Budapest, the stunning capital of Hungary, has an extensive history and culture that is worth exploring. With its imposing architecture, intricate streets and famous landmarks, Budapest attracts millions of visitors every year. If you are planning a trip to Budapest, then taking a city tour should be at the top of your list. Not sure which tour to choose? Here are the 6 best city tours in Budapest that will give you a deeper understanding of the city and its rich history.
The 6 Best City Tours in Budapest
- Budapest: The Great Synagogue Skip the Line Ticket
- Budapest: Classic Buda Castle Walking Tour
- Budapest: Original Pub Crawl with Open Bar
- Budapest: Alternative Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with VIP Entry
- Budapest: City Center Walking Tour
- 3-Hour Orientation Walking Tour of Buda and Pest
The 6 Best City Tours in Budapest
1. Budapest: The Great Synagogue Skip the Line Ticket
Explore the largest synagogue in Europe and the second-largest in the world with a skip-the-line ticket to the Great Synagogue in Budapest. Enter directly through security with a guide and take a tour of the Synagogue, the Heroes’ Temple, the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park, and the graveyard. Learn about the history and architecture of the Synagogue, as well as the fate of the Hungarian Jews before and after WWII. After the tour, use your ticket to enter the Hungarian Jewish Museum next door to the Synagogue, where you can see everyday objects that tell the story of Jewish life in Hungary. Finally, pay your respects to the Holocaust victims at the Emanuel Memorial Tree in the Synagogue’s backyard and visit the graveyard in the Heroes’ Temple. The tour does not include drinks or smoking. Remember to dress appropriately for the Synagogue and to wear a head covering if you are a man.
2. Budapest: Classic Buda Castle Walking Tour
Discover the beauty and history of Budapest’s Buda Castle District on this classic walking tour. Led by a professional tour guide, follow the old cobblestone streets as you admire the Gothic architecture of the Matthias Church and the Fishermen’s Bastion. Explore the courtyards of the Royal Palace complex and take in stunning views of the Danube River and iconic sights like the Hungarian Parliament building. Your guide will transport you to the past with engaging commentary on Hungarian history. This tour includes entry tickets, pickup and drop-off, and gratuities. Choose from small group tours in French, German, or Italian, or a standard group tour in English. Remember that this tour operates rain or shine. Join us for an unforgettable journey through Budapest’s rich past and present.
3. Budapest: Original Pub Crawl with Open Bar
Experience the best of Budapest’s nightlife with the Original Pub Crawl with Open Bar. Meet your guide at the Gentlemans Sports Bar Budapest Dohány u. 28 1074 at 9:30 PM and join international party lovers on an exploration of the city’s famous ruin bars. Enjoy a 1-hour open bar with drinking games, free shots, and special drink offers throughout the night. Your fun and helpful guides will take you to several famous ruin bars with different themes and provide VIP entrance to one of the hottest clubs in the city. Please bring a valid ID and cash for the open bar fee of €7 upon arrival. Note that the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or children under 18 years old. Experience the nightlife scene of Budapest with a party-loving guide and meet fellow party lovers from all over the world.
4. Budapest: Alternative Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with VIP Entry
Experience an alternative nightlife scene in Hungary’s capital city with a guided Budapest: Alternative Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with VIP Entry. This tour provides party-loving travelers an opportunity to explore the hidden underground clubs and wild bars of Budapest that locals adore. Participants get to enjoy free shots and skip-the-line access to VIP clubs while also getting to know the alternative side of Budapest’s nightlife. Meet other travelers from around the world while having fun with a local guide who assists in creating memorable experiences. Additionally, the tour includes a one-hour open bar, alternative music, fun drinking games, and a special drink offer. Come and discover the incredible nightlife gems of this truly fascinating city. Please note that the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or children under 18 years of age, and attendees must have a valid passport or ID card, and a public transport ticket. Suitable shoes must also be worn, while sandals or flip-flops, shorts, and sleeveless shirts are not allowed.
