Budapest Historical Sightseeing - Free Walking Tour
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This walking tour covers all the major historical sites and attractions of Budapest. Explore and gain a historical understanding which covers 50 points of historical interest.
The tour will give you the chance to view, explore, and gain a historical and cultural understanding of the country. The tour covers 50 points of interest. The tour gives an introduction to the arrival of the first Magyar tribes, the Ottomans, the Hapsburg Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, WW1, WW2, The Soviet Occupation, and life in current-day Hungary. Complete with recommendations for the best bars, restaurants, spas, and cultural spots in the city.
You can tip the guides as little or much as you wish depending on the experience. There is a booking fee payable to trip adviser.
Our tours are fast-moving and our guides are professional historians. We also keep our tour groups small, below 25 people, to allow you to hear and see the guide easily and to have plenty of time to ask questions.
Available options
Budapest Historical Sightseeing - Walking Tour
What's included
In-person guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Stand in the gardens of the National Museum:
-See the statue of the mythical turul bird.
-Learn about the museum, its collections, and its founder.
-Hear about the 1948 uprising.
-Discover the secrets of the notorious viii district, once home to grand palaces.
2
Meet the your guide at 12 Kalvin ter. Our guides are dressed in yellow. The square is French Protestant Reformer John Calvin. the area has places to sit and shelter from the elements.
3
Stand in the courtyard of Miklós Ybl's unique creation of mixing many styles: Byzantine, Gothic, Moorish, Renaissance, and Romantic elements, all make up the glory of this fading palace.
4
See the Budapest eye, learn about the history of the square and the location of some of Budapest coolest bars and nightlife.
5
Pass by this grand building in a French Empire style. Elegant both inside and out, the Astoria Budapest, with its cosmopolitan atmosphere, attracted numerous international stars and cinematic productions, inculding the Josephine Baker Story, directoed by Brian Gibson.
6
Stop 6
Pass by
The tour travels through the Jewish quarter and allows participants to learn about the history of the district. From the home to a vibrant Jewish community to a ghetto in the Second World War, in more recent years it has become home to artists and students to bustling tourist areas, filled with independent shops, designers, and bars.
7
Stop 7
Stand outside this wonderful building and learn why it is named after Hungary's first king!
8
Stop 8
Spend some time at the Szabadság tér/Liberty Square and see the communist memorial!
9
The 50000 m2 palace is the largest privately owned historic landmark in Budapest
10
Find out why Regan is walking away from the parliament looking so happy, and also discover why Bush (statue) is stood waiting for hi.
11
Stop 11
Stand outside of the building and let yourself be amazed by the outside of the electric/neo-gothic historical building and by the beautiful view of the Danube!
Learn about the other buildings of importance on the square including the chocolate museum, the former ministry of Justice, and the agricultural museum.
12
Stop 12
See the castle and fishermans Baiston, from the Pest side of the river. Learn about the areas history. See St Maytas church with its stunning colored tiled roof and the Hungarian National Palace from afar on the Pest side of the river.
See St Margits Island the Gellert Hill from afar on the Pest side and discover their history.
13
Stop 13
See the chain bridge, learn about the history of the bridge and its reconstruction.
14
Stop 14
See this incredibly simple and haunting monument of 60 pairs of shoes dedicated dot the holocaust victims who were lined up and shot on the banks.
What's not included
A short 5min break to buy drinks and go to the toilet there is no food/drink served on this tour. Guests should pay for their own if they wish to have them.
Cost of using a public toilet. 100huf to 500huf
Tips for the guides.
Guides are not able to carry guest luggage or equipment
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
573 reviews
5★
517
4★
44
3★
6
2★
3
1★
3
Tripadvisor
4.9
645 reviews
5★
598
4★
31
3★
8
2★
0
1★
8
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not recommended for travelers whom are unable to walk 3 miles.
We suggets bringing water to drink and sunscreen, umbrellas or warm jackets depending on the weather.
The tour is best enjoyed by adults and children over the age of 12 years. Younger children are welcome.
Dogs are not permitted on this tour. However guide dogs are permitted the owner must carry the dogs offical papers with them.
Metro and bus to Kalvin ter have wheelchair access.
Please inform us in advance if you need wheelchair access, the guide needs to make 2 slight adjustments to their route to accommodate you.
We do not offer a hearing induction loop.
Meeting point
You'll find us outside of the OTP bank/the chemist, 12 Kalvin ter. Use metro exit b look for our guides holding yellow umbrellas!
Important notes
Look for our guides holding yellow umbrellas with our logo on, outside OTP bank, 12-13 Kalvin ter, 1085, Budapest Hungary. Use metro exit B at Kalvin Ter (all metro exits have orange letters on them).
https://maps.app.goo.gl/e3SRFgGg6zJg97ea6
The tour is in English as advertised.
YOU PAY ONLY A BOOKING FEE. GUIDES WELCOME TIPS IN ANY HARD CURRECNY.
Please ARRIVE 5 mins before the start of your tour. Late arrivals are disruptive for our guides and other guests. If you are more than 10 mins late, it will not be possible for you to join the tour, however it is possible to swap the ticket free of charge and join the next available tour. If you are running late text/whasapp the guide: 0036703405060. The guide may not respond to your message immediately because they are either driving to work/taking their tour.
Dress for the weather 43oc in summer to -25oc in winter. Summer you will need sun hat/sun umbrella/sunblock. Winter you will need thermal layers.
Please respect our guides and other guests.
-Do not speak when the guide is speaking.
-Please inform the guide if you leave the group.
-Stay together as part of the group.
-The guide has the right to ask you to leave the group if you are disruptive.
-The guide has the right to
abandon the tour at any time they feel that their personal safety or that of the group is threatened
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
