hungary walking tour

THE 10 BEST Hungary Walking Tours

Walking tours in hungary.

Sightseeing Tours
Historical & Heritage Tours
Walking Tours
Up to 1 hour
1 to 4 hours
4 hours to 1 day
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4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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1. Budapest All in One Walking Tour with Strudel Stop

2. Night-Time Dark History and Vampire Walking Tour in Buda Castle District

3. Budapest Private Full-Day City Sightseeing Tour

4. Szentendre Daytrip (Unesco world heritage city)

5. Hungarian Wine Tasting (with Cheese and Charcuterie) in Budapest

6. A Self-Guided Tour Through Budapest's Jewish Quarter

7. Budapest Essentials Private Tour (Highlights and Hidden Sights)

8. Budapest ️Highlights️ Live Guided Segway Tour

9. Budapest Jewish Heritage Tour & Synagogue Ticket

10. Budapest private day trip from Vienna

11. Essential Walking Tour

12. Budapest Street Food Tour with Hungarian Snacks Dessert and Beer

13. Budapest Historical Sightseeing - Walking Tour

14. Small-Group Culinary Walking Tour in Budapest

15. Budapest Bike Tour

16. Budapest Culinary & Wine Walk

17. Budapest Night Walking Tour with Danube River Cruise

18. The Original Budapest Pub Crawl - One Hour Open Bar + Free Shots

19. Free walking tour in the Buda Castle incl. Fisherman's Bastion

20. Private Tour Of the Lehel Square Market

21. Buda Castle Walk with Matthias Church Entry

22. 101 things you have to see in Budapest - Full Day Tour with Lunch & Dessert

23. The Award-Winning Private Food Tour of Budapest: 6 or 10 Tastings

24. Budapest City Walk in Jewish Quarter

25. Budapest: Saint Stephen's Basilica Tour

26. Budapest Dohany Great Synagogue & Hungarian Jewish Museum

27. Budapest Food Tasting Tour with Nelli (English&German)

28. Budapest Castle District Walking Tour

29. The Underground Hotspots - A Budapest Ruin Bar Tour

30. Budapest E-bike Tour

What travelers are saying.

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Sunshine in Budapest, Hungary Walking Tour – 4K

Free Budapest Walking Tour:

Location : Pest ( East Side of Danube River ) Cost : Free, Self-Guided ( Museum and sight costs below ) Style : Do-It-Yourself Walking Tour ( Self Guided ) Start : Holocaust Shoe Memorial Stop : Grand Market Hall Walking Distance : 3 Miles Time : 1 hour of walking ( 4 hours with sights; +1 hour for Parliament Tour ) Fun Scale : 9 out of 10

Central Pest Overview:

Sitting of the Eastern bank of the Danube River is Budapest’s lively and history Pest neighborhood. Pest was founded in was an economic powerhouse in the 11th-13th Centuries until it was sacked by the Mongols in 1241. The city made a comeback through the Middle Ages which later lead to grand buildings and cathedrals. After severe flooding spread 8 feet of water through Pest, it merged with Buda and Óbuda on the Western bank in 1873.

Even through all of the changes and wars, Pest has retained many historic monuments like Saint Stephen’s Basilica and the Hungarian Parliament to remain the heart of Budapest. Our self-guided walking tour through central Pest is the perfect way to get a feel for the Budapest’s history. Different sights will highlight Pest’s war-torn past, the days of power grandeur, plus an easy to love culture and flair.

Pest Walking Tour Sights:

1. holocaust shoe memorial :.

free budapest walking tour map central pest monuments - Holocaust Shoe Memorial

About The Holocaust Shoe Memorial : On first glance, the Holocaust Shoe Memorial looks like just a collection of bronzed shoes by the waterside, but knowing the history of this spot makes a visit truly moving. During WWII, the Nazi’s secret police group Arrow Cross often executed Jews and other citizens here by shooting them then pushing them into the Danube River. All of the victims were required to line up and take their shoes off not knowing which of them would be shot. When the Nazis wanted to save bullets they would tie a few people together, shoot one, push the group into the freezing river, and watch the dead bodies drag the entire group down. The Memorial’s 60, 1940’s era shoes represent the shoes left behind by the fallen Arrow Cross victims and you really should not missed it.

As you walk North along the river the big white mansion on your right is the Office of the Prime Minister . The building once was a mansion for Hungarian aristocrats, and the grandmother of US Sectary of State and former Presidential candidate John Kerry’s grandmother was born here as a daughter of the chambermaid.

2. Hungarian Parliament Building :

free budapest walking tour map central pest monuments - Hungarian Parliament Building exterior

About The Hungarian Parliament Building : The huge Gothic-style Hungarian Parliament, or House of the Nation, is the formal seat of government for Hungary and the most photographed monument in Budapest. The massive 315-foot-tall and 879-foot-long building is a symbol of Hungary’s power as it dominates the Eastern bank of the Danube River. The Parliament’s silhouette of the white Gothic spires, red domes, and 242 sculptures is breathtaking.

Construction of the Parliament started shortly after Budapest was united out of three cities ( Óbuda, Buda, and Pest ) in 1873 to centralize Hungary’s government. Although it wasn’t completed until in 1904, the building was symbolically consecrated 1896 to mark the 1,000th anniversary of the country being formed. It is impossible to not be impressed by the grandeur of the Hungarian Parliament with its exterior spires and interior filled with carved woodwork, stained glass windows, Gothic arches. We will talk more about the interior of the Parliament next on this free Budapest walking tour, but first we want to point out a few other of the interesting exterior features you should know about.

On the North side of the Hungarian Parliament Building is a small park with a memorial statue from 1975 for controversial former president Károlyi Mihály (ruled from 1918-19 ). Early in his political career, Mihály was credited with helping give women, veterans, and other citizens the right to vote in 1915. He became Prime Minister after opposing the previous leader ( who got them into WWI ), and then quickly turned Hungary into a democracy. With an anti-war mindset, Mihály pushed for Hungary to make peace with the Allied Nations to end WWI, but was forced out of power after his efforts led to too many territory concessions. In the end, Hungary did have to give up further land to end the war with the Peace Treaty of Trianon which also led to a long economic decline. With these negative circumstances considered, modern Hungarians look past the bad things under Mihály and honor the good intentions he had for the country.

Another larger statue around the Parliament grounds is of former president Lajos Kossuth (ruled from 1848-49 ) on a red stone pedestal directing both the people and the army. Kossuth was the President through the Revolution of 1848-49 and was a strong social advocate who signed the first law which recognizing minority rights in Europe. The inscription at the memorial calls him “Father of Hungarian Democracy, Hungarian Statesman, Freedom Fighter”.

3. Hungarian Parliament Interior :

free budapest walking tour map central pest monuments - Hungarian Parliament Building Interior Grand Stairway

About The Hungarian Parliament Interior : While we love the admire the Parliament Building from every possible angle on the outside, you really need to see the gorgeous interior. In total there are 10 courtyards, 28 staircases, and 691 rooms inside the massive complex.

On a tour of the interior of the Hungarian Parliament you will see some of the most beautiful rooms for 50 minutes with a guide. The tours start with a walk down the gold-plated Staircase XVII framed by statues, stained glass. Old Upper House Hall which has colorful paintings of Hungary’s royal families and murals depicting the historical role of the nobility in a medieval beer hall style room. This leads to the Upper House Lobby which is the most exotic space in the Parliament resembling the inside of an Ottoman Sultan’s palace . The large wrap around murals in both the Nándorfehérvár and Munkácsy Halls are also very impressive with their depictions of religious and battle scenes.

Reaching the geometric center of the House of Parliament and the symbolic center of Hungary, you enter the sixteen-sided Dome Hall. Since 2000 this vast space is has been home to the Holy Crown Of Hungary protected 24 hours a day by two royal guards. The Byzantine-style royal crown dates back to the between 1031-1070s, was made in Constantinople ( modern-day Istanbul ), and was used to coronate over 50 Hungarian Kings. Make to look up at the stunning ceiling while inside the Dome Hall which looks like a radiant sun beaming light down on you.

We love the main corridors filled with statues representing the different Medieval professions from horse herders to stonecutters, but the Grand Stairway is the most impressive space. The combination of arches, ceiling murals, and lighting make the Grand Stairway feel like the inside of an old-world castle.

General Hours : April-October 8am-6pm; November-March 8am-4pm. Guided Tours : 50-minute tours leave from the underground entrance on the park side of the building toward the East ( away from the river ). Tours in English at 10am, Noon, 1pm, 1:45pm & 3pm; many other languages available throughout the day. Tour Cost : 6000 HUF for Adults; 2400 HUF for EU Citizens; Students Half price; Kids 6 & Under Free. Buying Tickets : Tickets can be purchased in advance to save yourself waiting in line and can sell out if you don’t buy in advance. Parliament Website : ( HERE ).

