Budapest is dazzling and evocative, glorious and imposing. Our Self-Guided Free Budapest Walking Tour features the top attractions and best viewpoints.
To help you find your way, we have included step-by-step directions and our complete Budapest Attractions Map marked with all sights.
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Free Budapest Walking Tour Self Guided
With an intriguing past, monumental sights and scenic landscapes, the city is best discovered on foot.
We created this free walking tour in Budapest to highlight all the prime spots. Our route begins with iconic Budapest sights and moves through interesting districts and neighborhoods.
Because the city is so massive and split by the Danube, we have divided our walking tour of Budapest into six shorter sections.
That said, our six free Budapest tours are listed in order. Therefore, ambitious travelers can simply continue from one to the next, creating one longer city walk.
Those who prefer a more relaxed sightseeing experience can easily split our tours into two or three days of adventures. In fact, we share an ideal way to do so in our 3-Day Budapest Itinerary!
Budapest Sightseeing Map and Directions
Whether you complete our Budapest city tour in one day or at a more leisurely pace, a map is essential to getting around.
For each Budapest free tour, we provide a map with walking directions. Additionally, we share a pin drop for each stop on the route. Note that you will need connectivity for your mobile device.
Travelers from abroad can upgrade their existing plan to include international data, use an eSim (for unlocked phones) or purchase a Pocket WiFi Device.
Planning a Trip to Budapest, Hungary
While our Budapest Self Guided Walking Tour is ideal for sightseeing, there is so much more to planning your trip to Hungary.
We’ve visited Budapest multiple times – both on a budget and at the end of a European River Cruise – and have heaps of helpful advice!
Travelers arriving from overseas should also read our comprehensive guide to Planning a Vacation to Europe.
As you begin to make plans for your trip to Budapest, organization is key. Use our Trip Planning Printables to stay on top of the details!
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Budapest Travel Guide to plan your trip to Hungary!
6 Free Budapest Walking Tours
Our free walking tours of Budapest cover some ground! The areas we discover are: Pest Sights, Castle Hill Buda Tour, Gellert Hill Sights, Jewish Quarter, City Culture and Budapest after Dark.
Remember, our Budapest city walking tour can be done as one long trek or in several shorter walks.
Want this tour without the advertisements? Buy the PDF version here!
#1 Iconic Sights of Pest
Explore the city’s most recognizable spots on this short – but essential – Budapest walking tour. This Pest walking tour includes Budapest landmarks and memorials.
Use this Google Map for online walking directions for Tour #1.
Budapest Parliament
MAP. A first look at the Hungarian Parliament Building up close often stops visitors in their tracks. The colossal structure is much larger than most anticipate.
The Budapest Parliament stretches for 879 feet along the bank of the Danube River – and ranks as the world’s third largest Parliament building.
Built from 1885 to 1904, Parliament was inaugurated in 1896 for the country’s 1,000th year celebration.
The Gothic design features spires, statues, arches and a dome that soars 96 meters high. It honors Hungary’s birth year, 896, and no other building can exceed that height.
If time allows, gaze at it from all directions. Just make sure to end up in Kossuth Square.
Budapest Parliament Tour: Visitors can see the magnificent interior of the Budapest Parliament Building, but only with paid admission. Highlights of the 45-minute tour includes the lavish central staircase and the Hungarian Crown Jewels. We recommend booking a tour in advance.
Kossuth Square
MAP. With perfectly manicured green lawns and a smattering of statues, Kossuth Square exudes grandness.
Even more so because of the majestic buildings that surround it – like the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Justice. At the center is a spire with a Hungarian flag.
To the north is the Kossuth Monument, which is dedicated to the former Regent-President of the Kingdom of Hungary. Lajos Kossuth is attributed with fighting for Hungary’s independence from Austria during the 19th century.
On the south side, find the equestrian statue of Francis II Rákóczi. It honors his leadership during the early 18th century War of Independence against the Habsburgs.
Leave from the southeast corner near the equestrian statue. Walk past the Imre Nagy Statue (man standing on a bridge) in the corner and follow the southeast diagonal street, Vecsey, to Liberty Square.
Liberty Square
MAP. Liberty Square is ringed by historic buildings, such as the Hungarian National Bank, the Old Stock Exchange and fashionable apartment buildings from the late 1800s.
The stoic US Embassy is on the east side of the square (and is guarded by a high fence and blockades). Liberty Square, however, is inviting with a café, bar and play grounds.
There are three intriguing statues on the square – all of which honor prominent Americans. One is of Harry Hill Bandholtz, an officer from World War I.
Another is of U.S. President Ronald Reagan and the newest is of U.S. President George H.W. Bush. Visitors often grab the hand of Reagan to stroll alongside him and pose for a picture.
