Things to Do in Budapest
• Upgrade your experience with optional fast-track entry in the morning or afternoon, saving time at the entrance during peak hours.
• Select a locker for secure personal storage or go for a private cabin with a changing space—ideal for added comfort and privacy.
• Unwind at Hungary’s largest and most iconic thermal spa, admiring its grand Neo-Baroque architecture and soaking up the goodness of thermal waters.
If this is your first visit to Budapest, we highly recommend this tour, because this is a perfect introduction to the city. We'll give you an insight into the basics of Hungarian history and culture, and reveal the mysteries of the Hungarian language and Hungarian cuisine. During the tour, we will show you the highlights of the city, such as St. Stephen's Basilica, the Danube embankment, the stunning view to the Buda Hills, Elizabeth Square with the Budapest Eye, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and of course we won’t miss the most beautiful building of Budapest- the Parliament!
During the tour, we will also pay special attention to the attractions of Liberty Square, such as the Soviet Memorial, the German Occupation Monument and we even show you the entrance of a hidden nuclear bunker! We cover everything in the case of the Hungarian History from the Conquest, through the Ottoman Occupation, the golden age- the period of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, the First and the Second World War and we will talk about the Communist years of Hungary- just to help you to get an overview of the history of Hungary.
We start the tour at Madách Imre tér (square) and we will finish the tour in front of the Parliament Building.
During the 2.5 hour tour we will give you as many tips and recommendations as we can to make your time here as memorable as possible.
All of our guides are locals, we know the city's most hidden corners, we have shared our knowledge with thousands of tourists and shown them the city's main attractions, don't miss this experience and discover the city with us!
• Cruise past Budapest's lit-up landmarks, including the Parliament, Buda Castle, and Chain Bridge, on a magical 1-hour night-time sail.
• See the city come alive from the water with panoramic views of its UNESCO-listed riverbanks and historic architecture under the stars.
• Opt for the nighttime cruise with an audio guide to discover Budapest’s most iconic sights illuminated against the night sky!
Welcome to Budapest, the Pearl of the Danube!
You’ve finally made it, and after that long trip, it’s time to dive into all the magic this city has to offer. If you’re looking to uncover its secrets and truly experience Budapest like a local, I’m here to guide you through every twist and turn!
The tour covers famous Budapest attractions, including significant historical sights and areas like:
- St.Stephens Bazilika
- Freedom Square
- The Parlament building
- Shoes on the Danube
- The Chainbridge
- Margaret Island
- Buda Castle
- Fishermans Bastion
- Matthias Church
- The Royal Palace
- Gellert Hill
- ..and more!
See my exact route below!
But this isn’t just your average sightseeing trip. I’ll be sharing the epic tales of past wars, heroic triumphs, tragic losses, and a few wild myths sprinkled in for good measure. Think of it as your crash course in Budapest’s history, with plenty of hidden gems and fun facts thrown in. And yes, I’ll even let you in on where to find the best food (and which places to avoid at all costs!).
Whether you want to make new friends, hear about the rise and fall of empires, or just get the lay of the land, this tour covers it all—from the birth of the Hungarian nation through medieval times, the Mongol and Ottoman invasions, right up to modern Budapest. By the end, you’ll know the ins, the outs, the ups, and downs of the city—plus a few tips on where to get the best goulash!
So, if you’re ready for the best 2.5 hours you can spend with your clothes on, book now and let’s make your Budapest adventure unforgettable!
See you soon,
Robert
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If I am fully booked or the tour is not available, I would recommend my great friend Istvan who is an awesome guide and goes on the same route and does a similar tour. You can find him on Guruwalk under "All Around Budapest Tour": https://www.guruwalk.com/walks/40103-all-around-budapest-free-tour?ref=7v579gxau6sovc6zzxw0
• Cruise past the Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and Chain Bridge while learning their stories through a multilingual audio guide.
• Admire panoramic views of Gellért Hill and Fisherman’s Bastion from the water, capturing Budapest’s skyline in daylight or by night.
• Choose a night-time cruise for a magical view of the city’s lights or a daytime ride with a complimentary drink for a refreshing journey.
Did you know that most of the Jews deported to Auschwitz were Hungarian?
Discover with us who the Arrow Cross Party was and the liberation of the city from the Red Army .
On this tour , you'll learn about the Holocaust in Hungary, but also about the righteous among the nations: those heroes who "stood against the tide of hostility and indifference toward the Jewish people."
• We will see:
🔸The three Great Synagogues
🔸World War II and its process
🔸Saviors and heroes
🔸Getto: conditions and distribution
🔸Bars in Ruin!
