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Introducing Budapest VI: Budapest’s 6th District
Budapest’s 6th District is a bustling area of Pest. There are plenty of bars, cafés and nightlife to keep you busy here.
Like Budapest’s 7th District, parts of the 6th tend to be a bit gritty on the surface, but not unsafe. However, the 6th is also home to some stunning architecture along Andrássy Avenue. The impressive Hungarian State Opera House is a highlight. However, all along Andrássy you’ll find beautiful buildings, upscale shopping and restaurants.
Considered part of central Pest, the 6th is a super convenient area to stay in Budapest. Full of Hungarians going about their day-to-day life, it’s a fairly typical and mid-income inner city neighborhood.
Our Budapest 6 Hotel Picks
5-Star Hotels in Budapest 6th District: Hilton Budapest City
4-Star Hotels in Budapest 6th District: Hotel Moments I Callas House I Hotel Opera Garden I Mamaison Hotel Andrassy
3-Star Hotels in Budapest 6th District: Casati Hotel Superior I 12 Revay Hotel I Medosz Hotel I Lord Residences
Hostels in Budapest 6th District: Wombats Hostel I Friends Hostel I Hostel One Basilica I Activity Hostel
Where Is Budapest District 6?
If you think of the 6th as being the same shape as a slice of pizza, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út and Király u. form the long edges of the slice, running between the pointy end (Deák Ferenc Square) and the crust.
While the official ‘crust’ of the 6th district is Dózsa György út (near Heroes Square), we recommend staying much closer to the city centre.
Vörösmarty utca metro stop is a good outer boundary to go by when booking a hotel or holiday apartment in Budapest 6. Just don’t confuse the Vörösmarty utca metro stop in District VI with Vörösmarty tér (square) in Budapest 5th District!
Budapest's 6th District is a busy downtown neighborhood with all walks of life. With plenty to keep you busy, it's a great area to stay in Budapest. Click To TweetBudapest 6 Map
Book Your Trip to Budapest
Save Money in Budapest
The Budapest Card includes free, unlimited public transportation for the duration of the card, and is available as a 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5-day card. In addition to free public transport, the card includes free entry to many museums, a complimentary tour, discounts throughout the city, and more. Click for prices and details.
Book Your Flight to Budapest
CheapOair is our current favorite when it comes to searching for flight deals. It’s a meta aggregator, and will find the best deals and routes for you by searching airline websites and other aggregators.
Book Your Budapest Hotel in Advance
We use Booking.com when making hotel reservations in Europe. In our experience, it has the best inventory/selection of hotels and holiday apartments, and we’ve had good experiences with their customer service team when things go wrong (which has been a rarity for us, thank goodness!). TripAdvisor is also trying to get into the hotel booking game, and may be worth checking out.
Skip the Line in Budapest
Budapest is getting busier by the year, meaning you should expect to wait in line at the most popular attractions, especially in high season. If you only have a short vacation, consider getting a Skip-the-Line ticket for the most popular attractions: The Great Synagogue, Széchenyi Thermal Baths, and the Parliament. If you want to visit the interior of the Parliament, you have to pre-book. You can either use an international tour aggregator like Get Your Guide or use the Hungarian website Jegymester.hu.
Book Your Budapest Tour
We tend to book tours via an aggregator like Get Your Guide (a company out of Berlin with great selection of tours in Europe, in particular) or Viator (a TripAdvisor company).
Why use an aggregator instead of going direct? Personally, we like to compare the different tours available for each attraction, as well as read reviews. Both Get Your Guide and Viator let us see multiple, similar tours, and compare prices and past reviews before making a booking.
Getting from Budapest Airport to the City Center
Budapest’s public transportation system is generally excellent, and this extends to the airport. For a detailed post about getting from Budapest Airport to the City Center via public transit, shared shuttle, or airport taxi, read our guide here.
If you’re arriving late at night, coming in on a long-haul and expect to be exhausted, or would rather have the peace of mind of a private transfer, you can book one here.
Buy Travel Insurance (Just in Case)
We can’t actually recommend a travel insurance provider. Apparently it’s against the law.
However, we can say this: we know several people who racked up hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses during separate, life-or-death situations while traveling. They were both insured by Allianz, they both received life-saving care, and they both made a successful claim.
No one wants to need travel insurance, but you’ll certainly be glad you have it if something goes wrong. And if something does go wrong in Budapest, we personally go to FirstMed for our healthcare. Staff and doctors speak English.
Make Restaurant Reservations in Advance
If you visit Budapest in winter, you’ll probably be okay if you don’t make restaurant reservations, although we’d still recommend you reserve in advance Thursday to Saturday evenings where possible.