4. Museum of Ethnography ( Neprajzi Muzeum ):

free budapest walking tour map central pest monuments - Museum of Ethnography

About The Museum of Ethnography : The Museum of Ethnography is a great way to get an eclectic mix of cultures throughout the World all in one building. They have a diverse collection of more than 200,000 ethnographic artifacts , as well as historical photographs, manuscripts, folk music recordings, and videos of everything you can think of. Its European collection covers every ethnic group on the continent, its Oceania and Africa Collections are assembled by famous Hungarian world travelers and ethnologists, and its collections of authentic artifacts from America, Asia, and Indonesia, are also pretty awesome.

The palace-like building housing the Museum of Ethnography was actually first built for the Department of Justice in the 1800s as a Supreme Court, and supreme it is. Its grand style and richly ornamented interior reflect the powerful place Hungary’s government occupied in Europe in the 1800s. The museum was moved here in 1973 and it just seems like a perfect fit. You’ll be wowed from the second you step into the dimly lit grand hall and entertained through the last exhibit. Adults seem to appreciate the collects more than kids do.

Hours : Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm; Closed Mondays. Cost : 1000 HUF; 500 HUF for EU Citizens; special exhibit combo tickets are usually 200 HUF more. Guided Tours : Available in numerous languages and 8,000 HUF covers a group up to 25 people. Museum Website : ( HERE ).

Closure Notice : The museum is closed for renovations and will re-open sometime in 2020.

5. Imre Nagy Memorial :

free budapest walking tour map central pest monuments - Imre Nagy Memorial Bridge

About The Imre Nagy Memorial : Located in the middle of the small leafy Martyrs Square ( Vértanúk Tere ) is the Imre Nagy Memorial consisting of a cozy footbridge and the former leader symbolically looking out over Parliament . Nagy was Prime Minister of Hungary during the anti-Soviet Revolution of 1956 when many Hungarian Citizens fought to get rid of Soviet influence. The Revolution was foiled but Nagy shared the group’s views and took action to make his Communist government neutral from both the Soviets and Stalin. The biggest step he took was when he withdrew from the Warsaw Pact and asked the United Nations to recognize Hungary and a neutral 3rd party. He also took steps to open the Hungarian Government up to a multi-party system although he remained himself a Marxist.

The steps Nagy took faced a lot of hostility as the Soviets had helped liberate Hungary from the Nazis at the end of WWII and many Government officials were still loyal to the USSR. Because of these strong loyalties, Nagy was arrested for treason in 1958, tried secretly, executed by hanging, and was buried in an unmarked grave. Many viewed this as a message from the USSR to other Communist leaders of what would happen if they started growing away from them. The corruption involved was obvious since the same man who had Nagy tried for treason ( János Kádár ) became the next Prime Minister. Over the following 30 years of Communist rule, it became illegal to utter Nagy’s name as he was viewed as a martyr and symbol of freedom. After Communism fell in 1989, Nagy was reburied and a crowd of over 200,000 people gathered in Heroes’ Square near Budapest’s City Park for his funeral.

6. Freedom Square ( Szabadság Tér ):

free budapest walking tour map central pest monuments - Freedom Square

About Freedom Square : Named after the freedom fighters who were executed here in the 1840s, Freedom Square is actually the former site of a military barracks. The main highlight of the square is the Soviet Monument dedicated to the Soviet’s Red Army troops who liberated Hungary from the Nazis at the end of WWII. A standing Soviet Monument is really quite rare in Budapest as most Communist statues were moved to Memento Park outside of town when Hungary became a true Democracy in 1989. While most modern-day Hungarians seem to want the Soviet Monument removed, try to view the monument as more of a celebration for the Nazis being kicked out than as an honor for Soviets coming in. The square also holds other monuments to freedom including a statue of Ronald Regan who was the US President the year Communism ended in Hungary.

7. The Fat Policeman Statue :

free budapest walking tour map central pest monuments - Fat Policeman Statue Good Luck

About The Fat Policeman Statue : The iconic bronze statue of the Fat Policeman is one of many good luck statues you will see on this free Budapest walking tour. The statue was added along Zrínyi Street in 2008 by artist Illyés András who used his own grandfather as inspiration. The exaggerated features of the Fat Policeman, especially the huge belly, are meant to show how hearty the Hungarian foods like goulash are. It has become a tradition to rub the gut of the Fat Policeman for good luck which keeps like belly a shiny gold color.

8. Saint Stephen’s Basilica ( Szent István Bazilika ):

free budapest walking tour map central pest monuments - Saint Stephen’s Basilica

About Saint Stephen’s Basilica : The two towers and large dome of the huge, 315 foot tall Saint Stephen’s Basilica towers of the large open square around it. This powerful church is named after Stephen, the first King of Hungary ( 975–1038 ), whose mummified fist is still housed in the reliquary. His first is known locally as the Holy Right and can be seen in the back of the church mummified and holding jewels. The display is dark and they make you pay 100 HUF to light it up which is pretty weird, but worth it. If you are looking to see it for free you have to be in town on August 20th known as St Stephen Day when they have the hand attend services and also lead the parade in his honor.

As you can imagine with a church this big the construction, which started in 1851, didn’t go as smooth as they wanted. The first dome collapsed 17 years after the groundbreaking and then the second architect Miklos Ybl, who also built the Opera House , died. It seemed like the church was doomed, but finally they got it all together 50 years after the groundbreaking. After the stabilized Church was finally standing strong, the best painters and sculptures in Hungary came in to finish off the masterpiece.

The interior today is a great mix of light and dark, stone and wood, marble and gilding to combine into a very impressive church. We highly suggest swinging by the treasury, twin bell towers, and Szent Jobb Chapel. Among the two bell towers, the left tower has one of the better panoramic views of Budapest and the right tower houses a giant 9-ton church bell. Which one you choose depends on what you want to see.

Visitor Hours : Church is open Daily 7am-7pm; Treasury is 9am-5pm ( 10am-4pm in winter ); Szent Jobb Chapel 9am-5pm ( Sundays 1pm-5pm ); Tower daily 10am-4:30pm ( July-September until 6pm ). Cost : Church Free; Treasury 400 Ft; Tower 500 Ft. Church Services : Daily 8am, 530pm, & 6pm; Sunday Mass is at 8am, 9am,10am, Noon, 6pm, & 7pm. Church Website : ( HERE ).

9. Elizabeth Park ( Erzsébet Tér ):

free budapest walking tour map central pest monuments - Elizabeth Park

About Elizabeth Park : Elizabeth Park is a great park to visit any day of the week and is extra busy on the weekends. The area is busy not just because it is a large beautiful and hip park, but also because it is a cross roads for three different Metro Lines which leads to a very eclectic crowd. The West side of the Square is more of a laid-back standard park area with trees and fountains while the East side is definitely the bustling, young, hip area. Adding to the hipness of the East side are a large look-like pond and multi-level terraces filled with outdoor furniture.

This area is surrounded by numerous cafes where you can grab a bit to eat or a drink. Many locals bring their own wine in the evening and drink around the pond. Also on the East side, there are the two popular bars/nightclubs called Gödör Klub ( website ) and Akvárium Klub ( website ). We love both of them, but end up spending more time in Akvárium as we really like their outdoor fit pits in the Winter. The funky band memorabilia and Volt signage in the lobby of Akvárium comes from the annual Volt Musical Festival they help promote in Western Hungary which 80,000 people go to.

Just off of the Southeast corner of the Park is the giant yellow Anker Mansion House which was built as the first apartment building in Budapest in 1907. The two-towered building, with its pyramid roof, gets its name from the Anker Life and Pension Insurance Company which first built it.

10. Gresham Palace Four Seasons Hotel :

free budapest walking tour map central pest monuments - Gresham Palace Four Seasons Hotel

About Gresham Palace : Overlooking Roosevelt Park at the foot of the famous Chain Bridge, is the architectural treat called Gresham Palace. The Palace was built in 1906 as the grand headquarters for the foreign Gresham Life Insurance Company and they spared no expense. The headquarters were built so fancy that tons of wealthy British aristocrats all spent time living on the upper floors.

During WWII the Soviets used Gresham Palace to house troops and after the war, the damaged building served as a rundown apartment complex. Finally, after over 50 years of falling apart, the Four Season’s Hotel chain bought the property and quickly restored to its original grandeur. Today the Palace serves as a great backdrop to Roosevelt square and offers great views of Castle Hill which is directly across the Danube River. Even if you can’t afford its $400+ a night rooms, a brief stroll through the magnificent lobby will leave you in awe.

Sitting in front of Gresham Palace is a long park called Roosevelt Square . On the North side of the Park statue of Count István Széchenyi ( 1791-1860 ) who founded the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and also originally thought up nearby Chain Bridge. The Southside has its own statue of Ferenc Deák ( 1803-1876 ), who advanced relations between Austria and Hungary and had the nickname “Wise Man”. Hotel Website : ( HERE ).

11. Chain Bridge ( Széchenyi Lanchid ):

free budapest walking tour map central pest monuments - Chain Bridge Lion Statues

About The Chain Bridge : The historic quarter-mile long Chain Bridge was completed in 1849 as the first permanent bridge connecting Buda and Pest. The bridge was needed to help Pest escape constant flooding and led to the city merging with Buda and Óbuda to form Budapest in 1873. With large lion statues guarding all four corners of the Bridge, its easy to feel its power. Great photo opportunities come not only from the statues but also from the Chain Bridge itself with the breath-taking Buda Hills & Royal Palace in the background. The Chain Bridge is absolutely gorgeous when it is lit up at night.

