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Budapest For first-time visitors

Our most recommended Budapest For first-time visitors

Budapest: Széchenyi Spa Full Day with Optional Pálinka Tour

1. Budapest: Széchenyi Spa Full Day with Optional Pálinka Tour

Book your full-day ticket to the Széchenyi Bath in advance and take advantage of complimentary tasting of Hungary's famous spirit "pálinka" on an optional guided tour inside the Pálinka Museum. The Széchenyi Bath is the largest thermal spring bath complex not only in Budapest but in Europe as well. It was built in 1913 in a Neo-baroque style. At the time it opened its baths were private, having separate steam baths for men and women, as well as different public baths for men and women. In 1927, the spa complex was expanded and today it comprises 3 outdoor and 15 indoor pools. After its expansion, the thermal artesian wasn’t adequate to supply the spa, so a new well was drilled. The second thermal spring dates from 1938. Towels and swimsuits are available for purchase only, no rental. Please note that swimsuits that cover the entire body are not permitted. During your visit, blow off some steam at the pools of Széchenyi Spa (built-in 1913.), which is Europe’s largest healing bath with its 15 indoor, and 3 grand outdoor pools. Pools are of varying temperatures, between 18 to 38 °C (64 to 100 °F). The complex covering 6220 square meters (67000 sq ft) also includes saunas and a steam bath. Afterward, discover a hidden gem in the city center to taste some Hungarian pálinka (spirits; non-alcoholic drinks are also available). Differently from whiskey or vodka, pálinka is made exclusively from different sorts of fruits and has an aromatic smell. Inside the Pálinka Museum's interactive exhibits, you will learn about its birth, tradition, and history. That’s why Hungary's Pálinka Act of Parliament exists which regulates and protects the production and quality of palinka.

Budapest: 1-Hour Evening Sightseeing Cruise with Drink

2. Budapest: 1-Hour Evening Sightseeing Cruise with Drink

Enjoy this 1-hour evening sightseeing cruise on the legendary blue Danube and sail between the Buda and Pest sides of magical Budapest. Board the boat directly at the pier in central Budapest, and sip a drink of your choice. Sip a glass of champagne, wine, beer, a soft drink or mineral water along with a complimentary special Duna Bella lemonade. During the cruise you’ll see the majestic Chain Bridge and Elisabeth Bridge, admire the massive Budapest Parliament Building, see the Buda Castle on the hill and circle the Margaret Island. You’ll learn about the main sights from the 30-language audio guide. Once the tour has concluded, the boat will take you back to the pier in central Budapest.

Budapest: The Great Synagogue Skip the Line Ticket

3. Budapest: The Great Synagogue Skip the Line Ticket

Skip the lines and head straight to the security check with a guide to start your tour of the Great Synagogue. Visit the Heroes’ Temple, the graveyard, and the Jewish Museum. Honor Holocaust victims at the Emanuel Tree in the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park. Take a guided tour to hear about the history and architecture of the largest synagogue in Europe and the second-largest in the world, as well as the fate of the Hungarian Jews before and after WWII.  Then use your ticket to enter the Hungarian Jewish Museum next to the Synagogue. Admire its red and yellow brick facade combining Romantic style with Moorish elements. Learn about the life of the Jewish people in Hungary through everyday objects.  See the famous Emmanuel Memorial Tree in the Synagogue's backyard. Admire this magnificent weeping willow's small metal leaves engraved with a name of a Holocaust victim and plaques honoring non-Jewish rescuers.  Then, finish your visit the graveyard in the backyard of the Heroes’ Temple, the burial site of those who died in the ghetto during WWII.

Budapest: Classic Buda Castle Walking Tour

4. Budapest: Classic Buda Castle Walking Tour

Follow your guide through through the history and sights of the Buda Castle District on this walking tour in Budapest. Hear stories from Hungarian history as you see sights like the President's Palace, the Royal Palace, and the Hungarian Parliament building. Begin your tour at the Baroque Holy Trinity Statue and walk to the 15th century, Gothic Matthias Church. Admire the fairy-tale like Fishermen's Bastion and take in views of the Danube river and the Parliament building from the Neo-Romanesque terraces. Stroll along the old cobble-stone streets to get to the President's Palace and the Royal Palace complexes. Walk around the courtyards and fountains, and look at the proud guards outside the palace.  Marvel at stunning views of the other side of the city across the majestic Danube River from the royal terraces. Capture pictures of views of the Margaret Bridge, the Chain Bridge, the Elizabeth Bridge, and the Liberty Bridge. Visit the other side of the castle and enjoy an excellent view towards the forested Buda Hills from the medieval walls. End your tour near the Holy Trinity Statue where it began. 

Budapest: Buda Castle Cave Walking Tour

5. Budapest: Buda Castle Cave Walking Tour

Explore a part of the network of underground tunnels under Castle Hill with your guide. Learn more about the history and role of the cave tunnels and their geology. Admire the natural limestone and the manpower that went into creating this labyrinth cave system. Meet for the cave tour either at Trinity Square (Szentháromság tér) or for the shorter tour option at Dárda Street, where you enter the Buda Castle underground cave system. After a short introduction, you will start your tour and learn about the history of the labyrinth-like of the cave system which once served as wine cellars, bomb shelters, and even a medieval prison. Admire the natural limestone caverns and the 800-year-old man-made cellars in one of the most unique caves of Hungary. The tour is a journey through time during where you will be able to learn a lot about not only the geology of the Buda Castle but also about the combined work of man and nature throughout many centuries.

