Where to stay in Budapest: a&o Hostel review

If you’re planning a trip to Hungary and wondering where to stay in Budapest, chances are you’ve already come across a&o Hostel. And that’s no coincidence.

a&o is one of the biggest and most well-known hostel chains in Europe, with properties in cities like Berlin, Vienna, Prague, Amsterdam, Munich, Venice and many more. It’s a brand that mixes affordable prices with hotel-style comfort, which makes it popular with everyone from backpackers and solo travelers to couples, families and even business travelers.

One thing that really stands out about a&o hostels is that they’re usually very well located, close to public transport and major attractions. Add to that shared kitchens, laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, a bar that’s open around the clock and a reception team available 24/7, and you get a place that’s practical, social and easy to fit into almost any travel style.

I stayed at the a&o in Budapest to see how it works in real life and what kind of experience you can expect.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the room options, amenities, common areas, location and what there is to do around the hostel so you can decide if this is the right place for your stay in the city.

Types of rooms at a&o Hostel Budapest

Double room at a&o Hostel Budapest

a&o Hostel Budapest offers different room options, so you can choose what makes more sense for your travel style, budget and level of privacy.

• Family Rooms: ideal if you’re traveling with kids or in a small group and want to stay together. These rooms offer more space and extra comfort compared to shared options. Family rooms come with air conditioning, heating, a TV and a hair dryer, which makes longer stays much more practical
• Double Rooms: a great option for couples or two friends who want more privacy while still enjoying a hostel vibe. Double rooms feel very close to a hotel experience and include air conditioning, heating, a TV and a hair dryer
• Shared Rooms: perfect for backpackers, solo travelers or anyone who likes meeting new people while keeping costs low. Shared rooms also offer air conditioning and heating, plus practical details like a hair dryer, which is something you don’t always find in budget hostels.

Amenities at a&o Hostel Budapest

One thing I really like about staying at a&o hostels is that the amenities cover everything you actually need for a comfortable trip to Budapest, whether you’re staying for one night or a bit longer.

Here’s what you can expect in terms of amenities during your stay:

• Bed linen included in the room rate
• Towels included in private rooms (double and family rooms); for dorm rooms, towels are available for an extra fee (650 HUF per towel, paid once, regardless of the length of your stay)
• Body and hair wash (2-in-1) provided in the shower
• Hair dryer available in all room types
• Air conditioning and heating in all rooms
• TV available in double and family rooms

Common areas

The hostel has several shared spaces that make staying here more than just a bedside. They’re perfect for socializing, chilling out or just getting things done during your trip.

Bar

The on-site bar is a great place to grab a drink or a quick bite without leaving the hostel. They serve a mix of beverages and pizza, which comes in super handy after a day of exploring. Drinks here cost around 3500 HUF (~€9.10) and a beer is about 1700 HUF (~€4.40).

Kitchen

There’s also a fully equipped shared kitchen where you can cook your own meals when you feel like it. It’s got:

• Refrigerator
• Stove
• Microwave
• Dining table and chairs
• Utensils for cooking

Inside the kitchen, there is also a separate laundry room, with washing machines and dryers available for an extra fee.

Terrace

The terrace is a pleasant and welcoming space designed for guests to relax and connect. With tables and plenty of room to sit, it’s a great spot for socializing, hanging out with friends, playing games or just chatting with other travelers. It adds to the hostel’s social vibe and works really well as an extension of the common areas.

Breakfast area

The breakfast area is part of the hostel’s social spaces and is a great way to start the day without having to leave the building. Depending on your type of reservation, breakfast may or may not be included in your stay. If it’s not included, you can add it separately for 3490 HUF (≈ €9.10).

You’ll find:

• Cold cuts
• Bread and rolls
• Yogurt
• Cereals
• Pancakes
• Coffee machine
• Hot chocolate

It’s a convenient option if you want something easy and quick in the morning, especially before heading out to sightseeing!

Location

a&o Hostel Budapest is located in District VII, one of the most lively and well-connected areas of the city.

The address is Csengery utca 11, just a short walk from the main streets and very close to the famous tram 4–6, which runs 24 hours a day (a huge plus if you’re planning to explore Budapest both during the day and at night).

Getting around from here is very easy, whether you’re heading to sightseeing spots, cafés or nightlife areas.