If you only have a short amount of time in Budapest we suggest that your break this free Budapest Walking Tour off here and follow the Chain Bridge across the Danube River to follow our Castle Hill Walking Tour . If you have a few days in Budapest, however, continue on this tour taking your time and visit Castle Hill later.

12. The Spoon Restaurant :

free budapest walking tour map central pest monuments - The Spoon Boat Restuant Danube River

About The Spoon Restaurant : The Spoon is an amazing restaurant inside a docked boat right on the Danube River. The setting on the water is especially beautiful at night. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner or just a beautiful place to get a drink we highly suggest the Spoon. The-250 foot-long three level riverboat has two restaurants, five bars, a panoramic open terrace, convertible winter garden, and an underwater Oriental bar. The Spoon remains docked the entire year so it’s always there and has a lot of outdoor seating plus posh inside seating. It’s worth buying a drink or food just to be able to check The Spoon out and take some photos especially if you go down into the Red Velvet Oriental Bar on the bottom level.

Depending on your taste for the menu there is also a second really good boat restaurant right next door to The Spoon called the Vén Hajó ( website ). After your visit, we suggest taking the crosswalk between the two boat restaurants to reach the steps that will up the opposite side of the tram tracks. Crossing here is the easiest way to continue with the rest of the sites on the free Budapest walking otherwise you will have to go down the riverfront a long distance for the next set of steps.

Cost : High end drinks average $6-15; Meals are $10-20. Hours : Daily Noon-Midnight. Restaurant Website : ( HERE ).

13. Royal Princess Statue ( Kis Királylány ):

free budapest walking tour map central pest monuments - royal prince statue jester hat clown

About The Royal Princess Statue : Often referred to as the Jester, the bronze Royal Princess Statue is one of the top photo opportunities in Budapest with the Danube River and Royal Palace in the background. The artist, László Marton, modeled the famous statue after his daughter who often dressed with a paper newspaper crown to pretend to be a princess. The original Royal Princess Statue can be seen at the Hungarian National Gallery and this larger replica was created added near the tram tracks in front of Vigado Square in 1990.

Like the Fat Policeman Statue’s belly from earlier on this free Budapest walking tour, the Princess has gained polished golden knees from visitors rubbing her for good luck. The artist, László Marton, also has a noteworthy statue of poet Attila József sitting on the riverside steps not far from the Hungarian Parliament Building. On a trip to Budapest, Prince Charles of England liked the Royal Prince Statue so much he had a replica made for his residence in London.

14. Vörösmarty Square :

free budapest walking tour map central pest monuments - Vorosmarty Square Gerbeaud Cafe

About Vörösmarty Square : As you enter the large Vörösmarty Square you will find a huge limestone statue of writer Mihály Vörösmarty , who the Square is named after. Vörösmarty gained his fame not just from his romanticized poems and plays, but also for his patriotic lyrics making him a national treasure. The statue was built in 1908 on a pedestal of limestone blocks and is surrounded by tons of figures representing different classes of Hungarian society. These figures include a farmer, students, peasants among many others. Vörösmarty’s writings were both appealing to and made up of a very wide range of people as you can tell by the diversity of the figures who surround him.

The Square is also home to the Vörösmarty tér Metro Stop, but it is the beautiful Gerbeaud Café ( website )opened in 1858 that you will remember the most. Gerbeaud Café is a delightful pastry shop with a lavish marble and ornate interior whose white facade dominated the Square. If pastries are not your thing, Gerbeaud also has a nice authentic pub and a great high-end restaurant that will make you feel like a Hungarian aristocrat. Gerbeaud can hold up to 300 guests inside and also has great outdoor seating, so don’t worry about getting served if you see a crowd, there is plenty of room for everyone. You can always get something to go and do a makeshift picnic.

Our favorite time of year to visit Vörösmarty Square is in December when you’ll be treated to a number of great outdoor stands that make up Budapest’s Christmas Fair and Market. The Market has the perfect look and feels just like the large Christmas markets of Austria and Germany.

15. Váci Shopping Street (Váci Utca):

free budapest walking tour map central pest monuments - Pedestrian only Vaci Utca Shopping Street

About Váci Utca : The pedestrian-only Váci Street is the best shopping area in all of Budapest and stretches all the way from Vörösmarty Square to the Great Market Hall. The architecture along the street is some of the best from the 1700s, the atmosphere is always upbeat, and there is a great mix of both affordable souvenir shops and high-end fashion boutiques. If you wander slightly off Váci Utca, in almost any direction, you can find a great number of mom-n-pop style eateries that have great deals and even better food.

Speaking of food, notice the Historic McDonald’s on your right as you begin down Váci, it is a big deal. This McDonald’s was the first Western fast food restaurant built in the Communist East Block when is came here in 1988. The people of Budapest were so excited for McDonald’s to be here that the line to get food typically ran outside the restaurant and down the road a few blocks. McDonald’s went on to build what we feel is their fanciest restaurant in the World to the Northeast of here near the train station, which is also marked on the map above.

While the McDonald’s and the shopping on Váci Utca are special, the most unique thing is definitely the statue of the Peeing Boy . It is quite literally is a statue of a peeing boy and serves as a gathering spot for travelers looking to rest their feet. As you continue down the street make sure to investigate numerous statues you come across.

16. Roman Fortress Ruins ( Contra Aquincum ):

About Contra Aquincum : The Roman city of Aquincum ( modern Óbuda ) was founded just up the river from here on the opposite bank of the Danube in 41AD and became the capital of the state of Pannonia in 106AD. This elevated status made Aquincum a target of rival Barbarian groups which led to the need for greater protection. A large fortress called Contra Aquincum was built here in the early 100s AD to serve as the first line of defense for the regional capital.

Interestingly the Contra Aquincum was built on the Barbarian side of the Danube which was not fully controlled by the Romans. The placement of the fortress on just beyond the Roman borders at the edge of the frontier made it very important. When Roman Emperor Diocletian visited in 296AD he ordered the fortress be massively re-enforced. It was common for Emperors to visit Budapest and many did starting with Domitian in 86AD through Valentinian I in 374AD.

After the Romans left, the Hungarians continued to use Contra Aquincum for defense until around just after the country was officially founded in 896AD. A settlement began to grow around the former fortress which sparked the true beginning of the city of Pest . Much of the village and the remains of the fortress were ravaged in the Mongol Invasion of 1241, but the city continued to grow. In Medieval times a wall protected Pest and on any modern map you see a natural half circle in the road ( Károly > Múzeum > Vámház ) 5 blocks out from the river where the wall enclosed the Inner City of Pest.

Through the plexiglass viewpoints middle of Március Square, you can still see parts from the original Contra Aquincum Fortress sitting just below the pavement. These Roman ruins used to be open air, but had to be covered in the early 2000s to protect them from vandalization. If you are further interested in the Roman history of Budapest you can visit the ruins of the former regional capital Aquincum just North of the city with an easy 20-30 minute metro ride from the center of town.

17. Inner City Parish (Belvárosi):

free budapest walking tour map central pest monuments - Inner City Parish Belvárosi

About Inner City Parish : Rebuilt numerous times over the centuries, the Inner City Parish was the heart of the neighborhood of Pest in Medieval times. In as early as 296 this location was the watchtower for the Roman Contra-Aquincum Fortress and was then a massive military control room by 350. When the Romans left, a small village ( Pest ) began to form around the old fortress. Shortly after Hungary officially formed in 896 the fortress was no longer needed and the first church was built here in the 11th century by Hungary’s first King Saint Stephen ( 1000-1038 ) to honor the Virgin Mary.

The original Inner City Parish was made of stone with three naves and was said to have inspired other famous churches like the hand-carved Ják Abbey. This early church was where the monk Saint Gellért was buried after he was martyred just across the river on Gellért Hill in 1046. Saint Gellért ( Gerard of Csanád ) had been put in a barrel and rolled to his death by citizens resisting his attempts to convert them to Christianity. The church even had to be extended in 1053 to hold all of the new relics from Saint Gellért ( who was a mentor of King Stephen ). Some of his foot bones and vertebra can be still found at the altar Inner City Parish even though much of the original church which was destroyed by the Mongols in 1241. There are also bones from Hungarian Princess Elizabeth ( 1207-1239 ) who was engaged in the church to Saxon count at age four. Our favorite remnant on display from this era of the church is a marvelous fresco of the Virgin Mary sitting in a throne.

