Where to stay for first time Budapest?

I was in Budapest in 2016, as a lone female traveler. I stayed at Hotel Museum, I believe it is on the Pest side but I am not completely sure. It seemed safe to me, was fairly quiet area off a main street.

We stayed at Budapest Museum Central on the Pest side. It's across the street from the Hungarian National Museum and just blocks from the Central Market. We often walked around later in the evening, in winter time (we went during the week between Christmas and New Year's) and we always felt safe. And it was very well located. We got around by foot 50% of the time, and when we needed to use public transportation the metro stop was very close to our hotel. I would say, as long as you pick a hotel near a metro stop you won't have any trouble as the metro is very easy to use. We never felt uncomfortable or unsafe during our stay.

Enjoy your trip! Budapest is one of our favorite places on earth. It has a special charm.

I just finished my 4th visit to Budapest last week—already looking forward to next year!—and the first 3 times I stayed on So utca just off Fovam ter and near the river and Liberty bridge—loved the location but this time I chose Hotel Medosz on Jokai ter off Andrássy and used the Oktogon metro and trams easily. Not being near the river was okay after all because I had an enormous room with a terrace and panoramic view of St Stephen’s, Castle Hill and Parliament. Excellent breakfast included. Solo female traveler, never felt unsafe at any time of day or night out walking.

My preference is District VI bordered by Andrassy ut, Dob utca, Deak Ferenc ter and the 4/6 Tram Line. I stayed in a few areas of town before buying an apartment in that zone about 10 years ago. Still think i made the right decision. Within that zone are a number of good hotels, including the K&K mentioned above. Part tourism, part real, all very authentic and well situated to get to all the sights and sites..... But you really cant go too wrong no matter where you stay as long as its close to a metro line or a tram line and in PEST.

My only suggestion on all accounts would be to stay out of the heart of District V as its packed with tourists and high prices and really not that much to see or do that is "Hungarian".

Budapest is incredibly safe. Its common to see single women walking home alone along the dark narrow streets of the city. District V is where most of the tourism associated crime (mostly petty theft) takes place, and the outter half of District VIII is probably home to a little more than average crime; but unless you really want to get off the beaten path you will never be in that area (still one of the most fascinating parts of town). In general if you wanted to compare Budapest to something familiar, its as safe or safer than an upper middle income gated suburban community in the U.S.

Thanks a lot for all your suggestions.

When we were there in February we stayed at the Hotel Moments. For us it was a perfect location, a great value and rather elegant to boot. The included breakfast is a feast and there is a small lounge offering complimentary coffee/ water 24/7. The staff is very congenial and helpful- everyone from the housekeeping staff to front desk employees and breakfast servers. We will definitely stay there the next time we are in Budapest. http://hotelmomentsbudapest.hu/

The Hotel Moments is on Andrassy ut (not far from the K&K), the location is perfect for seeing all of the major sights. A few years ago I calculated travel times to the major sights from a couple of areas in town and Deak Ferenc ter turned out to be pretty much dead center. I guess when they laid out the metro/tram system they did a good job because the M1,2 and 3 and the 47/49 tram all come together at Deak Ferenc ter. The hotel Moments is just a few minutes walk to Deak Ferenc ter and its even better when you visit the sites along the M1 line or the 4/6 tram (by way of the M1 line) as there is a M1 metro stop just feet from the front of the Hotel Moments. The K&K is a bit further out and i like that for its proximity to the upper end of Jewish District. Both are excellent locations. I've stayed in the K&K, but its been a number of years. For a long time it was our home base when in town. I've never stayed in the Hotel Moments, but I've been in the lobby and its very, very nice.

Thank you very much for your hotel suggestions. It helped me a lot.

We spent nearly a week at the K K Opera and liked the location, staff, and easy access to underground. The breakfast buffet was huge. My only caveat: Avoid a room facing the front. The noise from the crowd assembled on the sidewalks was horrible...very bothersome even from our 5th floor room. This place opened only on weekends and around 10 PM. I had never before gone down to reception at 1 AM anywhere. Our room was changed the next day for the remainder of our stay, and they gave us a drink coupon. Budapest was fascinating and a we spent a wonderful week. Safe travels.

That's unfortunate. The last time I stayed there we had a courtyard facing room and a gentleman on the opposite side of the courtyard gave his significant other great pleasure each night; and she felt the need to audibly share that pleasure with everyone in the hotel. So, you never know.

Well, gosh James. Thanks for sharing that...I feel better already!

Why don't you Google "Paty's Place" which is an apartment we stayed in last year? It is a ground floor apartment and in the best location in the city. We later sent a friend there, and they too loved the place.
Restaurants, groceries, a bakery and a wine bar is 1/2 block away. The main shopping street, underground and opera are a 3 minute walk.

My wife and I have stayed at Kalvin House twice, in 2011 and again in 2014. That's a while back but it still is a solid 4/5 on TripAdvisor. The location is excellent, right by the market and easy walking distance to the Liberty Bridge. Also a short walk to the Gellert Baths.

Thank you very much for all your suggestions of accommodations. We are getting excited with our upcoming trip!

Anyone familiar with Hotel Museum Budapest?

See the post by museumsandmountains above. Their hotel with a similar sounding name is about 3 blocks away. Actually the one you mention is in a little better neighborhood as it is in the old mansion district and a little more accessible to the old jewish quarter. The draw back is thats its a little longer walk, 5 minutes, to public transportation at Astoria (the M2 metro to Deak Ferenc ter, the Parliament and Buda and the 47/49 Tram to the Great Market Hall and Deak Ferenc ter . As for the hotel its self, i have only stayed in two in town so i cant compare or comment.

We stayed at Hotel Moments last July. Great location and a nice hotel.
We have only been to Budapest once but is now one of my favorite cities.