
- 4.5 Hours
- Up to 10 guests
Hungary may not be known as a gastronomic destination, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you get to Budapest. Hearty Goulash stew, Hungarian pizza, and fruity brandy are just some of the things that will tantalise your taste buds. Impress your friends back home with the skills you pick up at this Budapest cooking class.
Fine Wines & Ruin Bars
- €52/person
- 3 Hours
- Up to 10 guests
No trip to Budapest is complete without sampling the nightlife. But with so many bars and clubs, how do you decide where to go? My answer – leave it to someone else. On this tour, you’ll be taken to some of the most famous ruin bars and Budapest – and you’ll sample some local wines, too. Perfect!
Don’t Forget Your Budapest Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Budapest Airbnbs
Well, there you have it. You’ve now seen the 15 best Airbnbs in Budapest and five awesome experiences you can do during your visit. Whether you want to be in a penthouse overlooking the Danube, a cute boutique hotel, or a cheap and cheerful studio, you’ll find your dream accommodation.
If you’re still struggling to decide where to stay, just go for my overall best value Airbnb in Budapest. That’s the Friendly Home in the Heart of the City. As well as a superb location, you get a lot of bang for your buck in a contemporary and relaxing space.I hope that wherever you choose to stay, you have an incredible vacation in Hungary. And to make sure you’re covered for any unprecedented events, don’t forget to take out a travel insurance policy with World Nomads.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