🔸Culture and traditions of Judaism
🔸Ghetto Wall Map
🔸Murals and Street Art
🔸Flea markets
This tour takes place in one of Budapest's most traditional neighborhoods, Erzsébetváros , also known as the Jewish Quarter. The main synagogues are concentrated in this neighborhood, and during your visit, you'll have the opportunity to learn to recognize the different branches of Judaism. Another characteristic of this neighborhood is its nightlife.
As we walk through its streets, we'll find countless restaurants and bars, so we can't forget to mention Khosr food and the main dishes of Jewish-Hungarian cuisine , although the ruined bars set the neighborhood's rhythm. We'll talk about its origins and say goodbye at one of its most famous bars.
Highlights of the free tour of World War II and the Jewish Ghetto:
- Rumbach Synagogue
- Murals and street art
- Stones of memory
- Angel of Budapest
- Great Synagogue of Budapest
- Patio of the Heroes
- Tree of life
- Righteous Among the Nations
- Bars, restaurants and nightlife
- Surprises!
WATCH THE VIDEO 👌
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvg8zoG_O1g
• Admire the neo-Gothic architecture with access to the Parliament’s most iconic areas, including the Main Staircase, Dome Hall, Chamber of Peers, and Grand Stairway.
• Choose a guided tour option for live insights, plus a walking tour of Heroes’ Square and Castle District. Enjoy panoramic views from Buda Hill and discover the main sights on the Pest side.
• Fun fact: The Hungarian Parliament has exactly 691 rooms and nearly 20 kilometers of stairs. So, if you ever feel like getting your steps in, this is the place to be!
THE OFFICIAL AND THE BEST TOUR IN BUDA CASTLE
FEEL THE CITY
Our tour shows you all the incredible landmarks of Castle District, including Fisherman’s Bastion , Matthias Church and Royal Palace.
You can enjoy amazing views of the river Danube, Buda Hills, and the city landscape.
Buda Castle is waiting for you!
Tour Stops:
- Matthias Church
- Fisherman’s Bastion
- Royal Palace
- Hilton hotel interior (hidden gem)
- Holy Trinity column
- Historical City Hall
- Prime Minister Offices
- "Must to see" panorama of Buda and Pest
- Chain Bridge
- Elisabeth Bridge
- River Danube
- Gellért Hill: Liberty Statue and Citadel
- Funicular
- Sandor Palace: the official residence of the President
- Residential area of the Castle District
- Ruszwurm oldest Coffe House
- Museums: National Library, Budapest Historic Museum, National Gallery
• Save time by bypassing ticket queues and explore the interiors and chapels at your own pace.
• Upgrade options include a guided tour for deeper insights, access to the tower dome for panoramic views, and entry to the treasury.
• Did you know? It took over 50 years, 3 architects, and the collapse and complete rebuilding of the dome to construct the basilica.
Our Buda tour is a journey through kings, legends, myths and a lot of medieval history.
Buda Castle , that monumental jewel that stands proudly above the Danube, awaits you with a thousand stories to tell.
Within its walls, you'll find the Royal Palace, Matthias Church, Fisherman's Bastion , and the medieval city , both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We'll explore it from end to end, discovering secrets, anecdotes, and interesting facts that make it unique.
And since every walk deserves a reward, we'll enjoy picture-postcard views from the Fisherman's Bastion and other viewpoints.
What is visited during the tour?
-Vienna Gate
-Medieval wall of the old Buda Castle
-Matthias Church
-Fisherman's Bastion with spectacular views over Parliament
-Royal Palace with its majestic imperial courtyards
-White House
-Lucky Statue by András Hadik
After the tour, you can enjoy the views from above, watch the sunset, enter the Castle Labyrinth, or visit the Hospital de la Roca (an original bunker from World War II and the Cold War).
• Sip unlimited premium drinks throughout the cruise, including Prosecco, Aperol Spritz, Hugo Spritz, wine, beer, fresh lemonade, and water.
• Relax on the expansive open panorama deck while soaking in the city skyline, accompanied by soothing lounge music.
Welcome to Budapest!
Finally, you are here! If you would like to discover the city like a local, join me on one of my tours!
I would be happy to guide you through this amazing city and show you everything that Budapest has to offer!
On the tour, we cover the most important sights and attractions such as:
- Historical City Centre
- Andrássy Avenue
- St. Stephen’s Basilica
- Liberty Square
- Parliament
- Margaret island
- Shoes on the Danube
- Chainbridge
- Castle District
- Hidden gems and memorials
- and much more…
The tour is a great way to learn about Hungarian culture and to discover the city’s colourful history, from the founding of the State, through the Ottoman Occupation and the time of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, up until the 21st century.
