Walking Tour of Budapest 1

Exploring Budapest

Points of Interest by Foot

Hungarian Parliament Building

Hungarian Parliament Building

The third largest parliament building in the world - the Hungarian Parliament Building is the seat of national assembly of Hungary. This impressive Neo-Gothic structure is also the symbol of Hungary and its capital city. Apart from being the building of Hungary's law-making body, it also houses the Hungarian Holy Crown, and the offices of the Prime Minister.

Facade

Adult admission fee is HUF 2400 (EU citizens).

Kossuth Square

Part of Kossuth Square

Considered as the main square of the nation - Kossuth Square was just recently reconstructed into a rational and sustainable park structure. The park is a no-traffic zone and there are still on-going plans on further developing the park.

Lion Fountain

Sitting in Vörösmaty Square, the Lion Fountain is considered among the most beautiful fountains in the city. It's a popular meeting point of several walking tours as it is conveniently located in one of the busiest hubs in downtown Budapest. The Vörösmaty Square is the start of the city's famous shopping street, Váci Utca.

The Lion FountainSt.

Stephen's Cathedral

St. Stephen's Cathedral is a Roman Catholic basilica named in honour of the first king of Hungary whose mummified right hand, the Szent Jobb ("the holy right hand") is housed in the reliquary.

St. Stephen's Cathedral

Going up to the cupola is a good way to see beautiful panoramic views of the city, while the St. Stephen's square offers plenty of terraced cafes and bistros that are perfect for people watching.

Admission into the basilica is free but it is customary to give HUF 200 or €1 donation. A separate ticket is needed to go up to the cupola.

Apart from Catholic services, the cathedral also organises organ concerts.

Little Princess statue

Little Princess Statue

Kiskirálylány - a small statue of a princess sitting on the railings of the Danube promenade. The original statute was created by an artist, László Marton, inspired by his eldest daughter born from his first marriage. It is one of Budapest's secret gems.

Chain Bridge

Chain Bridge

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Danube River and linking Buda and Pest. Stretching between the Széchenyi Square on the Pest side to the Clark Ádám Square on the Buda side, this picturesque bridge symbolises the unification of what used to be divided sides of the Danube River into one city. It is the first bridge built to connect Buda and Pest.

Enjoy stunning views of the city from both ends of the bridge and while crossing it. It is also worth crossing at night when the bridge is lit up.

Castle Hill

Sitting on top of a hill on the Buda side, the Castle Hill is a walled complex bounded on the north by the Castle District which comprises the entire walled area of the hill. What used to be a bustling capital of Buda, the complex is the location for key attractions such as the Buda Castle (which now houses the Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Museum), the Fisherman's Bastion, and St. Matthias Church.

Buda Castle Hill Funicular

Get there either by riding the Buda Castle Hill Funicular (HUF 1,100 one way or 1,700 return) or taking the short hike up by the side of the hill.

Entrance to Buda Castle

Buda Castle is the historical castle and palace complex of the Hungarian kings.

Buda Castle Ruins

Buda Castle

The 700-year old Matthias Church is now a Roman Catholic church atop Buda Hill. It used to be the venue for coronations and royal weddings and was founded by the first king of Hungary, Szent Stephen. Marvel at its exterior with its delicate turrets and coloured tiled roof with welcoming combinations of warm lights, shadows and colours of orange, brown, and gold.

St. Matthias Church

Back of St. Matthias Church

Statue of St. Stephen and Matthias Church

The Fisherman's Bastion is the fairytale-like neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque style viewing terrace sitting on the edge of Buda Hill, overlooking the Danube and offering panoramic views of Budapest.

Panoramic views of Danube River and Pest from Fisherman's Bastion

Walk around the Old Town and explore its quaint streets.

Holy Trinity Statue

Grab some lunch at Piknik Pavilon, and try out the famous 7-layer Hungarian cake, Dobos torte at Ruszwurm Confectionery - the oldest family-run cafe in Budapest with a 200-year legacy.

Piknik Pavilon

Lunch: pork knuckles with potatoes and coleslaw, and spicy Hungarian sausage in a bun

Dobos torte

After exploring the old town, head back to the lookout in Buda Castle at golden hour to witness the beauty of Budapest as dusk approaches and darkness envelopes the city. And have another fine and relaxed stroll down the hill back to Pest.

View of Chain Bridge from Buda Castle lookout

Chain Bridge at night

View of Castle Hill from Pest side at night

Have dinner in Street Food Karaván - a collection of kiosks serving great-tasting food in Kazinczy Street.

Karaván

Experience a unique night out with good booze and eccentric decors at one of the city's largest and most famous ruin pubs, Szimpla Kert. Make sure to have at least one shot of Unicum - a herbal digestive liquor made up of about 40 different herbs, and the Palinka - a fruit brandy.

Szimpla Kert

And finally, end the night with a crazy Pub Crawl and have fun exploring different ruin pubs across the city with great company.

Pub Crawl

Expenses:

Lunch = 2950

Cake = 320

Dinner = 850

Szimpla Kert = 1450

Pubcrawl = 3000

TOTAL: HUF 8,570