The City Challenge: Play Your Way Through Budapest

Budapest , Hungary

The City Challenge: Play Your Way Through Budapest

Active

3h - 5h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The City Challenge Budapest is an interactive, self-guided game that takes you through the city’s most iconic spots while completing 14 fun challenges. From quizzes to stepping out of your comfort zone by engaging with locals, you’ll uncover hidden stories and experience Budapest in a way most tourists never do. Each task is designed to help you step beyond sightseeing and truly connect with the city.

Created by three 20-year-olds from the city, the game is entirely web-based and playable on any smartphone with internet access - no app download needed. After booking, you’ll receive a link that gives you instant access to the game.

Step out of the role of a tourist and become a part of Budapest’s story!

What you get
- Access to our interactive online platform
- A self-guided journey through the most iconic parts of Budapest
- 14 unique challenges that go beyond sightseeing
- Key stories and secrets about Budapest’s top attractions - all the fun things a tour guide would tell you

Available options

The City Challenge: Play Your Way Through Budapest

What's included

Access to the interactive online platform

Customer support if needed

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

This is where your experience begins—you’ll face your first challenges here and learn some interesting facts about Hungary’s most iconic building.

Stop 2

You’ll see one of Budapest’s key landmarks here, with a challenge nearby.

Right in the heart of the city, this square is always buzzing—perfect spot for your next challenge.

Stop 4

This is one of Budapest’s busiest corners, with a new challenge waiting for you.

As you reach the bridge, another challenge comes up—plus, one of the best views connecting Buda and Pest

Stop 6

Your tour concludes at Fisherman’s Bastion, where you'll be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking views over Budapest

Available languages

Written guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Your experience starts at the statue of Gyula Andrássy, right next to the iconic Parliament Building

Important notes

After purchase, you’ll receive a separate email—apart from Viator’s confirmation—with detailed instructions on how to access the online platform that will guide you through the game.

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