The 10 best Airbnbs in Budapest

Right on the doorstep of the Jewish Quarter and the Palace District, filled with potted plants and featuring a sweet decked-out balcony, this home for two is something special. Carpeted floors, oldwood furniture, exposed beams and hanging pots and pans give it a homely feel, and the windows on the sloping wall of the bedroom lets in plenty of light. But if you do find yourself ever wanting to leave this haven, you’re in a great location. 

Best for: A cosy couple’s retreat, where you’ll spend as much time drinking coffee on the terrace as you will checking out the tourist attractions. 

For something a little different, you don’t even have to leave Budapest’s 7th district. Right at the edge, you’ll find a little forest which feels utterly secluded. A graphic designer and an architect came together to create this little cabin, fully equipped with electric heating, a wood burning stove, a fire pit, BBQ, and even a hot tub. There’s also a tent, for if you’re bringing kids. But the best bit? You’re actually only ever a 10 minutes’ bus out of the city center. 

Best for: Nature lovers. Hike through the forest, cook over a fire, and stare at the stars from a hot tub, but never feel far from Budapest’s most infamous attractions. 

Sometimes places are just popular for a reason. You can trust the rave reviews for this private quad room, slap bang on the famous Liszt Ferenc tér in Budapest’s center. But it’s loved not only for its location, and cute green courtyard, but for its ultra-modern design. This place is for four, or if you’re a couple, you might share the main space with another two. 

Best for: Location and style. This is a high-end stay at the heart of Budapest, just 10 minutes from Pest’s best ruin bars (especially Szimpla Kert). 

This is no cute couple’s retreat. This is for a group of six to clink cocktails on the terrace, chill in the hammock, laze around in a jacuzzi and eat breakfast on the patio. Here, you're located in Újlipótváros (District 13), which is slightly more off the beaten track than the likes of buzzing districts seven and eight. But it’s an authentic area, lined with bookshops, cafes and restaurants. 

Best for: Big groups, and watching the sunset over the city’s landscape. 

Fancy staying somewhere where you’re invited to run through Budapest’s bridges with the host’s dad, and take a cookery class with his mum? Yep, this isn’t just any cute flat in Budapest’s 5th district. This host has earned his superhost badge. Darkwood furniture and rows and rows of books give this place a nice cosy vibe. 

Best for: Checking out Budapest’s thermal spas, sampling local wines at Károlyi kert park, and wondering the old buildings for hours on end. 

While many look straight to staying in one of Pest’s districts, over the river there are plenty more options for a great visit. At this couples’ spot, you’re right under the historic Buda Castle, next to Chain Bridge. If you’re looking for ultimate comfort, it has a hot tub (with view of the TV), underfloor heating, and bathrobes, salts and slippers. Blissful. 

Best for: Exploring the uber romantic Buda Castle, which isn’t just a great place to visit on its own, it holds a different festival every month, celebrating everything from wine to sausages. 

Looking for something straight out of an IKEA catalogue? This bright and spacious loft space will fulfill your swanky teenage dreams. The set up is classy minimalist, with a sofa, TV, dining table and kitchen area. Dark wooden stairs take you up to the loft bedroom area, with cute fairy lights twisted round the bedframe. This is for two, but with more than enough space to roam. 

Best for: A culture-loving couples' weekend. You’re right next to the House of Terror Museum, the Opera House, and the Contemporary Photography Centre. 

A little more off the beaten track, this apartment is a great spot for a group of pals or a family. With a cute kitchen and dining table, you could stay in one night and throw a dinner party. Here you’re in one of Budapest’s iconic historic apartment blocks, meaning your flat looks in over floor after floor of Budapest-esque brown shutters and intricate railings. Perfect. 

Best for: Strolling to coffee shops and feeling like you’re a local. When you’re ready to head out to the main tourist attractions, simply jump on a tram, tube or bus right outside. 

This place is so swish, one whole wall is just the sea (well, it’s a print, obviously). The furniture screams "take your shoes off when you come in," and you can wake up every morning to a fresh coffee from the machine at the breakfast bar. The bedroom has its own floor, and bonus, there’s a communal garden area filled with plants.

Best for: Chilling the hell out. This place is a two-minute walk from City Park and a 15-minute walk to the Széchenyi bath spa and Budapest zoo. 

This place’s sell? The host runs a pizzeria just down the road, and gives out free pizza to all of his guests. What could be better? The apartment sleeps four, with a huge living room. This is the kind of place that makes you go, “Oh go on then, maybe we’ll have one night in…” It’s also just out of the center, so you can experience the buzz of it all just 5 minutes from your little slice of peace and quiet. 

Best for: You're in a prime spot for the Basilica, the Parliament Building, and the poignant Shoes on the Danube Bank.