Where to Stay in Budapest as a Solo Traveler (Hostel, Safety, Areas)

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Find your Perfect Hostel in Budapest

Choosing a bed in Budapest can feel like standing in front of a pastry shop. Every cake looks tasty, but you can eat only one slice.

This guide is the friend who taps the glass, points at the best strudel, and says, “Pick that one.” I will give you clear, simple tips so you stay in an area that matches your money, mood, and need for sleep.

Below you will see the good places, the reasons to like them, and a few small warnings. Grab a strong coffee—Budapest loves coffee—and let’s plan your perfect solo stay.

Top Picks: The Best Hostels in Budapest

Best for Hostel Newbies

Mustache Hostel9.7

from 4,630 Ft | More Details

Best for Female Solo Traveler

Maverick Central Market9.2

from 2,631 Ft | More Details

Best Party Hostel

Jo&joe9.6

from 2,941 Ft | More Details

This is not an ad. We help you find the perfect hostel and compare prices from Hostelworld and Booking. You can save up to 23.7%

Why Budapest Is Worth Your Time

Budapest is really two cities in one. Buda sits on the hills to the west; Pest lies flat on the east. The calm Danube River runs between them, and old bridges join the two sides.

Here is why many solo travelers fall in love with Budapest:

• Low daily costs. A dorm bed, a filling lunch, and a long soak in a hot bath often cost less than a single dinner in Paris.
• Easy travel inside the city. Trams, buses, and metros are cheap, frequent, and show English signs. Tickets work on all of them.
• Fast new friends. Hostels run walks, bath visits, and pub crawls. Meet someone at lunch; explore a ruin bar together by dinner.
• Variety in one day. Hike a hill in the morning, float in warm water by afternoon, and dance under neon lights at night—without feeling rushed.
• Old meets new. Ottoman bathhouses, Art Nouveau mansions, and modern ruin bars sit on the same street.

Budapest moves at a gentle pace. Like soft dough, time stretches here. Shape it as you like.

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Budapest

1. A2 Design Hostel
2. Station Guesthouse Hostel
3. Vamhaz Hostel
4. Riverside Hostel
5. Art Boutique Hostel - best for Family-Friendly Hostel

A2 Design Hostel

8.1

"…The space was also beautiful and very clean; the entire building looked like it belonged inside a more

Station Guesthouse Hostel

8.5

District 14

"It's not really a hostel; it's an island in its own right. It comes intact with all of the above, more

Vamhaz Hostel

8.9

"I loved this place. Creamy coffees in the morning and great staff. Super super friendly." … "Love, more

Riverside Hostel

8.7

"Riverside Hostel occupies a great location just to the East of the Margit Hid (Margaret Bridge) on more

Art Boutique Hostel

8.9

VI.discrict

"Super homey - Super central location, beautiful spacious room, friendly staff. No complain at all. more

Top Neighborhoods to Stay in Budapest

Jewish Quarter (District VII)

This area is both a street-art gallery and the city’s party heart.

• Pros: Steps to famous ruin bars, free walking tours start every morning, late-night food stands stay open till dawn.
• Cons: Music and crowds can last until sunrise; drinks and hostel beds cost a bit more.
• Best for: Party lovers, social people, travelers who do not want to miss any fun.

Belváros (District V)

The true downtown. Parliament, riverside walks, and grand cafés are here.

• Pros: Close to big sights, bright lights at night, metro and tram lines everywhere.
• Cons: Tourist cafés raise prices; few cheap supermarkets.
• Best for: First-time visitors, Instagram fans, anyone who wants classic city photos.

Palace District (District VIII)

Tree-lined streets, student cafés, and hidden courtyards give this area a calm feel.

• Pros: Quiet at night, local food prices, parks for reading or picnics.
• Cons: Construction noise appears sometimes; party streets are a short tram ride away.
• Best for: Culture fans, digital nomads who like slow mornings, tight-budget backpackers.

Újlipótváros (District XIII)

A riverside district full of parks, dogs, and weekend markets.

• Pros: Relaxing vibe, big green spaces, safe bike paths along the Danube.
• Cons: Fewer hostels; longer ride to nightlife hotspots.
• Best for: Runners, slow travelers, anyone who loves quiet mornings.

Outer Erzsébetváros

This is the calm edge of the Jewish Quarter—close to fun but quieter at night.

• Pros: Cheaper dorms, many bakeries, easy walk to bars and clubs.
• Cons: Some streets feel empty late; streetlights are weak in spots.
• Best for: Travelers who want nightlife nearby but also want sleep.

Castle Hill (District I)

Stone lanes, fairy-tale towers, and wide river views fill this high ground.

• Pros: Stunning sunrise points, low traffic at night, rich history everywhere.
• Cons: Steep steps, fewer cheap eateries, limited hostel choice.
• Best for: History lovers, dawn photographers, light packers.

Quick Picks: Best & Worst for Your Style

• Best for Party Travelers: Jewish Quarter—non-stop music and food, but bring earplugs.
• Best for History Lovers: Castle Hill—quiet nights, epic views, higher prices.
• Best for Budget Backpackers: Outer Erzsébetváros or Palace District—cheap beds and meals, fun still close by.

Areas to watch: Outer parts of the Ring Road feel empty after midnight; walk with a friend or grab a taxi. South District VIII beyond József Körút can look rough—stay on main streets and keep valuables hidden.

Still not sure? Pick my Favorite Hostel in Budapest

#1 Top Hostel in Budapest: Mustache Hostel

This is the overall best rated hostel in Mustache Hostel. The overall rating is 9.7. You cannot go wrong here.

It is your safest bet in case you are not sure which hostel to pick.

The price for a dorm at Mustache Hostel starts from $13.79.

Check out Mustache Hostel here

Safest Places for Solo Travelers

• Belváros (District V): Many embassies, good lighting, and police patrols.
• Jewish Quarter on weeknights: Busy streets mean safety in numbers; watch your bag when bars spill crowds onto the road.
• Újlipótváros: Calm, family vibe, wide sidewalks, and riverside joggers even after dark.

General safety tips: stay on lit streets, use official taxis or ride-share apps, and keep a small stash of cash hidden for emergencies.

How to Book a Social Hostel Without Overspending

• Check photos for a large common room and a working kitchen—easy places to meet people.
• Look for hostels that run free tours, family dinners, or bath outings; activities create quick friendships.
• Use Hostelz.com to compare prices from Booking.com and Hostelworld in one view. Add filters like women-only dorms, “best for solo,” or “party.”
• Read recent reviews; they tell you if the vibe is still fun or now quiet.
• Book early for weekends and festival dates; beds sell out fast.

With these tips, you’ll grab a safe, social bed and still have coins left for extra chimney cakes.

Backpacking Budapest? Here's What You Need to Know

These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I've been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I'm passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!

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About the author: Matt Kiefer

Hey, I’m Matt, the founder behind Hostelgeeks.com. My team and I are collecting the absolute best hostels in the world for you. We share the coolest hostels so you can focus on your travels, rather than spending your time trying to pick a good hostel.

Personally, I’ve bunked in over 600 hostels and stamped my passport in more than 70 countries. My heart beats for Vietnam, Spain, and France, and so many more destinations. I’m a Foosball champ but a beer pong amateur.

Last but not least: Hostelgeeks is a proud ambassador of Hostelz.com.