A second church was built here in the Gothic-style and was famously where a congregation of nobles appointed Matthias Corvinus the King of Hungary on January 23rd, 1458. The Gothic parish survived being converted into a Mosque during Ottoman rule ( 1541-1686 ) and was turned back to a church again before burning in a fire in 1723. The third and current Franciscan ( Catholic ) church was heavily influenced by the Austrian-Hungarian alliance as its Baroque-style looks like many of the small parishes near Salzburg and Vienna. The beloved Hungarian composer Franz Liszt even lived and worked on the church grounds between 1858-1871. From the ancient Roman sections, to the original Medieval cellars, and the Muslim Mihrab niche near the altar, it is very interesting to see all parts of the parish’s history incorporated into the current church.

You can learn more about the famous monk Saint Gellért on our Gellért Hill Walking Tour . which picks up just across the Danube River from the Inner City Parish.

Entrance Cost : 1,000 HUF for Adults; 700 HUF for Children; Kids 6 & Under are Free. Hours : Weekdays 9am-4:30pm; limited hours in the evenings and weekends due to church services. Website : Here .

18. University Library & Ybl Palace :

About University Library & Ybl Palace : A series of great mosaic title roofs all right next to each other leads to one of the more icon photos opportunities in Budapest. The blue and grey Ybl Palace was designed as an upscale apartment building in 1869 by famous Hungarian architect Miklós Ybl. Ybl’s best-known work is the Hungarian Opera House, but his influence in the buildings of Budapest seems to pop up all over. The bright yellow University Library houses many priceless works of literature and art including works from the days of King Matthias and Hungary’s founding.

19. University Church ( Egyetemi Templomi ):

About University Church : Built in 1742 on the site of a Turkish Mosque, the University Church is by far the biggest and best baroque-style church in Budapest. It is tucked tightly into an alley on Egyetem Tér but is easily viewed and photographed at the nearby Károly Garden to the Northeast. The exterior dominated by two green-cap towers, which were added in 1771 and statues of the hermits Paul and Anthony in the middle. Can you spot the palm between two lions with a raven? This is the traditional emblem of the Pauline Order of priests and it sits directly above the image of Madonna on a globe. The theme of the Madonna carries inside as the interiors frescoes are full of scenes depicting the life of the Virgin.

20. Hungarian National Museum :

About The Hungarian National Museum : Housed in a building that looks like the U.S. Supreme Court, the Hungarian National Museum has been an icon of Budapest ever since it was built in 1807. The museums main claim to fame was when a reading on the front steps of Sándor Petőfi’s 12 Points and famous poem Nemzeti Dal partially helped inspire citizens to begin the Revolution of 1848. Today there are two statues at the museum commemorating this Revolution. The most fascinating exhibits are the preserved art treasures, and Princes from Afar, but whatever the Exhibit of the Month happens to be is usually worth the stop in itself.

Cost : Adults 1600 HUF; Discounts for students and families. Hours : Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm; closed Mondays. Museum Website : ( HERE ).

21. For Sale Pub :

free budapest walking tour map central pest monuments - for sale pub paper letters on walls

About For Sale Pub : One of the most famous pubs in Budapest because of the unique decor. For centuries it was a custom around town for people to post their items for sale in their local pub as an early version of classified ads. This pub carries on that tradition as every inch of the walls and ceiling are covered in paper for sale notices. The floor even looks like an old barn-style tavern with nut shells and loose straw scattered about.

Hours : Daily Noon-3am; can get very busy from 7-10pm which a reservation is suggested by phone. Phone : +36 70 599 3860

22. Grand Market Hall ( Nagycsarnok ):

free budapest walking tour map central pest monuments - Grand Market Hall Central

About The Grand Market Hall : Also known as Central Market Hall, this three-story-tall bustling food epicenter is grand indeed. The basement has a large grocery area, the second floor has a lot of meat and vegetable sellers, and the second floor has a bunch of clothing knickknack sellers. The Grand Market is the most touristy yet the most beautiful of the five major market halls in Budapest.

You can go to the strudel stall on the first floor and taste the typical Hungarian poppy-seed and cabbage strudels. You can also go to the Langos stall (fried salty dough topped by cheese, sour cream ham etc) on the second floor where you can also sample wine and spirits for a reasonable price. You will also find strings of red paprika and garlic, the famous Hungarian salami, sausage, ham and other meat product along with fresh pastry, frisbee-sized salty doughnut, cheap and delicious Hungarian wine and fruit brandies are sold. Definitely, a must stop while in Budapest and this is the best of the five big markets in town.

Hope you enjoyed your time on the Pest Monument Walking Tour, from here you have a couple different options for where to go next. You can either take the short walk across the bridge which leads you to our Gellért Hill Walking Tour , you can head straight north on Vaci Utca to catch up on any shops you miss, or you can head back up to Kalvin Square to jump on the Metro – the choice is yours.

Hours : Mondays 6am-5pm; Tuesday-Friday 6am-6pm; Saturdays 6am-3pm; Closed Sundays. Market Website : ( HERE ).

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Disclaimer: Information on this page and in our walking tours were deemed accurate when published, however, details such as opening hours, rates, transportation, visa requirements, and safety can change without notice. Please check with any destinations directly before traveling.

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Home » The 6 Best Walking Tours in Budapest (Personally Tested)

The 6 Best Free and Paid Walking Tours in Budapest (PERSONALLY TESTED)

Last updated: Dec 17, 2023

Author: Adam Dimitrov — Budapester, Hungarian & City Expert/Guide

Are you overwhelmed by choices for walking tours in Budapest?

Look no further.

I've done the legwork — literally — by personally taking on six of the city's most popular walking tours .

Whether you're keen to explore Buda Castle , delve into the labyrinthine cave system beneath it, stroll the vibrant Pest side , uncover the city's dark WW2 and Jewish history , take a grand tour of the Budapest, or enjoy a more entertaining undead folklore themed adventure , I've got a recommendation for you.

Each recommendation is backed up by first-hand experience and countless photos, so you'll know exactly what to expect.

Ready to explore?

Disclaimer: This website uses affiliate links. I get paid a small commission if you purchase anything through my links. It costs you nothing and makes my job financially sustainable. Cheers!

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Summary & Comparison — Top 6 Walking Tours in Budapest

Reviews calculation: I am using the total review count of the activity from GetYourGuide, Tripadvisor, Guruwalk and Viator.

1. Night Vampire Walking Tour in Buda Castle District

💡 Note: This review is based on my experience during the 8:00 pm English-language tour, led by Joe as our guide.

Immerse yourself in the mysteries of the night with Budapest's one-of-a-kind walking tour , centered around undead folklore and haunting tales of the Hungary and Eastern Europe.

This isn't your average historical walking tour; prepare for spine-tingling stories that delve deep into Eastern European myths about vampires, ghosts, and the undead .

Highlights of the Tour

I can attest that this tour is not just another walking tour in Budapest—it's an immersive storytelling experience . Our guide, Joe, with his 20 years of improv acting experience, brings depth, humor, and a dramatic twist to Eastern European myths.

His spellbinding narrative skills are complemented by the ethereal beauty of the Castle District at night , a setting that enriches the storytelling and makes the tour truly unforgettable.

Starting Point and Accessibility

The journey begins at Clark Ádám Square , located at the base of Buda Hill. From here, you'll embark on a 5-10 minute ascent up the hill's stairs. For those with mobility issues, a funicular option is available to take you to the top for an extra 10€ fee.

The group size struck a perfect balance, numbering between 20 and 25 participants . This made it easy to connect with other tour participants without complicating the practical aspects of the tour, such as walking and finding a good listening spot around our guide.

Points of Critique

While Joe is an engaging orator, I found the latter half of the tour to lose a bit of its initial spark. After hearing 5-6 out of the total ten tales, the storytelling began to feel a bit repetitive .

Coupled with the late evening timing, the group's energy waned toward the end. Still, Joe’s dynamism keeps the atmosphere electric for most of the tour.

Should You Go?

If you're less concerned with historical facts and more interested in the dark and mysterious folklore of Budapest and Eastern Europe, this tour is a must-try. It's a thrilling way to explore the Castle District under the cloak of night.

🗝️ Key Facts

🕒 Duration: 2 hours
💵 Cost: 21€
🗓️ Tour Dates & Languages: (Please note that schedules are subject to change)
🇬🇧 English : Starts at 7:45 pm and 8:00 pm
🇪🇸 Spanish: Starts at 7:30 pm
👨‍👩‍👦 Family-Friendly: No (Only children above age 10 are permitted), 15% discount (children age 11-18)
♿ Accessibility: Limited (5-10 minute stair climb to Castle District; funicular available at an extra cost of 10€)
🗺️ Tour Area: Castle District
📍 Starting Point: Clark Ádám tér (Adam Clark Square)
🏁 End Point: Clark Ádám tér (Adam Clark Square)
🐕 Pet-Friendly: Yes (Tour takes place entirely outdoors)
🏰 Landmarks Visited: Buda Castle, Matthias Church, Fisherman's Bastion, and everything in between (Note: The tour only passes by these landmarks; there's no entry into the buildings)

How to Get There

🗺️ Meeting Point: Gather at Clark Ádám Square in Budapest, next to the Kilometer Zero stone near the entrance to the funicular.
🚌 Public Transport: Catch the 105/16/178/216/R16 buses from Elizabeth Square.
🚶 On Foot: Take a scenic walk across the recently renovated Széchenyi Chain Bridge.

