Budapest Highlights Self Guided Tour from Bastions to Basilicas

Budapest , Hungary

Budapest Highlights Self Guided Tour from Bastions to Basilicas

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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

Explore the heart of Budapest at your own pace with this self-guided walking tour. Stroll along the Danube Promenade to uncover iconic landmarks like the Hungarian Parliament, Széchenyi Chain Bridge and views of the Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion. Also uncover a poignant memorial and hidden gems. Along the way, you will hear about thermal baths, Hungarian wines and coffee culture.
Ideal for first-time visitors, curious explorers, or anyone who enjoys a flexible schedule, this tour blends history, architecture and has over 15 stops taking you through the best of the Pest side of the river.

Available options

Budapest Highlights Self Guided Tour from Bastions to Basilicas

What's included

Check or search your inbox for an email from “Tourific” for tour access instructions.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee: If you don’t love the tour, write to us for a full refund.

Audio and written guide included

Offline access to the tour (no internet connection needed) once tour is downloaded

Images to identify stops and in app interactive map for navigation

1-year access on iOS & Android. Listen to the tour anytime, as many times as you like

Detailed itinerary

Start by walking along the riverside with views of Buda Castle while meeting a tiny statue full of charm.

Stop 2

Pass by the first permanent bridge between Buda and Pest and hear how it changed the city forever.

Stop 3 Pass by

Marvel at one of Europe’s finest Art Nouveau buildings and how it went from insurance HQ to luxury hotel.

Stop 4 Pass by

Celebrate Hungary’s Nobel legacy, world-changing inventions, and scientific contributions to daily life.

Explore a politically charged square featuring U.S. presidents, a Soviet monument, and a magnificent exchange building. Also hear about the famous thermal baths and how they came to be

Marvel at Hungary’s most important church and learn about its namesake king and preserved mummified hand. Discover a local legend involving a smiling statue and learn about Hungarian wines.

Stop 7 Pass by

Hear about how and why this stunning landmark was constructed and the details that make it so special

Stop 8

Pause at this powerful memorial to honor victims of WWII atrocities carried out along the riverbank. Admire views of Fisherman's Bastion across the river

Uncover the story of an Austrian archduke beloved by Hungarians and hear about Budapest’s grand coffeehouse tradition.

What's not included

Any physical devices or headphones

Human tour guide at location

Available languages

Audio guide

DE RU PT EN IT PL FR NL ES

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

This is a self-guided audio tour on the "Tourific self-guided tours" app. To activate the tour, check your email for instructions from Tourific or your booking platform sent right after booking. Can’t find it? Search for “Tourific” in your email inbox and spam folder. OR contact us via support.

Important notes

Know before you go :

•⁠ ⁠You will need to download the "Tourific self guided tours" app from the Google play store or App store

•⁠ ⁠Right after booking, you’ll receive an email from Tourific or the tour booking platform with instructions to access the tour.

•⁠ ⁠Having trouble finding the email? Just search for “Tourific” in your inbox or spam folder.

•⁠ ⁠For any issues - contact support@tourific.org

•⁠ ⁠The tour is valid for 1 year and can be listened to any number of times. So feel free to download tour and experience a few stops before going on the tour.

•⁠ ⁠Fully charge your phone and carry your headphones for the best experience

•⁠ ⁠The tour follows a set route that we recommend that you follow. Once the tour is downloaded, the introduction will guide you to your starting point

•⁠ ⁠Change of plans? Enjoy the tour on a different day or from home

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