Urban Tour of Budapest's Most Controversial District.
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Urban Tour of Budapest's Most Controversial District.

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(7 reviews)
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The outer part of the viii district was considered as a no-go area, deemed the gypsy ghetto, the district is often still considered one of the most undesirable, run-down, poor, and depressing parts of the city.

Despite this, the area has inspired urban rappers from Animal Cannables, Arnold to Mr.Joint & Ferke. The district has inspired movies from Pál utca fiúk (Paul Street Boys), Nyolcker (The Eight District), and A Good Day to Die Hard.

The tour is very suitable for those interested in migration, and urban and architectural history. It enables participants the chance to explore the issues surrounding the district and its unique culture and vibrant history. Józsefváros is a heterogeneous and dynamically changing area and an ideal site to examine the effects of urban diversity.

On this tour you will explore...
-Keleti train station.
-The cemetery.
-Orczy Ter Cross
-The gypsy ghetto.
-Discover the fate of the house of fates museum.
-Chinese market and former Ganz factory.

Available options

Urban Tour of Budapest's Most Controversial District.

What's included

Certified guide

Detailed itinerary

1

Learn about the history of the train station.

See the famous arrival hall built for princess sissi.

We step back in time 100 years. It's not as beautiful as the frescoed Lotz Hall, which serves as the treasury, but the eclectic style of the ballroom is still surprising and impressive. It can be seen that it has been neglected for a long time, but the Greek-style supporting columns, the huge window frames, the marble coverings, and the carved wooden coverings recall the old glorious past.

2

Take a quick visit to the police museum

Forensic science exhibition
-Black Angel crime case
- Crime committed by Béla Kiss – the first Hungarian serial killer
- Yugoslav serial killer
- Whiskys crime case
- Nicotine murder
- Martfűi serial murder – fourth-degree murder
- Miskolc Bonny and Clyde crime case

Police history exhibition
relics (uniforms, weapons, documents, certificates, sculptures, awards, photos

"Past and Present" photo exhibition

ON SUNDAY THE POLICE MUSEUM IS CLOSED AND WE DO NOT ENTER:

3

Understand the history of this grand cemetery once nicked named the Communist Cemetery.

Learn about local death customs.

See the beautiful tombs and architecture that make up this outdoor museum.

Climb to the top of Kossuths tomb who was the governor of Hungary during the revolution for the best views of the 8th district.

Find out about the fate of the martyred prime minister Batthany.

Enter inside one of the mausoleums.

See the grand horse drawn funeral hearse last used for Count Apponyi.

Visit the cemetery gift shop.

4

See the refurbished Laszlo ter, learn about the history of the carbon market that was located here and why it is named after the famous Hungarian writer.

5

The House of Fates is a highly disputed, unfinished museum located in Budapest, Hungary, designed to spread the message by the government of Viktor Orbán about the Holocaust of the Hungarian Jews. The memory of the Holocaust has been the subject of extremely turbulent debates since the end of communist control in Hungary. Over the past 30 years, no other issue has provoked such strong emotions in public life.

See the strange building,designed by Attila F. Kovács with is giant star and railway carriage towers, reminding us of the terrible start of events which started from the location

6

Orczy tér in Józsefváros is somehow an unfortunate symbol of traffic disorder. Its renewal has been in the plans for decades, but its implementation is often delayed. In the eyes of many, it is a confusing, disreputable enclosure, an opaque set of tram tracks and sidewalk islands. Over the decades, the region has faced numerous social problems, which were compounded by the mass of commuters flowing through.

You will have the oppoutinty to visit the heart of this mess, the Csobánc Társasház was designed by the award-winning György Kévés, he created a striking, "complex architectural work", whose characteristic brick architecture with numerous arches strongly evokes the early modern architectural world of 1910. See the unusual Kokárda Catacomb, memorial and underground chapel at the center of this project, which commemorates the failed revoltuins 1848 and 1956. Hear how this new housing complex marked the start of a very painful gentrification for this area.

7

Wander through the small gardens of Golgota tér and see the remains of a chapel, which was once frequented by the workers who lived in the nearby apartment buildings, the communists who sought to destroy it were only successful on the third attempt, learn what motived them.

View the reconstruction work of the original bronze 14 reliefs made by sculptor Antal Szécsi featuring the Máriabesnyő Calvary Station

Then wander a little further alone to Budapest Europe Television was the first commercial tv station in Hungary. Learn about the business models unusual structure and how the The relationship between the company's manager, and the liquidator almost escalated to violence on multiple occasions, finally discover the stations strange end.

See the Goyla bar and community center and learn about the events and activities that it runs.

8

The fortress-like apartment block was home to three thousand workers when it was built – but the apartments, which have a room and kitchen, were built by the MÁVAG (Hungarian Royal State Iron, Steel and Machine Works) to provide the best care and conditions of the time for their workers: there was a bathhouse, a canteen, a laundry, a doctor's office, a kindergarten, a public market.

The colony today is often used as a film location, Colorado Kid, The Exam and the documentary The City Dweller's have been shot there.

9

Józsefváros market also known as four tigers market is located in a old industrial estate and is one of the largest markets of south east Asian goods in eastern central Europe. There are over 10,000 workers and 1,500 business located here selling everything from socks, frying pans, dragon fruit, plastic surgery, hot chicken, fresh live fish ,Chinese medicine and fake flowers.

Learn about the immigrants who settled here, explore the market with the guide.

At the end of the tour guests can take the time to explore the market further alone and try the wide variety of street food it has to offer.

Guests should bear in mind that the market is closed on holidays such as Christmas and Easter.

Available languages

Guide guide
EN
Written guide
EN

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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
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The Chinesse market is closed on Christmas and Easter holidays.
Must be able to walk 4kms in 2.5 hours.

Meeting point

Meet outside the train station at Keleti - look for our guides holding a yellow umbrella, we meet in front of the main steps.

Important notes

Just look for our guides holding a yellow umbrella on the main entrance steps of keleti pályaudvar.

We visit an active cemetery, Hungary is a Christian country, please dress and behave in a manner suitable for the occasion.

Dogs may not be brought on this tour. Guide and service dogs are permitted, please bring your dogs papers with you (it is required under Hungarian law that you will carry the dogs papers with you at all times).

Please arrive early for your tour. Late arrivals are extremely disruptive for others guests and the guide. If you are more than 10mins later than the start time you will not be allowed to join the tour. No refund will be issue to late arrivals. However if it is possible to swap the ticket free of charge and join the next available tour instead.

The guides cell is 0036703405060. Our guides may not immediately respond to your message if they are driving to work or are taking a tour.

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

Adults
Age 18-120
1
Childs
Age 8-17
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 8
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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