2. Buda Castle Cave Labyrinth Walking Tour

💡 Note: This review is based on my personal experience of a 1.5-hour English cave tour.

Discover the hidden depths of Budapest in the extensive cave system beneath the city's Castle District.

Known as Budavári barlang, this section was reopened to the public in 2019 after being off-limits for years.

The tour focuses on a fascinating 3km stretch of caves and takes you on a journey through time, exploring the geological and human history of these mysterious underground tunnels.

What sets this tour apart is its dedication to historical accuracy .

You'll learn about how these caves formed over millions of years — you'll even get to see where a mammoth left one of its teeth!

Beyond the geology, the tour dives into the 800-year history of human usage of the caves, from medieval storage and tax evasion to their roles as prisons, war refuges, criminal hideouts, and even locations for clandestine parties in the 90s.

The temperature inside the cave averages 10-12°C , so it's advisable to wear warm clothing and comfortable footwear you don't mind getting dirty.

However, for those visiting in summer attire, free ponchos are provided to keep you warm.

The meeting spot is at Trinity Square , right by the Trinity statue. A quick 5-minute walk will take you to the cave's entrance.

Unfortunately, the cave is not accessible to individuals with mobility impairments.

With an group size of 20-25 participants , the tour struck a perfect balance — facilitating smooth navigation through the maze-like caves while also enabling captivating, interactive storytelling.

In all honesty, there were few drawbacks to this unique journey, if any.

The tour company goes to great lengths to ensure everyone's comfort, and the expert guides make the experience engaging and educational.

If history blended with a touch of geology intrigues you, this is your tour.

Absolutely, yes!

This tour is an excellent choice for those who are looking for something more niche and offbeat than your run-of-the-mill walking tour. It's an experience that leaves you both educated and intrigued.

🕒 Duration: 1.5 hours
💵 Cost: 13€
🇬🇧 English: Varies by day, typically between 11:30 am and 2:30 pm
🇪🇸 Spanish: Typically at 6:00 pm
👨‍👩‍👦 Family-Friendly: Yes (Only children aged 3 and up are allowed), 30% discount for ages 4-18
♿ Accessibility: Unfortunately, not wheelchair-accessible
🗺️ Tour Area: Explores the subterranean cave system beneath the Castle District
📍 Starting Point: Szentháromság tér (Trinity Square)
🏁 End Point: Labirintus kijárat (Labyrinth exit)
🐕 Pet-Friendly: Not allowed
🏰 Landmarks Visited: None, as the cave system is the main attraction

🗺️ Meeting Point: Gather at Szentháromság tér , right in front of the statue opposite Matthias Church. 🚌 Public Transport: Board Bus 16 from Elizabeth Square to reach the Castle District. 🚶‍♂️ On Foot: Take a scenic walk across the recently renovated Széchenyi Chain Bridge, climb Buda Hill, and make your way to Trinity Square (Szentháromság tér).

3. Best Jewish Quarter Walking Tour

💡 Note: This review is based on my personal experience of a 2.5-hour English walking tour.

Immerse yourself in the rich Jewish heritage of Budapest on this enlightening tour.

The excursion not only offers a deep dive into the harrowing years of World War II but also presents a comprehensive history of Jewish life in Hungary dating back to medieval times.

As a Hungarian who supposedly knows this country, I still learned a lot of intriguing historical facts.

For history aficionados seeking more than just surface-level information, this tour is a goldmine.

The guide provides rigorous academic-level commentary , requiring a high level of English proficiency (unless you take the Spanish tour of course).

Notable landmarks include synagogues and poignant memorials dedicated to heroes who resisted Nazi and Arrow Cross Party oppression.

The tour kicks off at Imre Madách Square and concludes at Dohány Street Synagogue. The entire tour is outdoors and wheelchair-accessible, and it takes place in the Jewish Quarter (VII. District).

The tour was structured well to accommodate a medium-sized group (20-30 people), ensuring everyone could hear the guide clearly and see the landmarks.

Though the tour was generally excellent, the guide could have introduced himself more formally (as he just went straight into the material) and allowed pauses for absorption between his in-depth explanations (as his speech felt like speed-reading at times).

I highly recommend for history enthusiasts who appreciate a nuanced, detailed exploration of Jewish history in Budapest.

🕒 Duration: 2.5 hours
💵 Cost: " Free" (Suggested donation of 10-20€ at tour's end)
🇬🇧 English: Typically at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm (Sundays only)
🇪🇸 Spanish: Typically at 10:30 am and 5:00 pm
👨‍👩‍👦 Family-Friendly: Not recommended (The tour is meant for adults)
♿ Accessibility: Fully accessible for those with reduced mobility
🗺️ Tour Area: Jewish Quarter (VII. District)
📍 Starting Point: Madách Imre tér (Imre Madách Square)
🏁 End Point: Dohány utcai Zsingagóga (Dohány Street Synagogue)
🏰 Landmarks Visited: Sissi Statue, Rumbach Street Synagogue, Dohány Street Synagogue, Gozsdu Court, House of Theodore Herzl, Courtyard of Heroes, Carl Lutz Memorial, Angel of Budapest, Tree of Life, and an exterior visit to Kiraly Street & Ghetto Wall (Note: The tour only passes by these landmarks; there's no entry into the buildings)

🗺️ Meeting Point: Budapest, Madách Imre út 2, 1075 Hungary. Look for the yellow umbrella next to the Sissi statue. 🚌 Public Transport: Easily accessible from anywhere in the city by taking any metro line or trams 47/49 to Deak Ference square then walking to the Sissi statue. 🚶‍♂️ On Foot: The central areas of Budapest are highly walkable. You can comfortably reach our meeting spot with a 15-20 minute stroll from most central locations.

4. Best Budapest Inner City Walking Tour

💡 Note: This review is based on my personal experience of a 2.25-hour English walking tour.

This walking tour is a perfect way to get an overview of Budapest's history , taking place in the inner district of Pest.

You'll gain insights into our past, including the troubled times during the Soviet era , the period after the fall of the Berlin Wall which we call "The System Change," and even contemporary history and controversies.

For first-time visitors seeking a comprehensive introduction to Budapest's rich history, this tour is an ideal choice. The tour offers not just historical accuracy but also local insights, thanks to our Hungarian guide.

The meeting location is at Kossuth Square by the Hungarian Parliament. More precisely, it’s near the M2 metro and/or tram station . The tour is wheelchair-friendly and welcomes those with mobility challenges. The tour concludes at Vigadó Square.

We were among about 30 participants . Despite being a larger group, it didn’t take away from the enjoyment or educational value of the tour. I even struck up some pleasant conversations with fellow tour mates.

The only minor issue was that the tour guide was not a native English speaker . However, her genuine local Hungarian perspective more than made up for this.

You know the answer already — yes! Especially if you're a first-time visitor wanting a rich, historical overview of Budapest, you'll find this tour worthwhile.

🕒 Duration: 2.25 hours
🇬🇧 English: Typically at 10:00 am
🇪🇸 Spanish: Typically at 10:00 am,11:30 am and 5:00 pm
👨‍👩‍👦 Family-Friendly: Yes, offers a well-rounded historical overview suitable for all ages
🗺️ Tour Area: Delving into the heart of Pest (V. District)
📍 Starting Point: Hungarian Parliament (Hungarian Parliament)
🏁 End Point: Vigadó tér (Vigadó Square)
🏰 Landmarks Visited: The tour starts at the Hungarian Parliament and takes you through an exploration of the Communist era and the 1956 revolution, Liberty Square, the Monument to Soviet Heroes, the Monument to the Victims of the German Invasion, the Chain Bridge, the Danube Riverbank with views of Buda’s city panorama, St. Stephen's Basilica, Queen Sisi Square, Vorosmarty Square, and concludes at Vigadó Square (Note: The tour only passes by these landmarks; there's no entry into the buildings)

🗺️ Meeting Point: Gather at Kossuth Lajos square , between right next to the tram stop. Look for an orange umbrella. 🚌 Public Transport: Take metro or tram line 2 and take a brief walk to the meeting point. 🚶‍♂️ On Foot: The central areas of Budapest are highly walkable. You can comfortably reach our meeting spot with a 15-20 minute stroll from most central locations.

5. Best Buda Castle District Walking Tour

💡 Note: This review is based on my personal experience of a 2-hour English walking tour.

Discover the architectural and historical gems in Budapest's Castle District with this straightforward yet thoroughly engaging walking tour. This tour offers a factual and no-nonsense overview of the district's landmarks, perfect for those wanting a solid introduction to Hungary's storied past.

The tour offers an enriching walk through the charming cobblestone streets of the Castle District, covering major landmarks like the Royal Palace ("Buda Castle"), Matthias Church, and Fisherman's Bastion.

What stands out is the tour's commitment to factual storytelling, devoid of the supernatural or fantastical elements you might find on other tours.

The tour kicks off at Trinity Square , right in front of the iconic Trinity Statue. Plus, the entire tour is wheelchair accessible, making it convenient for everyone

With a group of roughly 25 people, it was easy to move around and the tour never felt overcrowded.