In summer, things fill up pretty quickly, although capacity at many restaurants increases when the city’s terraces open, usually sometime in May. It’s worth noting Budapest’s restaurants are all non-smoking inside, but get quite smoky on the terraces.
What to Do & See in Budapest 6
Andrássy Avenue
Andrássy Ave is a highlight of Budapest’s 6th District. Oft referred to as the Champs-Élysées of Budapest, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site … both above and below ground. Built at the end of the 19th century, Andrássy Ave. connects Elizabeth Square in Budapest’s 5th District with Heroes’ Square and City Park (Városliget).
The Budapest Opera House, Drechsler Palace (due to become a W Hotel), and Parisi Café sit on the busy stretch between Elizabeth Square and Oktogon. This section of Andrássy also has plenty of luxury shops and upmarket restaurants.
Beyond Oktogon, Andrássy is generally residential, with some offices and embassies. That’s not to say this section of the street isn’t worth visiting: it’s a beautiful stretch with lovely architecture. The House of Terror Museum is also in this section.
Generally, the architecture you’ll find along Andrássy is Neo-Renaissance. They were pretty much all built during a late 19th century economic boom to celebrate the Hungarian millennium.
Andrássy is great for a walk anytime of year, but it’s especially pretty at Christmas. The city decorates the trees in white Christmas lights, making this already grand street even more elegant!
Jokai tér and Liszt Ferenc tér
Jokai and Liszt Ferenc Squares sit opposite one another on either side of Andrássy Ave.
Of the two, Liszt Ferenc tér is a bit more interesting. Lined on both sides by restaurants, there’s a pedestrianized section down the middle. It’s especially lovely in warm weather, when the trees provide a natural canopy.
Andrássy Ave marks the northern end of the square, and Király u. marks the southern end. Cross Király u., and you’ll find yourself in Budapest’s 7th District.
The beautiful Liszt Ferenc Academy music conservatory (Liszt Ferenc tér 8) is a highlight on the square. In warm weather, students often practice with the windows open. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a free concert by hanging around outside the building!
If you’re hungry, Menza is your best bet for Hungarian food on Liszt Ferenc tér. During lunch, they offer an affordable set menu (which they post daily on their Facebook page), but you can also opt for à la carte.
While Jokai tér isn’t as lovely, it’s worth visiting around Christmastime. There’s an adorable little Christmas market here! If you’re in the mood for a cozy pub, skip the Irish pub on Liszt Ferenc tér and cross Andrássy to Jokai tér. Kiadó Kocsma is a great little spot on the western edge.
Nagymező Utca
Nagymező Utca is a pretty street off Andrássy Avenue. It’s on the inner stretch of Andrássy, between Elizabeth Square and Oktogon.
Nagymező Utca is remarkable because it’s home to several beautiful theatres. They all sit on the one-block stretch closest to Andrássy.
M1 Underground
While it may seem strange to include a metro line on a highlights list, Budapest’s M1 is the cutest. Anytime we have visitors in town, I always take them for a short ride along Budapest’s tiniest and most historical metro line.
The M1 is in fact on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Build in 1896, it was continental Europe’s first electrified underground metro. Worldwide, only London’s is older.
In addition to being historical and adorable, Budapesters and tourists rely on the M1 every day. Running from Vörösmarty tér to City Park, it runs the length of Andrássy Ave.
While the line can get quite busy in high season, it’s still worth a ride. The cheerful yellow metro cars are tiny, and each station looks straight out of the 1890s.
Hungarian State Opera
The jaw-dropping Hungarian State Opera is a true highlight of Budapest’s 6th District. Both the interior and exterior are stunning.
To visit the interior of the building, you have two options: see a performance, or join one of the daily tours (Ft 2,490). The tours leave at 15:00 and 16:00 daily, and are offered in English and several other languages. You’ll visit various spots in the Opera House, as well as enjoy a mini concert.
If you’d like to see a performance you can check the Opera website for details.
Note, as of 2018, the Opera House is closed for refurbishment. It’s due to re-open at some point in 2019, but it’s unclear when in 2019. Performances are currently held at the Opera’s other theatres. The building is still open for tours, but the auditorium is not included on the rooms you’ll visit.
House of Terror Museum
Opened in 2002, the House of Terror Museum is one of Budapest’s most popular museums. On the daily, tourists line-ups around the corner to visit.
On the surface, the House of Terror Museum seems like a good idea. We visited on our first trip to Hungary in 2012, and didn’t notice anything amiss. Housed in the former HQ of the fascist Arrow Cross, the museum tells a story of Hungary under 20th century fascist and communist systems.
