Budapest , Hungary

Budapest Kickstart Your Trip

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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

If it’s your first time in Budapest, you’ll want to get orientated and see the city's landmarks! But what if as well as this, you could get a local’s advice about where to go, what to eat and all the exciting possibilities for your stay? With this experience you can! Discover hidden gems as well as Budapest’s highlights and tourist sights, ticking the most famous attractions off your bucket list while you explore the city with your host who’ll reveal the best kept local secrets that are just around the corner. Get familiar with the city and how to navigate, as well as hearing insider tips about the best local spots and neighbourhoods to visit. Whether it’s the city centre or an off the beaten path neighbourhood, choose the area you’d like to explore and get ready to kickstart your adventure in Budapest!

Available options

Budapest Kickstart Your Trip

Pickup included

What's included

3 hours with a Local Host

Private and personalised experience

Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or taxi options)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Every experience is private and personalized. Your local host will plan an itinerary for you based on your interests and on the other activities you have planned for your trip. The host might suggest starting your itinerary at Buda Castle. This is a great place to learn about Hungarian history as well as to see the city from above and get some general orientation.

Stop 2 Pass by

Descend towards the Danube and cross the iconic 1800s suspended Chain Bridge. Learn about the history and legends behind it, and what makes the Lanchid one of the most important bridges in the whole of Europe. Tip! Ask your host to tell you about the tongues of the lions.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Tickets to any attractions

Transportation costs

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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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

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

We’ll be in touch within 24 hours after booking to find out more about your personality, tastes and interests so we can assign a like-minded Local who can create a bespoke experience for you.

Meeting point

This is a great central point to meet your host if your hotel is not listed.

Your host will meet you in front of the Lutheran Church on Deák Ferenc Square. The church is on the east side of the square, with a clear entrance and a distinctive façade.

Important notes

We’ll be in touch within 24 hours after booking to find out more about your personality and interests so we can assign a like-minded local who will create a bespoke experience for you

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