The tour delivers what it promises: a comprehensive, factual overview. However, prepare yourself for the elements—like heat, if you happen to visit during a hot spell like I did. 😅

Certainly. If you're looking for a straightforward, facts-based exploration of Budapest's Castle District, this tour fits the bill.

💵 Cost: 10€
🇬🇧 English: Starts at 2:00 pm and 2:30 pm
🇮🇹 Italian: Starts at 10:00 am (Weekends only)
🇫🇷 French: Available for private group tours only
🇩🇪 German: Available for private group tours only
🏁 End Point: Szentháromság tér (Trinity Square)
🏰 Landmarks Visited: Royal Palace ("Buda Castle"), Matthias Church, Fisherman's Bastion, and everything in between (Note: The tour only passes by these landmarks; there's no entry into the buildings)

6. Grand City Tour of Budapest

💡 Note: This review is based on my personal experience of a 3-hour English walking tour.

Embark on a comprehensive 3-hour tour of Budapest, encapsulating both the Pest and Buda sides of the iconic city.

With a blend of air-conditioned bus rides and leisurely walking, you'll have the chance to witness major landmarks, from Heroes' Square to the Castle District while learning of their history.

Though it provides a sweeping view, be prepared for a surface-level overview that touches upon, but does not delve deeply into, each individual area.

The tour gave me a bird's eye view of Budapest . It kicked off with a brief but informative stop at Heroes' Square and proceeded to drive past local landmarks like the Opera House, Városliget and Keleti Railway Station.

What sets this tour apart is its unique approach to ascending the Castle Hill — coming up from the side opposite the Danube, a welcome change from typical tours.

The journey begins at Clark Ádám Square , located at the base of Buda Hill. From here, you'll embark on a 5-10 minute ascent up the hill's stairs. A word of caution: the tour is not suitable for mobility-impaired individuals.

The tour was structured well to accommodate a medium-sized group, ensuring everyone could hear the guide clearly and see the landmarks.

While the tour was extensive, it left me wanting more , especially when it came to exploring the Pest side.

The quick stop at Heroess' Square and drive-by sightings don't do justice to the richness of the landmarks.

However, the air-conditioned bus was a welcome respite from the sweltering heat. The Castle District tour was spectacular though.

If you are time-constrained but still want a quick overview of Budapest, this tour fits the bill. For those looking for a more detailed exploration, consider setting aside a full day.

🕒 Duration: 3 hours
💵 Cost: 29€
🇬🇧 English: Starts at 10:00 am
🇮🇹 Spanish: Starts at 10:00 am
🇩🇪 German: Starts at 10:00 am
♿ Accessibility: Regrettably, the tour is not wheelchair-friendly due to bus inaccessibility and staircases in the Castle District.
🗺️ Tour Area: Begins at Heroes Square (15 mins), transitions into a hop-on, hop-off style tour of Pest, and culminates in an in-depth exploration of the Castle District.
📍 Starting Point: Cityrama & Gray Line Travel Agency, Báthory utca 19, Budapest 1054
🏁 End Point: Parlament (Hungarian Parliament)
🐕 Pet-Friendly: No, the tour includes bus travel and indoor segments.
🏰 Landmarks Visited: Heroes' Square, City Park, Keleti Railway Station, Blaha Lujza Square, Elizabeth Bridge, and key locations in the Castle District such as Buda Castle, Matthias Church, Fisherman's Bastion, and everything in between (Note: The tour only passes by these landmarks; there's no entry into the buildings)

🗺️ Meeting Point: Gather at the Cityrama & Gray Line Travel Agency office, located at Báthory utca 19, 1054 Budapest, Hungary . 🚌 Public Transport: Take Metro Lines 2 or 3 and take a brief walk to the meeting point. 🚶‍♂️ On Foot: The central areas of Budapest are highly walkable. You can comfortably reach our meeting spot with a 15-20 minute stroll from most central locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a walking tour in budapest.

The cost of walking tours in Budapest can vary widely depending on the tour provider, the length of the tour, and the topics covered. On average, expect to pay anywhere from 10€ to 35€ per person for guided tours. Some specialized or private tours may cost more.

Can you walk around Buda Castle for free?

Yes, you can walk around the exterior grounds of Buda Castle for free. This includes several courtyards and terraces that offer stunning views of Budapest. However, to access the interior of the castle, including the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery, there is an admission fee.

How much do you tip a free walking tour guide in Budapest?

For free walking tours in Budapest, a common tip is around 10€ to 20€ per person. Some people give more for an exceptionally informative and entertaining guide.

Budapestadventures is your free guide to help explore Budapest. We test, evaluate and review touristic services and activities in the city for your benefit.

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The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

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What travellers are saying.

Honest Tours of Budapest

For curious travelers, choose your budapest walking tour.

Do you want to explore the city and get an insider look? Do you want to explore the fascinating culture and history of Budapest in an entertaining way? Join us on a small group (max. 10 guests) or on a private tour.

Secrets of Buda Castle Tour

No visit of Budapest can be complete without visiting the historical Caste District. Get to know the stories behind this fascinating area and explore the the best sights.

Jewish Budapest with a Historian

Discover the Jewish heritage of Budapest: explore one of the most popular areas of inner Pest. The 7th district is where Jewish culture has bloomed for over 200 years.

Highlights of Communism in Hungary with a Historian

See the remnants of Communism in the capital of Hungary as they come alive in front of your eyes through an expert historical commentary and personal family stories.

Downtown Budapest with a Historian

Essential introduction to Pest-Buda on the Pest side of things. Visit all of Budapest’s most famous sights and hear the secret stories that make the past come to life.

Highlights of Budapest by Night Tour

Budapest shows its most beautiful side by night with its buildings illuminated. We invite you to take in unforgettable views from both sides of the Buda Castle.

Hungary today: a no-taboo conversation

On this experience we aim to show you the scene of Hungarian mentality, politics, economy or any other aspect of our lives that you wouldn't be able to hear anywhere else.

Why Choose us?

A full experience, history and culture in an honest and fun way.

You will experience history coming alive through personal stories and urban legends. You will learn about how we and other locals live. We will dig deeper and explore the history and the culture of Budapest so you will become more connected to this beautiful city.

Small Group and Private Tours

Experienced and fun guides.

Our team has only knowledgeable, enthusiastic, licensed guides with university degrees (history, international relations, law and, similar) and we are not afraid to use them. Our tours have been carefully designed and no 2 tours are the same.

Let the Numbers Speak

avarage ratings based on 1130 reviews

satisfied guests

years of experience

good ideas to make most of your stay in Budapest

Our Participant's Reviews

“Daniel was enthausiastic and knew everything about Hungarian history. He mixed fun anecdotes about his own family's past with contemporary political developments, making the tour very interesting and enjoyable. We would very much recommend everyone who is interested in Hungarian history - and especially the communist time - to take this tour..”

Robert Wade, New York

“We have traveled to Europe before on a tour and by ourselves, and this was our best experience. Our guide, Nandor, was knowledgeable and good company. He went out of his way to ensure we had a great time and saw as much of the historical content we could..”

John Smith, Jersey City

“A very interesting and fascinating tour around Budapest with our guide Daniel! Daniel is one of the best guides I've ever met - experienced, well-educated, and more than that with great sense of humour! We enjoyed it very much! Thank you.”

Mark Brothwell, UK

“Nandor is the guy to ask about everything and I am sure he will have a story for it! We had a great tour, he walked us through Buda Castle and told many interesting things about Hungarian history and culture. We even didn’t notice that it has been for more than 3 hours. Highly recommended"

Madelaine, Paris

Tailor-made Private Tour

If you have an idea where you'd like to go or you just want to wander off the beaten path with us we're happy to offer fully customized tours to parts of Budapest few get to see! Private, tailored walking tours in Budapest. We create a personal experience. With us no time is lost. You can relax, have fun and immerse yourself fully in Budapest.

The length of the tour, its details and its price are based on agreement.

Contact Us With Any Questions

[email protected]

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THE 10 BEST Hungary Walking Tours

Walking tours in hungary.

Sightseeing Tours
Historical & Heritage Tours
Walking Tours
Up to 1 hour
1 to 4 hours
4 hours to 1 day
5.0 of 5 bubbles
4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
Likely to Sell Out
Special Offers

The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Budapest All in One Walking Tour with Strudel Stop

2. Night-Time Dark History and Vampire Walking Tour in Buda Castle District

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Walking tours in Hungary. Looking to explore Hungary on a walking tour? We offer 14 walking tours through-out Hungary. All the tours are offered by 6 curated travel agencies in Hungary. Durations range from 1 day to 21 days.