Budapest: Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise

6. Budapest: Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise

Enjoy this daytime sightseeing cruise on the legendary blue Danube and sail between the Buda and Pest sides of magical Budapest. Board the boat directly at the pier in central Budapest, and sip a drink of your choice. You can choose a glass of champagne, wine, beer, a soft drink, or mineral water along with a complimentary special Duna Bella lemonade. During the cruise, you’ll see the majestic Chain Bridge and Elisabeth Bridge, admire the massive Budapest Parliament Building, see the Buda Castle on the hill, and circle Margaret Island. You’ll learn about the main sights from the 30-language audio guide. In the summer, you can make an optional stop at the cool and green Margaret Island, if you like. You’ll receive a free map of the small island with recommended walking tours and information about sights to see. Afterward, you’ll board the boat for the return trip to central Budapest.

Budapest: Buda Castle Vampires & Myths Evening Walking Tour

7. Budapest: Buda Castle Vampires & Myths Evening Walking Tour

Away from the crowds of Pest, this informative and educational tour takes you to some of the charming, magical places of the city where Hungarian rulers once toiled deep into the night at the Buda Castle. Hear stories of cruelty and learn the despicable actions of Elizabeth Bathory, the bloody countess. You will also learn how the Romanian prince, Vlad Dracula ended up in the prison of Buda Castle. Join your Gothic-attired guide as they take you on a 2-hour walking tour of the city by night. Learn the history of Old Hungary where, according to legend, "vampires" were born and roamed the streets during this dark period of European history.

Budapest: St Stephen's Basilica Tour

8. Budapest: St Stephen's Basilica Tour

Explore St. Stephen's Basilica, one of Budapest’s highlights, known for its monumental dome and beautiful Neo-Renaissance architecture. Find a perfect spot to admire the lavishly decorated exterior and discover its history on a guided tour inside the church. Meet your tour guide in front of the ticket office and start your guided tour to explore St. Stephen's Basilica. Discover its rich gold interior, many frescoes, and sculptures made by the renowned artists of the late 19th century. See the Holy Right, the naturally mummified right hand of the first Hungarian king, Saint Stephen, who ruled the country in the 11th century and converted Hungarians to Christianity. Learn about the 1,000-year-old Christian history of this nation. Choose the extended tour option or the private guided tour option to get to the top of the building. Take an elevator to the panoramic terrace around the dome, a lookout point above Budapest. Enjoy a 360-degree view of the whole city.  Climb a few steps inside the Southern Tower and explore the Treasury and Basilica exhibition. See several liturgical objects and artworks, including a replica of the crown worn by the kings of Hungary.  Learn about the history of the building and about Cardinal Mindszenty, the Catholic church leader of the 1950s and 1960s who was tortured and imprisoned by the Communist regime.

Budapest: MonsteRoller E-Scooter Tour

9. Budapest: MonsteRoller E-Scooter Tour

Turn the city of Budapest into your playground and choose from 5 small-group electric scooter tour options for up to 15 people. Your guided e-scooter tour will take you around the city with a freedom like no other mode of transportation - with a serious fun factor. Choose between 5 different routes. Three of the routes explore Budapest along a theme which the 2-hour tour is based on to curate your tour. Alternatively, choose to take the express 1.5-hour tour which takes you to the best of the city, or take your time with an extensive 3-hour tour of the city. MonsterRoller electric scooters feature 9.5 inch wide wheels, a low platform and zero emissions. The handling feels more like surfing than riding and makes them easier to ride than a bicycle but as stable and robust as a scooter.

Budapest: Classical Music Concerts in Matthias Church

10. Budapest: Classical Music Concerts in Matthias Church

Visit the Matthias Church in the Buda Castle, right on Castle Hill and easily reachable from the city center of Budapest. Spend an evening at this outstanding venue and experience a magical classical concert. Choose from 3 different seating categories, depending on your preferences, and listen to excellent artists performing the best of the best in classical music. The program for the concert, performed by the Duna String Orchestra and solist Gabora Gyula on the violin, is the following: Best of Classic: J. Pachebel - Canon A. Vivaldi  - The four seasons, Winter (2nd movement), Gloria (Domine Deus) J.S. Bach - Violin Concerto in E major, BWV 1042 (1st movement) G.F. Haendel - Water Music. HWV. 348. in F. major T. Albinoni - Adagio W.A. Mozart - Church Sonata in D major no. 4 KV 144 Saint-Saens - The Swan C. Frank - Panis Angelicus J.S. Bach - Air J. Massenet - Thais Meditation W.A. Mozart - A Little Night Music, Alleluja from Exsultate, Jubilate

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What people are saying about Budapest

This experience was incredible and worth every penny! The only con unfortunately is something out of the cruise operator control but could somehow be addressed with potential guests: the queue jumping. It was very disrespectful. We were 2 and chose the last cruise of the day (08:40pm), we arrived before 8pm to be able to go in first and chose seats. There were already 6 people in line, divided in 2 groups. As dozens of more people started arriving everybody just started jumping the queue and disrespecting the order of arrival. People who got there before us were thrown to the back of the line and we would have been too if we didn't say anything.

Just the two of us in the end so Andy turned into our private guide for a fascinating history lesson all about Budapest. Deffo take the e-bikes. Loved it

Highly Recommended! We were in the evening on the "boat" the lights of the city, a dream. Very nice staff, audio guide in different languages.

Our tour guide was great! Really enjoyed the stories he told us and the night time walk around the castle district. Highly recommend it!

Our guide was fantastic, knowledgeable, witty, accommodating. Would recommend!