How to Experience the Best of Budapest with the Grand City Tour

Are you planning on visiting Budapest but don’t know where to start? Look no further than the Grand City Tour! This half-day guided tour covers all the must-see sights of the Hungarian capital, so you can make the most out of your visit.

Overview of the Grand City Tour

The Grand City Tour is a 3-hour guided tour of Budapest’s top destinations, including iconic landmarks on both sides of the Danube River. You’ll travel between locations in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, while learning about the history of each attraction from a professional local guide. The tour begins from a central meeting point in a downtown location, making it easy to find. Tick off many of the city’s top destinations with the rest of the day free for other activities. This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What’s Included in the Grand City Tour

The Grand City Tour includes the following: – Air-conditioned vehicle – Professional local guide – Pick up and drop off

Destinations Covered in the Grand City Tour

The Grand City Tour covers the following destinations:

1. Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion

Matthias Church is one of the most famous and beautiful churches in Budapest. It’s located in the heart of Castle Hill, and the view from its terrace is breathtaking. Fisherman’s Bastion is a nearby terrace with seven towers that offer panoramic views of the city.

2. St. Stephen’s Basilica

St. Stephen’s Basilica is one of the largest churches in Budapest, named after Hungary’s first king, Stephen. The Neo-Classical architecture of the basilica is impressive, and it’s home to Hungary’s most sacred relic, the mummified right hand of King Stephen.

3. Heroes’ Square

Heroes’ Square is a monumental square dedicated to Hungarian national heroes. The central statue is of Archangel Gabriel, who is said to have appeared to St. Stephen in a dream and given him the crown of Hungary.

4. Andrassy Avenue and Opera House

Andrassy Avenue is a tree-lined boulevard that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. It’s home to many of Budapest’s luxury stores, restaurants, and cafes, as well as the beautiful Hungarian State Opera House.

5. Chain Bridge and Danube River Cruise

The Chain Bridge is one of Budapest’s most famous landmarks and connects Buda and Pest. The Danube River Cruise is a perfect way to see the city from a different angle, and you’ll be able to admire Budapest’s beautiful architecture from the water.

What to Expect on the Grand City Tour

The Grand City Tour is a guided tour, so you’ll have a professional local guide with you throughout the tour. The guide will provide commentary on the history and culture of Budapest, as well as interesting facts and stories about each attraction. The tour is by air-conditioned vehicle, so you’ll be comfortable throughout the journey. The meeting point is easy to find, and you’ll be picked up and dropped off at the same location. The Grand City Tour covers many of Budapest’s top destinations, so you’ll be able to tick off a lot of must-see sights in just half a day. You’ll have the rest of the day free to explore Budapest further, visit museums, or enjoy some of the local cuisine.

Final Thoughts

If you want to make the most out of your visit to Budapest, the Grand City Tour is the perfect way to do so. With a professional local guide, air-conditioned vehicle, and must-see destinations covered, you’ll see the best of Budapest in just half a day. Book the tour here and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Budapest

1. What is Budapest?

Budapest is the capital and largest city of Hungary. It is located in the central part of the country, straddling the Danube River. Budapest is a cultural, economic, and political center of Hungary with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant nightlife.

2. What is the best time to visit Budapest?

The best time to visit Budapest is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. Summer (June to August) can be quite hot and crowded, while winter (December to February) can be chilly and snowy. However, Budapest is beautiful year-round, and each season has its charm.

3. How can I get to Budapest?

You can get to Budapest by plane, train, car, or bus. Budapest has an international airport, Ferenc Liszt International Airport, which is located about 16 kilometers from the city center. You can also travel to Budapest by train or bus from other European cities.

4. What are the top tourist attractions in Budapest?

• The Hungarian Parliament Building
• Buda Castle
• Fisherman’s Bastion
• St. Stephen’s Basilica
• Hungarian State Opera House
• Heroes’ Square
• Szechenyi Thermal Baths
• Ruin Bars

5. Is Budapest a safe city?

Budapest is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take the usual precautions to avoid any incidents, such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded tourist areas. Always keep your valuables in a safe place and beware of scams.

6. What is the currency used in Budapest?

The currency used in Budapest is Hungarian Forint (HUF). However, most shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions also accept cards, such as Visa and Mastercard. It is advisable to exchange some money into HUF to pay for small items or use public transportation.

7. What is the nightlife like in Budapest?

Budapest has a vibrant nightlife with countless bars, pubs, clubs, and restaurants. Some of the best places to go out in Budapest are in the Jewish Quarter, where you can find many ruin bars, which are unique bars in abandoned buildings decorated with street art and graffiti.

8. What traditional foods should I try in Budapest?

• Goulash – a hearty meat and vegetable stew
• Langos – fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese
• Chicken paprikash – chicken cooked in a creamy paprika sauce
• Dobos cake – a layered sponge cake with chocolate buttercream and caramel
• Kurtoskalacs – chimney cake, a sweet doughy pastry coated in sugar and cinnamon

9. How do I get around in Budapest?

Budapest has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, metros, and trains. You can buy tickets at ticket machines or newsstands or use the BKK mobile app. Taxis are also available, but it is recommended to use only licensed taxis to avoid scams.

