Air BNB

Nothing to be concerned about. The area where in most instances it is illegal is called District VI. A few owners in the district have found a way to work within the law but just the same I would avoid all of them. It's a complicated issue of jurisdictions. What ever you choose, do make sure the airbnb has a registration number in the listing.

How do you know which District the listing is in? You will need to ask. Or post the listing here and I can probably tell you and maybe tell you about the area.

If the purpose of the Airbnb, is you want a kitchen or larger area, there are a few nice apartment hotels.

• K46 https://maps.app.goo.gl/bbKyVVsSNLxBdhFX9 District VI between the Opera and the Jewish District
• Collect Residence https://maps.app.goo.gl/tLGvDUFTpCuy3HAS7 A bit far up Andrassy ut in District VII, but in an area that is just typical Budapest. Close to Andrassy ut so convenient for tourism and strolls.
• Emerald Hotel & Suites https://maps.app.goo.gl/bQFkhigaQKKziTxS8 Learned about it from this forum. In District V which usually turns me off, but this one is in a specially little area that I like a lot.
• Opera Garden Hotel and Apartments https://maps.app.goo.gl/6eom9W7BSsxCrxCc7 Two blocks behind the opera house. Sort of a hard to beat location.

Finally, we have had several forum members rent AirBnb in Budapest. Hopefully they will share their finds.

The place I chose is actually in district V. I have never been to Budapest so I’m not familiar with it at all. I would love to hear your perspective on why you’re normally turned off by places in that area.

My husband and I are planning on traveling there in December for our 40th anniversary. We won’t have a car and would prefer to be able to walk most places.

It a large and diverse area. Any address can be made to work. Send me the address or the listing link and maybe I can tell you about the area and how to get around.

You did correctly with no car. A car serves no purpose for tourism in Budapest. You walk and ride the classic old trams.

I am one who stays in Air Bnb regularly. I like the space of an apartment and the grandeur of many of these buildings that have renovated spaces inside, gathered around the central courtyard. I rarely stay in the same one twice - either I am on the lookout for a specific location or a previous stay isn’t available for my new dates.

Location is a key factor. And some of that depends on how long you are staying and what you plan to do. I love being by a tram stop. Metro works also, as well as busses - I just happen to love riding the trams. Some people walk everywhere and that’s fine - a large part of what I love about Budapest is the architecture in between “sights”.

Having stayed in District VII once, I probably over generalize and skip those. I love District VI but it’s mostly out of the question now for the reasons Mr. É has said. Yes, District V has a lot of tourists, but it can definitely vary.

I do check for the registration number (but I almost never see a listing without it these days, unlike 2 or 3 years ago). I know there must be places that are not as pictured or where people have difficulties, but I have yet to encounter that. I do still spend a lot of time looking and reading the reviews each time, though. I think that gives you the best chance at a successful stay. Expectations are key. I also want a washer, air conditioning, good wifi, an elevator, good reviews, a coffee maker, microwave, and I have almost quit staying in places where the bed is up in the loft while the bathroom is downstairs. And if I am staying a week, I don’t want it to be ugly. Lol. If I have all that, I can deal with a bit of location.

I spent some time last night looking at apartments for May and noticed what I think is a change. I saw more apartments listed on bookingdotcom, as opposed to a year or two ago. Previously I didn’t bother going there (for Budapest) unless I wanted a hotel. But now I would say both places are worth checking.

Another thing to note if this is your first visit. Most entrance doors from the street will lead to a hall and then a courtyard. Some of these can look a bit sketchy till you get used to it. But then you find a beautifully renovated apartment. You will have a code for the outside door and then a code or key for the apartment. If you need a key, it is usually on the outside of the building in a lockbox. I do like arriving during daylight hours - not because of safety but just so I can more easily see everything.

I love my Budapest apartments. :)

Yes indeed, one of our more interesting Airbnb stays. Come into entry courtyard off the street and you get a slum-like, apts being stripped out impression. Fortunately it was a high quality apt as advertised and while didn't see any of the others there were few professional offices (dentist, Dr etc) in the building. Kinda surprised that wasn't mentioned in any of the reviews but all was well and notch up another travel story to tell (sent the courtyard picture to the kids - had them going for awhile)!
.

See, there you go.

Sort of off topic but maybe not. Short Term rentals are licensed by the city of Budapest. So I can get a registration number for a flat in District VI, but if I use my City issued license, District VI will fine me ... and the fine isn't cheap. This is really 20-something cities.