We’re in Budapest over Christmas and have booked this Airbnb for trip with adult son. We like quiet but walkable so wondering if this is too far from sights? We’re both over 65 and very experienced travelers so happy to use transport. Thank you in advance!
https://www.airbnb.com/l/46HA9rvY
I found another listing for the apartment that appears to have a more accurate map placement. https://www.airpaz.com/en/hotel/bright-maison-in-prime-location.2814868 No guarantee that its any more accurate than the AirBnb map. I would write and ask for an address or at least a street name. They dont show any outside photos of the building which makes it impossible to nail down.
But, from the other listing the apartment might be on Raday utca. There is one building right at the point on the map of the second listing that has trees in the courtyard which matches the verbal description. So, thats consistent. https://maps.app.goo.gl/pSCAzwLwNvKbqTAF7 (zoom in on the red marker). What is concerning is that Raday utca would be a selling point as its a lovely pedestrian street. But the description of the apartment doesnt match that. The architecture on that street is well renovated and lovely, but the photos in the listing dont show the exteriors. I have seen so many misrepresented apartments that I just dont trust. Again, get an address.
Now, lests say I am correct and I found the location. I will send you a PM with a link (hopefully it works) to map that shows where this apartment is relative to the major activities and sights in town. You will see, the other side of the central district. Because it is on a fairly long pedestrian street even getting to public transportation isnt quick and easy. You are a 10 minute walk to the 4/6 tram to take you to upper Andrassy ut, or 10 minutes to the 47/49 to take you to the Jewish District and lower Andrassy ut and a 10 minute walk to the 2 tram to take you along the river front.
But it is a lovely apartment and the street, if I am correct is a lovely street with quite a few restaurants. Mostly university students in that area.
Where to stay in an AirBnb comes up pretty often. The answer used to be easy, then District VI ended all short-term rentals in the district. So now you have to be a bit more creative. This is very subjective and it’s such a lovely city that you really cant do wrong. Just my humble opinion.
I used google maps and did a walk. Inside the walking boxes are the areas I think are pretty good.
- First Choice: This one https://maps.app.goo.gl/nECEA4c8zeN8m2g67 is in District VII, but far enough out in the district to be away from the party people. It works because it’s a quick walk to Andrassy ut. The closer to Andrassy ut the better. But don’t cross Kiraly utca as that is the border to District VI.
- Second Choice: This one puts you fairly close to a lot and fairly close to the metro. The area is also quiet but has good access to things in the evening. https://maps.app.goo.gl/q3Re7xyHDTwU9LJE9
- Third Choice: This one works on the 47/49 tram line and the Astoria metro stop. Not terrible. https://maps.app.goo.gl/Mpsfkb5HAkqv4wfw6
But to be perfectly honest, with really beautiful 4-star hotels for under $150 a night, in historic buildings with lots of character and culture, if its just two people I would take advantage of the better location in District VI along or within 2 blocks of Andrassy ut. Even with larger groups there are a few well located and reasonably priced apartment hotels and hotels with family rooms.
Thank you so much. We are three (a very tall adult son) so need two bedrooms (not just a sofa bed) so apartments seem to work best for us. I will ask for an address and confirm location - but also look closer in. (We can still cancel).
Thanks again!
Another source to check for short-term rental is Budapest Apartment Service: https://budapestapartmentservice.com/about-us/. I have known Andy and Renata for going on 15 years. Not sure what they have these days, but they are honest and decent to work with. Worth asking.
I have no problems with short-term rentals in Budapest. Many years ago I owned a couple (Andy and Renata managed them for me). Some can be very interesting. But while you are looking, here are some apartment hotels.
https://www.booking.com/hotel/hu/collect-residence.html and https://www.secure-hotel-booking.com/d-edge/be/JBBY/en-US/RoomSelection They both have 2 bedroom units with prices that start under $200. They are both are well reviewed and in excellent locations.
I think the key to a great trip here is the public transportation. Its not a necessary evil, its part of the tour. Sort of like the train at Disney Land, no one takes it to get from point A to point B, they take it for what you see along the way. Same here. So to that end you want to be near above ground (tram) transportation. Sure, the metro is fun too, but you cant see much under ground. Still, worth a few trips for the experience and for the interesting stops. One i know of has a redneck bar, one stop has a used clothing store, all of them have pastry shops; they are like little underground worlds. So naturlaly you will need a pass for the duration of your stay. Read the travel notes I sent you a link to. All in there.