10. What are the best places to shop in Budapest?

Budapest offers a wide variety of shopping options, including shopping streets, malls, and markets. Some of the top shopping destinations in Budapest are:

• Vaci Street – a pedestrian shopping street in the city center
• Westend City Center – one of the largest shopping malls in Budapest
• Central Market Hall – a traditional market selling Hungarian products and souvenirs
• Andrassy Avenue – a beautiful tree-lined boulevard with many luxury shops

11. What cultural events are held in Budapest?

Budapest hosts many cultural events throughout the year, including music festivals, exhibitions, and performances. Some of the top cultural events in Budapest are:

• Sziget Festival – one of the largest music festivals in Europe held in August
• Budapest Wine Festival – a wine festival held in September
• Museum Night – a night when museums open their doors to the public for free in June
• Christmas Markets – traditional Christmas markets held in various locations throughout the city during the holiday season

12. What is the language spoken in Budapest?

The official language spoken in Budapest is Hungarian. However, most people speak English, especially in tourist areas. Other languages, such as German and Russian, are also widely spoken.

13. What are some day trips I can take from Budapest?

Budapest is also a great base for day trips to nearby attractions. Some of the best day trips from Budapest are:

• Visegrad – a medieval castle town with stunning views of the Danube Bend
• Szentendre – a charming town with colorful houses and art galleries
• Eger – a beautiful baroque town known for its thermal baths and wine
• Lake Balaton – the largest lake in Central Europe with beaches and water sports

14. What are some etiquette tips for visiting Budapest?

Some etiquette tips for visiting Budapest are:

• Greet people with a handshake or a nod.
• Use titles and surnames when addressing people.
• Remove your shoes when entering someone’s home.
• Always wait to be seated in restaurants.
• Avoid discussing politics and religion.
• Do not litter or smoke in non-smoking areas.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Budapest

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is one of the most beautiful and affordable cities in Europe. Known for its stunning architecture, historic landmarks, delicious food, and thermal baths, the city attracts millions of visitors each year. If you’re planning a trip to Budapest, here’s how you can spend your time as a tourist:

1. Visit Buda Castle

Buda Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the Castle Hill in Budapest. The castle was built in the 14th century and was the residence of the Hungarian kings for centuries. Today, the castle houses several museums, including the Budapest History Museum, the Hungarian National Gallery, and the Museum of Music History. To reach the Castle Hill, you can take a funicular railway, which offers stunning views of the city. You can also walk up the hill or take a taxi. Once you reach the top, you can explore the castle and enjoy the panoramic views of the city.

2. Relax at the Thermal Baths

Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, which are known for their healing properties. The city has over 100 thermal springs, and many of them are open to the public. Some of the most popular thermal baths in Budapest are:

• Szechenyi Baths
• Gellert Baths
• Rudas Baths
• Kiraly Baths

Each thermal bath has its own unique style and atmosphere, and they offer various amenities, such as indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, massage services, and more. Visiting a thermal bath is a must-do when in Budapest.

3. Explore the Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter is a vibrant neighborhood located in the center of Budapest. It is home to several historic landmarks, including the Dohany Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue in Europe, and the Jewish Museum, which tells the story of Hungarian Jewish life and culture. The neighborhood also has many trendy cafes, bars, restaurants, and street art. You can take a guided tour of the Jewish Quarter or explore it on your own.

4. Walk Along the Danube Promenade

The Danube Promenade is a scenic walkway along the Danube River that offers stunning views of Budapest. The promenade stretches for 2.5 km and connects several landmarks, such as the Parliament Building, the Chain Bridge, and the Shoes on the Danube Bank Memorial. You can walk, jog, bike or take a river cruise along the promenade. The views of the city from the river are breathtaking, especially at night when the landmarks are illuminated.

5. Taste Hungarian Cuisine

Hungarian cuisine is hearty and flavorful, with a mix of Eastern and Western European influences. Some of the most famous Hungarian dishes are:

• Goulash soup
• Langos
• Chicken paprikash
• Lecso
• Kremes

You can taste these dishes and more at local restaurants, cafes, and markets. Don’t forget to try Hungarian wines and palinka, a fruit brandy that is a traditional Hungarian drink.

6. Visit Heroes’ Square

Heroes’ Square is a historic square in Budapest that commemorates Hungarian history and culture. It features the Millennium Monument, which portrays the seven chieftains who founded Hungary, as well as several statues of Hungarian kings and national heroes. The square is also home to the Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of Art, both of which showcase Hungarian and international art.

7. Experience the Budapest Nightlife

Budapest has a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene, with something for everyone. You can visit ruin pubs, which are trendy bars located in abandoned buildings and courtyards. The most famous ruin pub in Budapest is Szimpla Kert. You can also enjoy live music, theater, and dance performances, or attend a party on a boat or in a club. The nightlife in Budapest is affordable compared to other European cities, so you can have fun without breaking the bank.

Book Your Tour Now

Budapest is a beautiful and exciting city that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for tourists. Whether you’re interested in history, art, food, or nightlife, you will find something to do in Budapest. Make sure to plan your trip in advance and use this guide to maximize your time and experience in the city.