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14 Walking tours

Starts Budapest, Hungary
Ends Budapest, Hungary

Budapest Orientation Walking Tour

Free cancellation
Trip customizable
Tour Type Private Tour
Activities Walking tours
Accommodation No Accommodation
Age Range 5-79 yrs
Operated in English, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish
View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

Starts Rome, Italy

Rome to Budapest: Canals & Capitals

Best price guaranteed
No booking fees
Tour Type Small Group Tour
Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Art and architecture Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture , Walking tours & Museum and gallery visits 'data-more-tripid='4947'>+2 more
Accommodation Hotel, Hostel & Villa
Transport Train, Bus & Minibus
Age Range 18-39 yrs
Operated in English
Brochure Price: US$ 1,829
Special Deal (20%): - US$ 366
Total Price from: US$ 1,463
May 04 Only 9 seats left
May 11 Only 6 seats left

Jewish Heritage Tour - Grand tour in Budapest

Age Range 5-99 yrs

Ends Split, Croatia

Balkans Escape

Tour Type Group Tour
Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Walking tours & Party and nightlife 'data-more-tripid='20609'>+2 more
Accommodation Hotel
Transport Coach
Age Range 18-35 yrs
Brochure Price: US$ 997
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The Perfect 2-Week Hungary Itinerary

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From thermal spas and fairytale architecture to towering mountain peaks and endless steppe, Hungary is a destination that never fails to entrap even the most seasoned European vacationers.

Your 14-day Hungary itinerary begins in Budapest , where you’ll explore the castles and palaces of Buda before soaking up the culture and nightlife in Downtown Pest. You can follow up a night out in the Hungarian capital’s famed Ruin Bars with a soak in the soothing mineral waters of Budapest’s historic public baths before day-tripping north along the Danube to ancient royal capitals and crumbling castles.

But remember, Hungary is more than its iconic capital city. While Budapest has enough allure to keep you for 2 weeks – if not longer – our Hungary itinerary sees you traveling to parts unknown. First, you’ll journey to the mountainous northeastern border with Slovakia, where you can scale high peaks, explore deep subterranean cave systems, or relax in rural vineyards in the Hungarian countryside.

From the mountains, you’ll travel to the broad steppe of Hortobagy National Park, where the first Hungarian horsemen and herders settled in Europe. Explore Debrecen, then visit the southern cities of Szeged and Pecs before you arrive on the banks of Lake Balaton for a well-earned break at Hungary’s most popular holiday destination.

Your 2 weeks in Hungary come to a close when you reach the wineries of Sopron in the northwest, where you’ll sample the nation’s finest vintages before saying goodbye. If you’re getting set for a Central European adventure, then keep reading as we explain exactly how to plan the perfect 2-week Hungary itinerary!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Two Weeks in Hungary

Preparing for hungary.

A little bit of advance preparation can ensure that your trip to Hungary goes smoothly. Firstly, it’s helpful to know that Hungary is a European Union member nation in the Schengen Zone. If you’re also from a European Union member nation, you’ll be able to live and work in Hungary with no restrictions.

For other nationalities, such as the UK, US, Australia, and New Zealand, you can enter Hungary visa-free, but your stay counts toward the total number of days you’re allowed to stay in the Schengen Zone. Currently, this is 90 days within 180 days. If you’re on an extended European trip, remember to keep track of how long you’ve been in the Schengen Zone. Other nationalities may need a Schengen Zone visa to enter Hungary.

Although Hungary is in the Schengen Zone, it’s not in the Eurozone. Hungary’s currency is not the Euro, but the Forint (HUF), which currently holds a low value against the Euro, Dollar, and Pound Sterling (1 USD is worth around 350 HUF at the time of writing). Forint isn’t widely available outside of Hungary, but you’ll be able to exchange cash when you arrive or, better yet, withdraw money straight from an ATM.

As soon as you arrive, you’ll be immersed in the Hungarian language. Unless you’re a linguist, though, don’t expect to be able to speak too much Hungarian after only 2 weeks in Hungary.

The language isn’t related to any neighboring European languages, although it’s written in the Roman alphabet. Instead, Hungarian is related to languages that developed in the Urals several thousand years ago, and it’s distantly related to modern Finnish rather than German or Slovak.

Hungarian is notoriously difficult to pronounce, but you’ll endear yourself to the locals if you try. In Budapest and other areas of Hungary that see large numbers of tourists, English is widely spoken as a second language.

The Best Time to Visit Hungary

Getting Around Hungary: The Perfect Two Week Hungary Itinerary

Hungary is located in Central Europe, and its landlocked geography ensures that the country experiences a continental climate. This means that seasonal differences can be extreme in Hungary.

The winters are cold, with snow and ice turning Hungary into a wintery wonderland between November and February. Temperatures often drop well below freezing even in big cities like Budapest, while in the mountains, conditions are even harsher. Winter is the perfect time for a thermal bath in Budapest, while the cities are packed with tourists visiting the Christmas markets .

The summers couldn’t be more different, and the long, hot days can become unbearably hot in June, July, and August when temperatures reach highs in the late 20s (80s in Fahrenheit).

It’s swelteringly hot in Budapest, and it might seem that all of the capital is in Lake Balaton, where Central Europe’s largest lake offers a refreshing escape. Summer is the time to revel in Hungary’s festival season, although you’ll have to endure higher prices and larger crowds.

If you’re in Hungary for hiking, then spring or autumn are beautiful times to visit. The countryside (and the wineries, in particular!) is a fantastic place to stay during autumn when the harvests are being collected. Any time of year is a good time to visit Hungary, and the best time to visit really depends on what you’re planning to see and do.

Getting Around Hungary

Hungary sits at the crossroads of Central Europe. The large nation shares land borders with Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia, with excellent road and rail connections to major European capitals like Vienna, Bratislava, Zagreb, and Belgrade, to name just a few.

This makes it easy to arrive and depart Hungary by bus, train, or car, and it’s a popular stop on European travel circuits. Hungarian cities are well connected internationally by long-distance sleeper trains, while major airlines fly into Budapest International Airport and budget airlines connect smaller cities like Debrecen.

If you’re arriving in Budapest, you can transit into the city center on trams, buses, and by using the metro system. Just remember to validate your ticket before you get on any public transport in the capital.

From Budapest, you can take trains and buses all over Hungary (try Flixbus for affordable buses that can be booked online). In other cities, there are trams and public buses, while ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt are an excellent way to get around quickly.

Hungary might be landlocked, but you’ll be able to spend some time getting around on boats. The River Danube is the lifeline of the nation, and it’s plied by ferries and cruise ships throughout the year. You can even take a cruise all the way to Vienna.

Hungary Itinerary: 2 Weeks to Explore the Highlights of the Country

Budapest – 3 nights.

Budapest has enthralled travelers for centuries. Divided by the River Danube, the glamorous regal heights of Buda overlook the flat streets of Downtown Pest, and you’ll explore both sides of the Hungarian capital as you spend 3 nights in the city .

Budapest is the perfect place to start your Hungarian adventure. You can fly in from most major international airports, or you can arrive by bus, train, or boat as generations of tourists did before the onset of mass air travel. Jump on Budapest’s metro (it’s the second-oldest underground railway in the world), and make your way to Deak Ferenc Square to settle into the city.

Budapest Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

Downtown Budapest

You can spend a lifetime in Budapest and still find new things to do, so with just 3 days, it’s time to get started on the highlights. We recommend a walking tour of Downtown Budapest (this is the Pest side of the river) to gain an overview of the city’s layout, its character, and its history.

2 Week Itinerary in Hungary: Hungarian Parliament Building

There are several walking tour companies in Budapest, and while you’ll want to start with the standard tours, you can also pick from communist-themed tours, tours of the Jewish District, or nightlife tours in the evenings.

Walking tours will take you to highlights like the Hungarian Parliament Building (one of the largest buildings in Europe), St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Hungarian State Opera. Take a stroll along the River Danube, where you’ll see the “Shoes on the Danube,” a moving memorial to the Jewish victims killed here during World War II.

Visit the Parliament Building

2 Week in Hungary Itinerary: House of Terror

You can also visit museums like the House of Terror to learn more about the secret police’s reign of terror during Hungary’s fascist and communist eras in the 20th century. You can visit the Hungarian National Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts , and you can forge on food peppered with paprika at the Great Market Hall .

Explore the Hungarian National Museum

Castle Hill

Across the river, prepare yourself for a stunning panorama when you take the funicular to the top of Castle Hill. The views are glorious when you stand at Fisherman’s Bastion, while the sunset over Szechenyi Bridge below from the heights of Gellert Hill by the Liberty Statue is phenomenal.

On Castle Hill, you can also tour the former royal palace, explore the historic architecture of the Old Town, and learn about the Siege of Budapest during World War II at the Hospital in the Rock Museum .

Tour the Hospital in the Rock

Memento Park

If you’ve still got time, you can take a half-day tour of Memento Park , where Budapest’s communist statues were sent to an open-air museum after the fall of the regime in the 1990s, or you can take a boat north along the River Danube to the former royal city of Visegrad.

You’ll be on the go constantly in Budapest, and nightlife lovers will have a roaring time at the iconic Ruin Bars in Pest. These were once abandoned buildings, and they were taken over by makeshift bars that have now morphed into huge quirky drinking bars, complete with art galleries and street food markets that form the core of the city’s nightlife offerings. The original is Szimpla Kert , while you’ll also love Mazel Tov and Instant-Fogas .

