Discover Budapest: A Journey Through History and Beauty

This walking experience covers Budapest's iconic sites, offering stunning views, rich history, and delicious Hungarian cuisine, with hidden gems along the way.

Begin your experience at Varkert Bazar, where you can admire the magnificent panorama of Pest. A beautifully restored neo-Renaissance complex featuring gardens, exhibitions, and cultural events. Stroll through the landscaped gardens and explore the art galleries showcasing Hungarian contemporary art.

It is also a great photo spot. Here, you can find a lot of pillars that serve as a great frame for the parliament. Varkert Bazar is a significant historical site, restored to its former glory and now serving as a cultural hub. The underground exhibition spaces often host intriguing temporary exhibits that delve into Hungary's rich history and culture.

The Buda Royal Palace, a majestic historical complex in Budapest, offers a rich cultural experience. Even without paying the entrance fee for the Budapest History Museum, the Hungarian National Gallery or the National Szechenyi Library you can have a good time here.

You can wander through the expansive courtyards, which offer impressive views of the palace architecture and surrounding areas. The palace is located on Castle Hill, providing stunning panoramic views of Budapest, the Danube River, and the Pest side of the city. Photograph the Exterior, visit the Statues and Monuments throughout the palace grounds, and stroll through the gardens.

Walk to the nearby Matthias Church, a 700-year-old church known for its colorful tiled roof and stunning Gothic architecture. The entrance fee is included in the price. Inside, you can explore the richly decorated interior, the beautiful stained glass windows, and detailed frescoes. The church has been the site of many coronations and royal events, making it a key historical landmark.

Just a short walk from Matthias Church, the Fisherman's Bastion offers panoramic views of the Danube River, Margaret Island, and Pest. Explore the seven towers representing the seven Hungarian tribes and take in the stunning cityscape.

While many of its balconies and all those towers are free to enter, the upper towers have a small entrance fee, which is included in the price. Stunning views are guaranteed.  This is also my favorite sight in all of Hungary. The pictures here are simply breathtaking.

Walk across the iconic Chain Bridge, the first permanent bridge connecting Buda and Pest. The bridge provides a close-up view of its impressive lion statues and stunning sights of the Danube River, the Parliament Building, Margaret Island, and several other bridges and landmarks in Budapest.

The bridge is also a great spot for photos, with the majestic Buda Castle in the background. The Chain Bridge is a symbol of Budapest, representing the city’s unity and historical resilience. Look for the plaque commemorating the bridge's designer, William Tierney Clark, and its engineer, Adam Clark.

Head along the Danube Promenade towards the Hungarian Parliament. Along the way, stop at the "Shoes on the Danube Bank" memorial. It's a memorial with a really sad background. Your guide can tell you about it. Take a moment to read the small plaques embedded in the pavement, which provide personal stories of the victims. 

Visit the Hungarian Parliament, one of the most beautiful parliament buildings in the world. You don't have to see it from the inside, which is only possible with a guided tour. It's impressive enough from the outside and a truly great photo spot, especially with the iconic yellow streetcars in the foreground. The Parliament's stunning architecture and rich history make it a highlight of any Budapest tour. 

Stop at one of the recommended eateries for traditional Hungarian Langos (a deep-fried flatbread typically topped with sour cream and cheese) and chimney cake, a delicious pastry coated in sugar and cinnamon. Enjoying these traditional treats is a must when experiencing Hungarian cuisine. Ask your host for recommendations in the area.

End your central city tour at St. Stephen's Basilica, the largest church in Budapest. Admire the stunning neoclassical architecture and the richly decorated interior, and climb to the dome for a panoramic view of the city. The fees are all included in the price of the tour. The basilica is not only an architectural masterpiece but also holds the mummified right hand of St. Stephen, Hungary's first king.

Visit the treasury inside the basilica, which houses ecclesiastical treasures and relics. Regardless of which highlights catch your interest, there's something at St. Stephen's Basilica for everyone. If the time allows, we recommend climbing the tower for the views. However, note that even the elevator option includes some stairs, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.

Take the M1 metro line to your next destination, the Heroes’ Square. 

Arrive at Heroes’ Square, one of Budapest's most iconic landmarks. Admire the Millennium Monument with statues of the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars and other important Hungarian leaders. Behind the Millennium Monument, there is a small hidden garden that offers a peaceful escape from the bustling square. 

Walk through the City Park to Vajdahunyad Castle, an eclectic mix of architectural styles. Simply enjoy the views of the castle and the picturesque surroundings, including the lake and statue of Anonymous. The castle showcases Hungary's architectural evolution and offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Explore the less-visited sections of the castle grounds, which often have beautiful, quiet spots perfect for reflection.

This comprehensive walking tour of Budapest takes you through the city's most iconic and historically significant sites. Starting at Varkert Bazar and ending at Vajdahunyad Castle, you'll experience breathtaking views, rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious Hungarian cuisine, all while discovering hidden gems along the way. The convenient use of public transport ensures you can see more of this vibrant city.