I cover the most important sights through stories and fun facts, but also go off the beaten track to discover some hidden gems!
Being a musician, I will cover some parts of history with music related stories and I’m eager to show you the artistic side of the city and the best places and venues to listen to and play some live music!
I will talk about the do’s and dont’s in Budapest, while I will also recommend where and what to eat and drink.
Meeting point: in front of the main entrance of the St. Stephen's Basilica Look out for the green umbrella!
Book now, and let's meet soon!
István
……………………………………………………………………………
If I am fully booked or the tour is not available, I would recommend my great friend Robert who is an awesome guide and goes on the same route and does the same tour. You can find him on Guruwalk under “All-in-One Budapest Tour”:
https://www.guruwalk.com/walks/40132-all-in-one-budapest-free-walking-tour?ref=zfqz6bqg2fh42n1grrfn
Book a ticket to the Lukács Spa and enjoy a day of relaxation and disconnection in a beautiful historic building in Budapest—you won't regret it!
• Soothe your senses in mineral-rich thermal pools, designed for pure relaxation with medical benefits.
• Showers and changing areas are available, making your spa visit seamless from start to finish.
• Choose a private changing cabin for extra comfort and privacy, or opt for a secure locker for your personal items.
Explore the most beautiful parts of the city in a small group (a maximum of 25 participants) for a thorough walkthrough of Hungary’s and Budapest’s history with an independent guide!
Before booking, please read the whole description and the disclaimer at the end.
Welcome to Budapest!
"The Pearl of the Danube" is a unique metropolis with the lush hills and forests of Buda, Pest with its inviting bars, diverse Jewish quarter, and vibrant nightlife, as well as the marvelous bridges connecting the two banks.
If you come with me, you will have an unforgettable experience as we explore the history of Budapest in a small group together, from the first steps of the ancestors of Hungarians, the Mongolian and the Ottoman occupation, the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, the two World Wars, decades of communism, and to the present day, while marveling at the city's most beautiful attractions.
Alongside the essential and magnificent stops, I will also share personal stories about my family, the adventures of my ancestors during communism, and the two world wars.
I will show you hidden wonders known only to locals as well, the things that colour our everyday lives.
The tour covers Budapest's most important sights and attractions , such as:
- Historical city center
- Millennium Underground
- St Stephen's Basilica
- Statues of Budapest
- Liberty Square
- Parliament
- Central Market Hall
- Margaret Island
- Shoes on the Danube Bank
- Synagogue
- Chain Bridge
- Thermal Baths
- Gellert Hill
- Castle District
As someone who engages in writing, human stories are particularly important to me. Therefore, besides the most exciting turning points in history, I strive to present human destinies in the storms of centuries. As a playwright, I will reveal Budapest's artistic side to you as well. As a screenwriter, I will also involve you in the surprisingly deep connection between Hollywood and Budapest , as you will have the chance to meet several real stars on my tour. You will also get to know some seriously fun facts !
During the tour, while conveying historical and cultural knowledge, I will tell you about my favorite hangouts , and recommend great restaurants and pubs . I will share with you what I believe is worth doing in Budapest and what is not, where to wander off the well-known tourist path if you are truly curious about life in Pest.
Meeting point: in front of St. Stephen's Basilica. Look for the turquoise umbrella!
We will finish the tour near the Chain Bridge.
‼️🤔 Please be aware before booking my tour:
To completely understand this tour, you should speak (close to) native level English, so please don’t book this tour if you have a problem with understanding more complicated sentences at a faster pace as I will have a lot to share with you on the tour, and I don’t simplify the historical/cultural facts. This is an English-speech based, history-oriented tour.
Again: this is a history and art-oriented tour that offers in depth insights into Hungarian history, including past and current conflicts as well as political issues. We’ll explore these and in addition, Hungarian theatre, movies, fine and contemporary art, so be prepared: my tour is longer than any other free walking tour in Budapest.
If you prefer a shorter, more mainstream/casual free walking tour, GuruWalk offers several options. My tour typically lasts 3 and a half-hours or more depending on how many questions you have, as I strive to make the experience as interactive and wholesome as possible.
If you are looking for a comprehensive tour that covers art, architecture, and the complete history of Budapest and Hungary, both past and present, then this is the free walking tour for you. 🤗
Book your place now, hope to meet you soon!