Get a Memento Park Ticket

Thermal Bathhouses

Szechenyi thermal baths.

Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Baths

If you’re feeling the strain the next day (or just love a good spa session), then you’re in the right city. Budapest is also renowned for its thermal waters, which have been channeled to bathhouses since Roman times. The biggest bathhouse is Szechenyi Thermal Baths , but you can also try smaller art deco bathhouses like Gellert Baths and Lukacs Baths , which are often quieter.

Gellert Baths

Enjoy the Gellért Spa

Miskolc – 2 nights

Now it’s time to escape Budapest. If you can draw yourself away from the bathhouses and bars of the capital, you’ll find that you’re one of just a handful of travelers who do so. That’s just perfect, though, because you’ll have the next stop all to yourself.

Bukk National Park

You’re traveling 2 hours east to the city of Miskolc, which just happens to be the gateway to some of the most beautiful places to see in Hungary. While Miskolc is a fairly industrial city, it’s just a short drive away from the tranquility of Bukk National Park. We recommend booking a room at the Palace Hotel in Lillafured, an opulent neo-renaissance building that sits on the beautiful shores of Lake Hamori.

Book a Room at Palace Hotel

2 Week Itinerary in Hungary: Lake Hamori

Bukk National Park is where the northeastern mountains begin, and you can hike to Hungary’s largest waterfall, explore Lake Hamori, and ride the magnificent narrow-gauge Lillafured Forest Railway. This is Hungary’s largest national park, and you’ll find it’s home to Istvan Cave , the country’s deepest and longest cave. It’s some 400 meters long and 245 meters deep (1,312 feet long and 804 feet deep)!

Aggtelek National Park

You can also day-trip to Aggtelek National Park, where extensive cave systems cross the border into Slovakia. The nearby city of Eger is an art deco dream, while the Tokaj Wine Region is renowned for its vineyards and rolling hills.

Debrecen – 2 nights

From Miskolc, you’ll be journeying southeast to the city of Debrecen, Hungary’s second-largest city. Although Debrecen is only 1/10th the size of Budapest, the city has a stronghold on the national character, and it’s a wonderful place to visit on your Hungary itinerary.

Debrecen was founded by the first Hungarians to arrive on the steppe, and the city is the gateway to the great Hungarian plains. For centuries, it was the most important city in Hungary and even served briefly as the Hungarian capital during the 1848-49 Hungarian Revolution.

2 Week Hungary Itinerary: Great Reformed Church

You’ll love the laid-back feel Debrecen has (compared to Budapest), and you can spend your first day strolling between historical sites like the Great Reformed Church (where independence was declared in 1848), the Deri Museum (a baroque museum dedicated to art and history), and the MODEM Centre for Modern and Contemporary Arts .

Great Plains

Hungary Two Week Itinerary: Hortobagy National Park

Your second day is going to be spent on the Great Plains as you venture into Hortobagy National Park. Make your way to the Hortobagy National Park Visitors Centre, where you’ll learn about the lives and culture of the traditional Hungarian shepherds who roamed the plains.

You can then join a “Steppe Safari” into the vast national park as you look out for wild horses, wolves, and eagles. There’s so much more you can do in Hortobagy National Park if you have extra days, including hiking, camping, biking, horse riding, and boating.

2 Week in Hungary Itinerary: Hortobagy National Park

Discover the National Parks

Szeged – 1 night

Your next stop is Szeged, one of the best cities to visit in Hungary. It’s a 3-hour drive from Debrecen to Szeged. It’s best to get an early start, so you’ve got time to explore. This is Hungary’s third-largest city, and it’s best known for its glorious art nouveau architecture.

Nouveau Architecture

Despite being settled since Roman times, take a tour of Szeged, and you’ll learn that the city was almost completely wiped out by a flood in 1879. From the ruins of this great catastrophe, the old city was rebuilt in the art nouveau style that was flourishing throughout Europe at the time.

You’ll see this distinct style across Szeged, with notable examples being the magnificent Reok-Palota (a palace turned cultural center) and the buildings around Szechenyi Square. You can also visit the world’s fourth-largest synagogue and stop off at the Mora Ferenc Museum to learn more about local history.

Wander the Historic Center of Szeged

Pecs – 1 night

You only need one night to see the main sights in Szeged, and your whistle-stop tour of southern Hungary continues as you travel west. It’s another 3-hour drive to Pecs, Hungary’s fifth-largest city, which is found close to the Croatian border.

Pecs is a great place to unravel the unique layers of history that make Hungary the country it is today. This has traditionally been a multicultural city, a status it’s held since it was first founded as the Roman city of Sopianae in the 2nd century BC.

In later centuries, the city became one of the first centers of Christianity in Europe, and today, you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Early Christian Mausoleum to learn more about this intriguing era of Pecs’ history.

2 Week Hungary Itinerary: Early Christian Mausoleum

Pecs was then conquered by the Hungarians, who arrived here in the 9th century AD. The cathedral dates to the 11th century AD, although it was heavily redeveloped in the 19th century. Pecs was also conquered by the Ottomans, who left behind an Islamic legacy in the 16th century Yakovali Hasan Pasa Mosque , which you can visit during your stay.

Much of the city center architecture then dates to the 19th and 20th centuries, including grand squares and museums. Take a tour with a local guide to learn more about the layers of history.

Day Tour around Pécs

Lake Balaton – 3 nights

2 Week in Hungary Itinerary: Lake Balaton

After two fast-paced days of city hopping in the south, it’s time for a well-earned break on the beautiful banks of Lake Balaton. At around 50 miles in total length, Lake Balaton is the largest lake found anywhere in Central Europe. It’s also one of the best places to visit in Hungary, and we recommend spending three nights here to relax, unwind, and enjoy the sights.

The lakeside is lined with little tourist towns and resorts. One of the best bases is Siofok on the southern shores, although this popular town gets busy in summer when all of Budapest descends on the lake.

On the northern shore, you’ll find volcanic hills and beautiful vineyards that produces excellent vintages from the fertile soil. One of the best bases here is Balatonfured, where you’ll find lots of apartments and hotels for rent.

Bathhouses in Heviz

Once you’re settled in, it’s time to take a well-earned rest day around the lake. Take a stroll along the lakefront, rent a bicycle, or visit one of the many outdoor pools for a swim in the fresh water. You could travel to the nearby town of Heviz (just inland from the lakeshore), where thermal waters have been channeled to the bathhouses for centuries.

2 Week in Hungary Itinerary: Benedictine Abbey

The next two days are yours to enjoy. You can soak up more mineral waters in Heviz or take a cruise across Lake Balaton. The charming town of Tihany, with its 11th-century Benedictine Abbey and famous “Tihany Echo,” is one of the must-see places in Hungary, while Szigliget Castle is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. In summer, the lake plays host to Balaton Sound , one of the best music festivals in Central Europe.

Lake Balaton Paddle Board Tour

Sopron – 2 nights

After an action-packed trip exploring the best Hungary attractions, it’s time for one last stop as your 2-week Hungary itinerary comes to a close. Suitably refreshed after your break in Lake Balaton, it’s a 2-hour drive north to Sopron.

This wonderful city is located just miles away from the Austrian border, and it’s the traditional crossroads between the two nations. Take a tour through the city, and you’ll see Austrian influences in the architecture, while the “Loyalty Gate” went down in local history as the location where citizens were made to choose between Austrian and Hungarian citizenship.

Discover the Best of Sopron

Sopron Wineries

Explore the sights of the Old Town, then take a trip into the surrounding vineyards. Sopron’s wineries are known for producing a delectable range of red and white wines (Hungary is predominantly a red wine-drinking nation, so the white wine is fairly unusual here).

Ferto-Hansag National Park

Take a tour of the wineries, then visit the nearby Ferto-Hansag National Park, a marvelous area of wetlands that stretches across the border into Austria. It’s a beautiful yet relatively unknown section of wilderness in Hungary’s northwest, and you’ll love the space, the unique scenery, and the wildlife that’s protected here.

Sopron is closer to Vienna (a 1-hour drive) than it is to Budapest (a 2-hour drive), so you can travel onwards into Austria rather than backtracking to the Hungarian capital if you prefer. You’ll find that Vienna is well connected to the rest of the world, so this often makes for a more convenient departure point than Budapest.

Vienna Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

There you have it! That’s our perfect 2-week Hungary itinerary. Where will you be traveling during your trip to Hungary?

Planning a trip to Hungary? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

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About the Author:

Richard is an award-winning travel writer based in Southwest England who’s addicted to traveling off the beaten track. He’s traveled to 75 countries and counting in search of intriguing stories, unusual destinations, and cultural curiosities. Richard loves traveling the long way round over land and sea, and you’ll find him visiting quirky micronations and breakaway territories as often as he’s found lounging on a beach (which is a lot). When he’s not writing for BBC Travel, National Geographic, or Lonely Planet, you can find Richard writing for the Wandering Wheatleys or updating his off-beat travel blog, Travel Tramp.

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