Despite the crowds, the House of Terror Museum is quite controversial among historians and activists. Curated by historian Maria Schmidt, critics argue it whitewashes Hungary’s role in the atrocities that unfolded here.
In fact, this is a common criticism of Viktor Orban’s government and its projects (of which the House of Terror is one).
The German Occupation Monument on Freedom Square is another common target of criticism, for largely the same reason: it portrays Hungary as a passive victim of foreign powers, rather than a willing participant. The soon-to-be-opened Holocaust Museum, also curated by Schmidt, has also attracted a fair amount of controversy.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t visit the House of Terror Museum. It’s illustrative, to be sure – perhaps just not in the way its founders intended.
Where to Eat & Drink in Budapest’s 6th District
Besides the aforementioned Menza, which is an excellent spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner, we’ve listed some of our other favorites below.
Best Cafés in Budapest 6th District
Café Parisi
Address: Andrássy út 39 Hours: Monday to Sunday, 09:00 to 21:00
Closed since March 2017, Lotz Hall in the former Paris Department Store reopened in early 2019 as the Café Parisi.
The building itself has a fairly long history, first serving as a casino in the 19th century. The casino’s grand ballroom – Lotz Hall – is so named because of the frescoes by Hungarian painter Károly Lotz. He is also responsible for the ceiling of the Opera House.
In the early 20th century, the building was home to Paris Department Store, which closed in 2000. From 2009 to 2017, it served as a bookstore and café, closing again in 2017 due to financial reasons.
The ground floor of the building is now home to Future Park – a family amusement park. And the top floor – the stunning Lotz Hall – is once again a café.
With an interior that rivals New York Café in the 7th district, which is more of a restaurant, Café Parisi is much more casual. Choose from decadent coffees, cakes, and wines/liquors, and kick back to relax a bit!
Opera Café
Address: Andrássy út 22 Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 to 24:00
Opera Café is temporarily closed while the Opera House is being refurbished. The Opera House is scheduled to reopen sometime in 2019, although an exact date hasn’t been provided. Check their website for details.
Although it channels the feeling of a grand old cafe (like New York Cafe, or Central Kavehaz), Opera Cafe is actually quite new. Its current iteration opened in 2015 in a previously unused room within the State Opera House. With a full menu, you can visit this cafe for a full meal, or simply soak in the ambience over a sweet treat and coffee.
Piccolo Café Budapest
Address: Jókai tér 6 Hours: Monday to Friday, 07:30 to 17:00; Saturday & Sunday, 08:30 to 14:00
A tiny little spec of a place, Piccolo Café makes up for it’s lack of seating with its general adorableness.
In the mornings, they have an affordable coffee and croissant deal. It’s a good bet if you need something quick to as you get going for the day.
There is a little seating in the loft if you need to take a load off.
Where to Eat in Budapest 6th District
Pizzica
Address: Nagymező u. 21 Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11:00 to 24:00; Friday & Saturday, 11:00 to 03:00; Closed Sunday
Italian-style scissor pizza in Budapest!
Pizzica is a tiny, hole-in-the-wall style place. There’s a bit of seating at a window bar, and some tables in the loft space upstairs. We often find we’re in and out of here too quickly to really care about the seating; the pizza is the star attraction.
Pizzas are baked as rectangles, and then cut with scissors to create a piece for serving. What I love about this place, however, are the different combos. Choose from options like potato rosemary, prosciutto and sausage, and even some cheese-free options.
Quick and cheap lunch or dinner, and a popular end-of-the-night drunk food, too!
Két Szerecsen
Address: Nagymező u. 14 Hours: Monday to Sunday, 08:00 to 24:00
Két Szerecsen is a cozy little bistro with great Hungarian food, as well as contemporary European fare.
It does get quite busy, so best to make a reservation, but they’ll try to accommodate if you show up without one. They note on the menu whether the food is gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan.
That said, I’d be cautious if you have a serious allergy or are celiac. The kitchen itself isn’t allergen free.
Kiadó Kocsma
Address: Jókai tér 3 Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 01:00; Saturday & Sunday, 11:00 to 01:00
A small and cozy pub in a very convenient location, just off Andrássy út.
Staff are friendly, and they have a small but good menu of both pub food and mains. Thing massive burgers, goulash, risotto and tapas plates.
It’s not uncommon to see people here on their laptops, working, or reading a book over a beer or meal. It’s got a nice, casual vibe that encourages you to hang out awhile!
Farm Gastro Bar
Address: Ó utca 14 Hours: Monday to Saturday, 18:00 to 24:00; Closed Sunday
A good spot for a cocktail and tapas with nice ambience. In the summer, Farm Gastro Bar has a great terrace, that has the feeling of an upscale beer garden. In winter, the service moves indoors to a cozy and welcoming space. If you’re feeling adventurous, they offer blind dinners as well, in a special room that’s pitch black.
