I will be traveling with my wife to Budapest the last week of September. Please advice us which is the best neighborhood to stay and if it’s possible a few hotel recommendations (max. $180 per night?) . I read in previous posts that the Castle area is beautiful but to calm and far from many attractions. Unfortunately the hotels in Fodors web page are classified in locations that are very difficult to choose if itīs your first trip. Need help please!!

topping...

See responses on gustavo's duplicate thread:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35022926

Most of the tourists prefer to stay in Pesta, because is close to most of the tourist attractions. we stayed in Buda, near the Danube, because we wanted to have the view to Parliament.

I suggest to stay near Danube and near Chain Bridge, not important if in buda or in Pesta.

Sorry. I was a mistake. Didīnt realize I duplicate the post.

I stayed at the Hilton Castle and loved the location (Buda).

The downtown/commercial area (Pest) is very easily reachable by a combo of a quick Castle bus and another bus or subway.

I actually walked from the downtown area to the Hilton and really enjoyed it, but be warned, 1/2 of the walk is up the hill so if you are not into walking then the above mentioned options are your best bet.

Also, please consider what is your preference.

The Castle area, the Buda side, has some nice shops and few great restaurants as well as some nightlife plus some very interesting galleries as well as a great wine cellar in the deep cellers of the Hilton. Churches, castle, great views of the Pest side and the river (as it sits on a hill).

The Pest side (downtown area) has a great deal more shopping, restaurants, nightlife, etc, but it does look more like any big European city.

Have a great trip!