Areas and suburbs in Budapest

The best places to live in Budapest

Budapest is divided into 23 districts. Buda, the area west of the Danube, contains six districts; Pest, on the east bank, encompasses 16 districts; and there is also one district between the two on Csepel Island in the middle of the river. On the Buda side are also several suburbs that some expats, particularly those with children, choose to live in.

The districts are numbered in a clockwise direction from the centre of the city outwards, with the downtown districts having low numbers and the suburban districts having higher numbers. Of Buda’s six districts, the most popular ones for expats are districts 11 and 22. On the Pest side, districts 5, 6, 7 and 13 are favoured by expats.

Suburban life in Buda

District 11

District 11 (Újbuda) is an affluent, hilly residential area southwest of the city centre. The Sashegy and Sasad areas in this district are the most popular. District 11 straddles Gellért Hill and provides one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Budapest. Nature-loving expats who enjoy hiking are likely to have a blast living in this area.

District 22

Also known as the ‘town of wine and champagne’, District 22 (Budafok-Tétény) is home to several of Hungary’s major wine producers. The district provides spectacular views of the city and offers numerous restaurants and shopping centres, including the Campona Mall. There are also plenty of public transport options in District 22. Property prices have risen in this district in recent years, with the highest demand in the upper parts of Rózsavölgy. The area is popular with artists and musicians.

City living in Pest

District 5

Budapest's District 5 (Belváros) is as central as it gets. Apartments are the favoured choice of accommodation here. Belváros is close to restaurants, bars, pubs and shopping centres, as well as the main banking and financial district, and even Hungary’s parliament buildings. District 5 also plays host to other popular attractions like St Stephen's Basilica and the Soviet War Memorial – so during the high tourist season, this district can be busy. Owing to its central location, accommodation in Belváros tends to be quite steep and generally smaller than in other areas.

District 6

District 6 (Terézváros) is great for expats who enjoy cultural entertainment. It is close to the Liszt School of Music and the Budapest Opera House. Public transport in this district is a breeze to navigate, and there are many shopping and nightlife options within easy walking distance. That said, Terézváros also has its downside; a number of small alleyways in the area are home to many potentially seedy pubs and bars and the noise levels can be irritating.

District 7

Historically, District 7 (Erzsébetváros) was home to Budapest’s Jewish population. Currently, there are still a few beautiful synagogues in the area as well as the city’s medical and veterinary universities. District 7 is a hip and trendy area and young expats are sure to enjoy the neighbourhood's bars, design shops and speciality cafés.

District 13

District 13 (Angyalföld and Újlipótváros) is a clean and well-kept area in downtown Budapest. The city has spent a lot of money improving the area and setting up a paved pathway alongside the river. The area has some malls and shopping centres and is conveniently located close to the business district; however, all the international schools are located on the opposite side of the river, which can pose a problem for families with kids.