And there’s a grocery store just one block away, which is super convenient for quick snacks or drinks.

District VII is known for having a lot going on, especially if you enjoy staying in vibrant neighborhoods. You’ll find plenty of cafés, shops, bars and restaurants, and it’s a particularly great area for anyone who wants to experience Budapest’s nightlife, with many options within walking distance.

Read also:
Budapest Public Transport Guide 2026: tickets, lines, prices and more
Where to stay in Budapest: best areas and tips

What to do around the hostel

One of the best things about staying here is how much there is to do right around the corner. Whether you’re in the mood for drinks, good food or a bit of both, District VII has plenty of options within walking distance.

Where to drink

If you like grabbing a drink at night, you’ll be spoiled for choice in this area:

• Stifler Pool: a fun sports bar with pool tables, lots of TVs showing games and surprisingly good cocktails. Great place to start the night
• Billy’s Pub: a casual pub with cheap craft beers and a very laid-back vibe. Perfect if you just want to chill without spending too much
• Cosmo Bar: a themed bar inspired by extraterrestrials, with a cool atmosphere and creative drinks. A fun and different option nearby
• Anytime: a great all-rounder with cocktails, snacks and bowling lanes, ideal for groups who want to do something more interactive
• Matt: a small spot focused on drinks and shots, perfect for a quick stop during a bar crawl
• Humbák: a church-themed bar that’s very popular in the area, especially known for its beer selection

Where to eat

When it’s time to eat, you don’t need to go far either:

• Frici Papa: a popular place for traditional Hungarian food, very well known among tourists and great for classic local dishes
• Kádár Étkezde: a very traditional Hungarian restaurant, especially popular at lunchtime. Simple, authentic and full of locals
• New York Café: often called the most beautiful café in the world, and it’s just a short walk away. Worth visiting at least once
• Freyja – The Croissant Story: famous for having some of the best croissants in Hungary, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon coffee break.

Where to party

If your plan includes dancing and going out late, you’re in one of the best areas of Budapest for that:

• Füge Udvar: a lively spot with multiple dance floors and a fun atmosphere. On Thursdays, it’s especially popular for salsa nights
• Instant-Fogas: probably the most famous club in Budapest, with several dance floors, different music styles and party vibes every single night

Who is a&o Hostel Budapest ideal for?

Honestly? Pretty much everyone!

Because of its location, structure and different room options, a&o Hostel Budapest works well for many types of travelers.

• Solo travelers and backpackers who want to save money and meet people
• Couples looking for a private room without paying hotel prices
• Families who need more space and practical amenities
• Groups of friends traveling together
• Digital nomads or long-term travelers
• Nightlife lovers who want to be close to bars, pubs and clubs
• First-time visitors to Budapest who want an easy, well-located base

It’s one of those places that adapts easily to your travel style, whether you’re here to explore, party, work remotely or just enjoy the city at your own pace.

@budapestfortourists Still not sure where to stay in Budapest? Save this tip! a&o Hostel Budapest is super well located, close to grocery stores, public transport, attractions, nightlife and plenty of bars and restaurants. The staff is really friendly and always ready to help, and the common areas are modern, comfortable and well equipped. Plus, there are three room options (shared, double and family), so no matter your travel style, it’s easy to find what works for you. If you want all the details, I wrote a full blog post about this hostel. You’ll find the link in my bio ✨ a&o Hostel Budapest 📍 Csengery utca 11 Save this for your Budapest trip! #creatorsearchinsights #budapest #budapesthostel ♬ Old Film - Kairo Vibe

Is it worth staying at a&o Hostel Budapest?

I’ve stayed at a&o hostels in other European cities before and always had a great experience — and Budapest was no different. From the moment you arrive, the staff is friendly, helpful and always available, which makes a big difference, especially if it’s your first time in the city.

The hostel itself is modern, clean, comfortable and well taken care of. The rooms are practical, the common areas are great for socializing, and the overall vibe feels easy and welcoming.
It’s the kind of place where you can relax, meet new people or just use it as a solid base to explore the city.

If you’re looking for where to stay in Budapest, especially in a central, lively area with great transport connections and lots to do around, a&o Hostel Budapest is definitely an excellent option to consider!