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!
• Relax aboard a 45 or 60 minute sightseeing cruise with lounge music, an onboard audio guide, and a welcome drink on select options.
• See the Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, and Chain Bridge from the Danube as Budapest shifts from daylight to glittering city lights.
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
• Széchenyi Spa: Enjoy full‑day access to outdoor and indoor thermal pools, saunas, and steam cabins, with either a locker or a private changing cabin included depending on your ticket.
• Danube River Cruise: Sail for about an hour along central Budapest, with multilingual audio commentary and the choice of daytime, evening, or night departures.
• Plan the day around you: use Széchenyi’s flexible entry as your base, then pick a cruise time that suits your pace—perfect for first‑time and short‑stay visitors who want spa culture and skyline views without juggling multiple bookings.
Explore the most beautiful parts of the city 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 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 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 othe complete history of Budapest and Hungary, both past and present, this is the free walking tour for you. 🤗
Book your place now, hope to meet you soon!
• Enjoy multilingual audio commentary in 6 languages as you cruise past Budapest’s iconic riverside landmarks.
• Your cruise covers a 1-hour route past central Budapest, giving you time to enjoy the skyline, riverside promenades and landmark-studded banks.
• Take in bridges, parliament spires and castle views from the water, capturing atmospheric photos as the city reflections ripple across the river.
• Upgrade to unlimited prosecco for a more premium sightseeing cruise along the Danube.
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
Looking for something to do in Budapest? A cruise along the Danube River is a must. Hop on a Silverline boat and enjoy a boat ride during the day or at sunset.
• 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!
Let’s discover BOTH sides of the city — Buda AND Pest — together! 🥳
We’ll start our walking tour at St. Stephen’s Basilica, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
From there, we’ll pass through Liberty Square and continue to the Hungarian Parliament, famous for its breathtaking architecture and riverside views.
Next, we’ll visit the Shoes on the Danube Bank, a touching memorial honoring the victims of World War II. From here, we’ll enjoy a beautiful panorama of the Buda side — with Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Matthias Church (outside view).
Then we're heading to Széchenyi Square, and from there we’ll cross the Chain Bridge, one of Budapest’s most beautiful landmarks, offering unforgettable views of both sides of the city.
Our tour will end at the Várkert Bazár (Castle Garden Bazaar) — a stunning 19th-century architectural gem at the foot of Castle Hill. From here, there’s direct access up to Buda Castle in just a few minutes, making it the perfect finishing point for our journey through the heart of Budapest.
Please note that the tour route may change due to city events, road closures, or other unexpected circumstances. I always do my best to stay informed and notify guests of any changes in advance whenever possible.
What are we going to visit?
- St. Stephen’s Basilica
- Liberty Square
- Parliament
- Shoes on the Danube Bank
- View of: Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church
- Széchenyi Square
- Chain Bridge
- Várkert Bazár (Castle Garden Bazaar)
Hope to see you soon! 🙂
• Your ticket includes a 1-hour daytime or evening cruise past both banks of the Danube, giving you unbroken views of Buda Castle, the Parliament building and city bridges.
• Tune in with your own earphones to a multilingual audio guide that shares stories about the sights as they glide by, so you enjoy the scenery with easy-to-follow context.
• Upgrade by choosing a nighttime sailing to see the city lit up, or add a welcome drink so you can toast Budapest’s skyline as its illuminated monuments drift past.
• Pick between audio-guided or drink-focused options by time of day, tailoring your cruise with commentary, sparkling night views, or a relaxed daytime sail to match your mood.
The tour is a great way to start your stay in Budapest!
As a local, it is my privilege to take you out for your first walking tour and give you recommendations (the best eat-and-drink places) for the rest of your stay.
We will visit the main attractions (outside) such as:
-Basilica
-Parliament
-Liberty Square
-Some hidden gems, monuments
-Shoes on the Danube
-A bit of Buda side view and its history (short version only, as Buda side is a different tour on its own)
I cover the most important sights through stories and fun facts, and I also go off the beaten track to discover some hidden gems! There will be some quiz questions, so if you have the right answers, you will not walk away with empty hands! 🙂
Great way to discover the city in 2 hours' time and meet new people from all around the world. It is a shorter and lighter version of sightseeing tour for people who just arrived to the city, without heavy, dry historical details, years, names and Numbers.
Looking forward to meeting you 🙂
Please note, in case of extreme weather such as storm/heavy rain/heatwave the start time might change or the tour might end sooner for everyone's safety.
Discover Vienna’s imperial elegance and Bratislava’s medieval charm in a single day on this day trip from Budapest. A must-see itinerary!
• Start by checking in for your spa day, then change and head straight into the thermal pools or saunas whenever you like within opening hours.
• Your ticket covers full day entry to Lukacs Spa, with access to indoor and outdoor thermal pools plus sauna and steam areas for unhurried relaxation.
• Alternate between warm thermal waters and steam rooms, cool off in the pools, and take breaks to rest so you can recharge at your own pace throughout the day.
• Choose locker access for secure storage and convenient entry and exit during your visit, or upgrade to a private changing cabin for added comfort and privacy.
Welcome to the Wonders of Buda Castle !
LOTS OF UNDERGROUND HIDDEN GEMS !
This is not just another castle tour. It is a journey through 800 years of Hungarian history, filled with fascinating stories, hidden gems, and a healthy dose of humor.
History is my passion, and I love bringing the past to life. At the same time, I know that even the most exciting historical stories are best enjoyed with a few laughs along the way.
(By the way, my Hungarian name is Mátyás—just like King Matthias, one of Hungary's greatest rulers, who lived right here in Buda Castle during the 15th century!)
During our walk, I will show you some of the lesser-known treasures hidden beneath the surface of the Castle District—places that played an important role in shaping the history of Hungary.
Along the way, I'll also share my personal recommendations for museums, restaurants, thermal baths, cafés, wine bars, festivals, and cultural events, as well as practical tips on using Budapest's public transport system to explore the city like a local.
Meeting Point :
Our adventure begins at Matthias Church, just a minute's walk from Holy Trinity Square.
🔵 Look for the Blue Umbrella!
Highlights of the Tour
Some of the fascinating places and stories we'll discover include:
- Matthias Church
- Fisherman's Bastion
- The Royal Palace District
- St. George's Square
- Sándor Palace
- Karmelita Monastery
- Matthias Fountain
- The National Gallery
- The Royal Stable
- St. Stephen's Room
- The Corvinus Library
- Hospital in the Rock
- The Labyrinth
- The Funicular
- The House of Houdini
- Faust Wine Cellar
- White Raven
- The Beggar's Gate
- Hidden monastery ruins
- Cherry blossom viewpoints
- The guards at the Presidential Office
- Stunning panoramic views of Budapest, the Danube, Parliament, and Chain Bridge
And of course, many more surprises along the way!
Together, we will travel through centuries of history, discovering the stories of kings and queens, battles and romances, triumphs and tragedies that shaped Hungary and its capital.
I would be delighted to be your guide and share my passion for the wonders of Hungarian history with you.
See you soon in Buda Castle! 😊