5. Budapest: City Center Walking Tour
Discover the most iconic locations in Budapest on this walking tour of the inner city of Pest. Start your stroll in Marcius 15 Square and admire the Gothic Medieval cathedral of the Great Blessed Lady. Walk along the Duna Corso river promenade and enjoy the beautiful view over the Danube, its bridges, and the Castle of Buda on the opposite side. Pass by the spectacular dance palace Pesti Vigado and see the historical Gerbeaud Cafe in Vorosmarty Square. Take a stroll through Elizabeth Park and see Budapest Eye, the largest Ferris wheel in Europe. Admire the monumental Saint Stephen’s Basilica with its monumental dome and colonnade. Continue through the traditional pedestrian streets of the city and see the cute statue of Mr. Safe who will definitely make you smile. Next, arrive at Liberty Square where you will learn about Budapest’s traumatic past as a center of Nazi occupation and Communist oppression. Finish your tour in Kossuth Square, and explore the square and monuments surrounding the majestic Hungarian Parliament building. Hear stories of dictatorship and the 1956 revolution. This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, and gratuities. Meet your guide in front of the cafe/pastry shop “Molnar’s Kürtöskalacs”. Please note, this tour will take place rain or shine.
6. 3-Hour Orientation Walking Tour of Buda and Pest
Experience an insider’s view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest with this three-hour orientation walking tour. You’ll be taken to all the main sights including Matthias Church, Buda Castle, and Saint Stephen’s Basilica while learning about the city’s rich history and contemporary culture from a local guide. Public transport tickets are provided and the meeting point is in front of California Coffee Company coffee shop next to Saint Stephen’s Basilica. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the local culture of Budapest and see the city’s most beautiful views and sights.
Budapest: 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions
Budapest is known for its rich culture, beautiful architecture, picturesque scenery, and affordable prices. The Hungarian capital has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Here, we will answer the ten most frequently asked questions about Budapest.
1. What is the best time to visit Budapest?
The best time to visit Budapest is during the shoulder seasons from March to May or September to November when the temperatures are milder, and the crowds are thinner. Although winter in Budapest can be harsh, it is the perfect time to enjoy the city’s thermal baths and holiday cheer.
2. What is the currency in Budapest?
The currency of Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). It is best to exchange your currency at a bank or exchange office instead of at hotels or tourist areas, where the exchange rate may not be favorable.
3. Do people in Budapest speak English?
While Hungarian is the official language, most people in Budapest speak English, especially in tourist areas. It is always respectful to learn a few basic Hungarian phrases, like “Szia” (Hello) or “Köszönöm” (Thank you).
4. Is Budapest safe?
Budapest is a safe city, but like any big city, it is important to take precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night, keeping your belongings close, and using licensed taxis. Overall, Budapest is a friendly and welcoming city, and visitors are generally safe.
5. What are the must-see attractions in Budapest?
Budapest offers a plethora of charming attractions, from stunning historical buildings to calming thermal baths. The Fisherman’s Bastion, the Parliament building, Matthias Church, Buda Castle, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Széchenyi Thermal Bath are the top-rated attractions you must visit in Budapest.
6. Can I drink tap water in Budapest?
Tap water in Budapest is safe to drink. It is clean, and its quality meets international standards. However, some people may find the taste unpleasant due to a high mineral content. You can always buy bottled water if preferred.
7. What is the public transportation system like?
The public transportation system in Budapest is efficient, affordable, and easy to navigate. It consists of buses, trams, and a metro system with four lines. You can purchase tickets at vending machines or at newsstands, and they are valid for all modes of transport.
8. What is the local cuisine like?
The Hungarian cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. Some of the must-try dishes include goulash, chimney cake, lángos, and chicken paprikash. Budapest has a thriving food scene, and you can find street food stands, traditional restaurants, and modern eateries throughout the city.
9. Is Budapest wheelchair-accessible?
Budapest is becoming increasingly wheelchair-accessible, but some historic sites and attractions may still have limited access. The public transportation system has made significant improvements, particularly the elevators and ramps in metro stations. However, it is best to research ahead of time and make arrangements wherever possible.
10. How can I budget for a trip to Budapest?
Budapest is an affordable city compared to other European capitals, and it is possible to budget your trip accordingly. Some ways to save money include using public transportation, eating street food, and visiting free attractions like the Shoes on the Danube Bank or the Liberty Statue on Gellért Hill. It is also worth checking out local markets for souvenirs.
In Conclusion
Budapest offers travelers a charming mix of history, culture, and relaxation at affordable prices. By answering these ten most frequently asked questions, we hope to have provided you with some insight into planning your trip to Budapest with ease.
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