Where to Drink in Budapest 6th District
360 Bar
Address: Andrassy Ut. 39 Hours: Monday to Wednesday, 14:00 to 24:00; Thursday to Saturday, 14:00 to 02:00; Sunday, 14:00 to 24:00
Sitting in a great location on Andrassy Avenue, 360 Bar offers gorgeous views over the city from their sky terrace. If you’re worried about cold weather in the winter, don’t. 360 Bar sets up 8 transparent igloos in the colder months. They’re heated, so you can enjoy the views and stay warm! Reservations are strongly recommended, but they do charge a reservation fee.
Anker’t
Address: Paulay Ede u. 33 Hours: Monday to Wednesday, 14:00 to 24:00; Thursday, 14:00 to 01:00; Friday to Saturday, 14:00 to 04:00; Sunday, 14:00 to 24:00
A fairly typical Budapest ruin bar, Anker’t has a very different vibe, depending when you go. If you head there on some Sunday afternoons, you’ll find a family-friendly vegan market. If you arrive Saturday at midnight, you’ll find a smoky garden bar filled with drinking.
Anker’t’s main draw is the garden, which is in the central courtyard. They have covered space (that’s not quite indoors, but makes do when it’s cold) around one edge. And a fairly small indoor space at the back.
TukTuk Bar
Address: Paulay Ede u. 33 Hours: Monday to Sunday, 16:00 to 24:00
If you’re looking for fantastic cocktails in the 6th, it’s hard to go wrong with TukTuk Bar. Intimate space, great music, and friendly staff are the cherry on top.
Who Should Stay in Budapest 6
The 6th is an interesting district because it has something for everyone. Both budget and luxury travellers will find something in the 6th. It all depending on where you choose to stay.
Between Andrássy út and Király u., and near Deák Ferenc Square, you’ll find the most upscale parts of the 6th District. Liszt Ferenc tér is a very nice pedestrian street lined with restaurants. Hajós u. is another nice pedestrian street lined with restaurants, although it can get a bit rowdy at night.
Closer to Nyugati pályaudvar (Nyugati train station) and West End Shopping Centre, and on the other side of Teréz krt. (and especially beyond Vörösmarty utca metro stop), you’re more likely to find a bargain.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Budapest 6
- Very central
- Beautiful sections of the District along Andrassy and nearby
- Walkable within the district, and to other areas of the city
- Suitable for all types of travelers
- Excellent public transit connections
- Loud at night in certain parts, especially around Hajos Ut. and Paulay Ede
- Parts of the district are a bit gritty
Best Hotels in Budapest 6
5-Star Hotels in Budapest 6th District: Hilton Budapest City
4-Star Hotels in Budapest 6th District: Hotel Moments I Callas House I Hotel Opera Garden I Mamaison Hotel Andrassy
3-Star Hotels in Budapest 6th District:Casati Hotel Superior I 12 Revay Hotel I Medosz Hotel I Lord Residences
Hostels in Budapest 6th District: Wombats Hostel I Friends Hostel I Hostel One Basilica I Activity Hostel
Don’t See What You’re Looking for? Put in Your Dates to Find More Great Hotels in Budapest
Getting Around Budapest 6
Staying in the 6th means you’ll have great access to both metro and tram options for public transportation. Trams #4 and #6 run along north-south along Teréz krt., and go all night.
The 6th is also well served by the M1 (yellow), which follows along Andrássy út, M3 (blue), which runs along the other edge of the pizza slice, and M2 (red) which connects at Deák Ferenc tér.
Distance to Other Budapest Attractions
Distances listed are from the Hungarian State Opera House to other major attractions in Budapest. Times are approximate, and transit times depend on traffic.
- Elizabeth Square and the Budapest Eye: 10-minute walk
- Hungarian Parliament Building: 17-minute walk
- Széchenyi Chain Bridge: 10-minute walk
- Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Sandor Palace, and Matthias Church: 18 to 26 minutes on Bus 105 or 16 from Deak Ferenc Square. You can also walk across the Chain Bridge and take the Buda Castle Funicular up to the Castle District.
- St Stephen’s Basilica: 11-minute walk, or 7 minutes on the M1 (including some walking)
- Heroes’ Square & Széchenyi Baths: 8 minutes on the M1 from Deak Ference Square or a 26-minute walk
Read More About the Best Budapest Neighborhoods
Budapest I – The Castle District (Buda) I Budapest V (Pest) I Budapest VII (Pest) I Budapest VIII (Pest) I Budapest IX (Pest) I Budapest XIII (Pest)
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