Budapest , Hungary

Private Downtown Pest Walking Tour

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(5 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Spend 3-hours walking through Pest, Budapest's lively downtown area on the east bank of the Danube River. Explore the architectural beauty and rich history of the city.

Your private guide will share cultural insights and knowledge about the city's most loved and historic buildings. Explore extravagant palaces built for the stock exchange and banks, the city's immense basilica, an impressive new synagogue, the Andrassy út – an elegant boulevard modelled after the Champs Elysée in Paris, the first subway on the European continent, the Opera House, a river promenade, theatres, and city parks.

Available options

Start Times

What's included

3-hour guided walk through Downtown Budapest

Professional guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

This ornate synagogue is the second largest in the world and a testament to the vitality of Budapest's Jewish community in the 19th Century.

Stop 2

The monumental Parliament at Kossuth Square, the most expensive structure ever built in Hungary at its inauguration, is the symbol of Budapest’s rise in the 19th century.

Stop 3

This iconic statue complex features the Seven chieftains of the Magyars and other important Hungarian national leaders.

Stop 4

This noble avenue was Budapest's answer to Paris's Champs-Élysées in the 19th century, a statement of the Hungarian capitals increasing sophistication and affluence.

Lean about the Ronald Reagan statue and the Hungarian sense of obligation to this US president for his efforts to bring down the Iron Curtain.

Take in the monumental Parliament at Kossuth Square, the most expensive structure ever built in Hungary at its inauguration.

What's not included

Food and drinks, unless specified

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Your tour guides are professors, doctoral students, historians, journalists and passionate hosts and storytellers. We thrive on helping travelers explore our cities.

Meeting point

Please meet your guide outside Café Smúz, Kossuth Lajos tér 18, Budapest, 1055, Hungary.

About Budapest

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and thermal baths. Straddling the Danube River, it offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western European cultures, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Budapest Parliament Building

The Hungarian Parliament Building is a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture and a symbol of Hungary.

Architecture 1-2 hours €20-30

Buda Castle

Buda Castle is a historical castle and palace complex that offers panoramic views of the city.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore, €3-5 for museums

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Széchenyi Thermal Bath is one of the largest thermal baths in Europe, offering a relaxing experience in historic surroundings.

Relaxation 2-3 hours €15-20

Fisherman's Bastion

Fisherman's Bastion is a neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque structure offering panoramic views of the Danube and Pest.

Architecture 1 hour Free (€3 for the tower)

Heroes' Square

Heroes' Square is a significant monument and a major landmark in Budapest, commemorating the heroes of Hungary's history.

Historical 1 hour Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Goulash

A traditional Hungarian soup made with beef, vegetables, and paprika.

Dinner Contains beef, gluten (from bread or flour)

Lángos

A deep-fried dough topped with sour cream, cheese, and garlic.

Snack Contains dairy, can be made gluten-free

Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács)

A sweet, cylindrical pastry cooked over an open fire and coated with sugar and cinnamon.

Dessert Contains wheat, sugar, can be made gluten-free

Töltött Káposzta

Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced pork and rice, cooked in a tomato sauce.

Dinner Contains pork, gluten (from tomato sauce)

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Buda Hills Cycling along the Danube Kayaking on the Danube Visiting thermal baths Strolling along Andrássy Avenue Relaxing in City Park Visiting museums and galleries Attending classical music concerts

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Budapest for warm weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and tourists.

18°C to 30°C 64°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Hungarian
Widely spoken: English, German
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Hungarian Forint (HUF)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Budapest is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious with valuables in crowded areas
• Use official taxis or app-based services
• Check bills carefully at restaurants and bars

Getting there

By air

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport • 16 km from city center

By train

Budapest-Keleti Railway Station, Budapest-Nyugati Railway Station

By bus

Népliget Bus Station, Árpád Bridge Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and easy to use, with four lines connecting major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, Főtaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

District V (Belváros) District VII (Jewish Quarter) District VIII (Józsefváros) District IX (Ferencváros)

Day trips

Szentendre

20 km from Budapest • Half day

A charming town known for its museums, galleries, and colorful houses.

Esztergom

50 km from Budapest • Full day

A historic town with a stunning basilica and a rich history.

Visegrád

40 km from Budapest • Full day

A historic town with a royal palace and scenic views of the Danube Bend.

Festivals

Budapest Christmas Market • Late November to early January Budapest Spring Festival • March Sziget Festival • August

Pro tips

Use the Budapest Card for free public transport and discounts on attractions
Take a Danube River cruise for stunning views of the city
Visit the thermal baths early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds
Explore the Jewish Quarter for its vibrant nightlife and historic sites
Try local street food, such as lángos and kürtőskalács, for an authentic taste of Budapest