In addition to the statues, two controversial memorials stand at each end of Liberty Square. A Soviet War Memorial on the north and a sculpture on the south end of the park commemorating the country’s German Occupation on March 19, 1944.
Leave from the southeast corner, walk south on Sas Street to St. Istvan’s Square in front of the giant basilica.
St. Istvan’s Basilica
MAP. The next stop on our Self Guided Tour Budapest is the famous St. Stephen’s Basilica. Also built for Hungary’s 1,000th birthday, the enormous structure has two bell towers and a 96 meter high dome.
Visitors can climb the wide staircase and enter the church’s glittering interior. The extravagant décor is breathtakingly beautiful.
Entrance does require a ticket. An additional fee is charged to visit the Budapest Basilica dome panoramic terrace and treasury. A combo ticket is also available.
If you go inside, find the small chapel to the left of the altar that houses the decaying right hand of St. Istvan, Hungary’s first Christian king.
From the front steps of the church, walk west through St. Istvan’s Square onto the pedestrian street, Zrinyi.
Zrinyi Street
MAP. The pedestrian-only Zrinyi Street connects St. Istvan’s Basilica to Szechenyi Square and the stunning Chain Bridge.
The street is lined with typical Hungarian eateries – most of which cater to tourists and offer classic dishes, like goulash and meat platters.
Don’t miss a photo op with the “Fat Policeman.” The statue of the old-time Hungarian police officer is complete with a big belly and mustache – both of which are rubbed for good luck.
Walk west on Zrinyi Street to the banks of the river and the base of the most famous Budapest bridge.
Chain Bridge
MAP. Get your first look at the iconic Chain Bridge from the riverbank. It was commissioned by Count Istvan Szechenyi and built by Adam Clark between 1842 and 1849.
It was the first to span the Danube River and connect the towns of Buda and Pest. The original was destroyed in World War II, but the lions at both ends miraculously survived.
Walk onto the bridge along the north side walkway and marvel at the spectacular views of Budapest.
This ends our first free walking Budapest tour. To continue on follow our Buda Walking Tour – which picks up right were we left off!
#2 Castle Hill and Buda Tour
Our Buda Castle walking tour begins at the west end of Chain Bridge. From there, walk west around the roundabout to the entrance of the Varhegy Tunnel.
Use this Map for the walking route of Tour #2.
Varhegy Tunnel
MAP. Also called the Buda Castle Tunnel, the passageway runs for 350 meters under the hill. It was opened in 1857 and features a panoramic lookout above the arch.
In front of the tunnel is the Zero Kilometer Stone, which marks the center point from which all distances from Budapest are measured. To the left of the tunnel is Buda Castle Funicular, which makes ascending effortless.
To continue, go right of the tunnel to the Kiraly Lepcso stairs. At the top, take a left onto Hunyadi Janos, then right onto Disz Ter. Stay to the right where the road splits, passing the Statue of the Independence War. Continue walking on Tarnok Street.
Tarnok Street
MAP. In the Middle Ages, Tarnok Street – or Treasurer’s Street – was lined with shops, just as it is today.
Now catering to tourists, the quaint street features shops adorned with painted facades and beautiful balconies. The Tarnok Café (number 14) dates to the 14th century.
Walk north on Tarnok Street to Trinity Square.
Holy Trinity Square Budapest
MAP. At the end of colorful Tarnok is Trinity Square, which is at the very heart of the Castle District.
The ornate Holy Trinity Column, which dates to the early 1700s, stands at the center and was originally built to ward off the Black Plague.
When the disease returned just three short years later, it was determined that a bigger and better column was necessary…and the plague passed.
Now turn your attention to the east side of the square.
Matthias Church
MAP. A must see on your Budapest walking route, the Church of Mary was built at the request of St. Stephen (St. Istvan), Hungary’s first king.
The Budapest Matthias Church that stands today, which is a fabulous display of Hungarian architecture, is nothing like the original.
Although the elaborate Neo-Gothic spire (added in the 15th century) rises high above the church, it is the colorfully tiled rooftop that garners all the attention.
Named for King Matthias Corvinus – not the saint – the Matthias Church is where Hungarian kings were coronated. At least until the Ottoman Turks took over and turned it into a mosque.
To enter, visitors need to buy a ticket and wear appropriate clothing (covering shoulders and knees).
To the east of Matthias Church is the white Fisherman’s Bastion.
Fisherman’s Bastion & St. Istvan Statue
MAP. Constructed in a completely different style from the church, the arches along the columned arcade offer fantastic views of the river and Pest side of Budapest.
The seven, pointed towers represent the original Magyar tribes that founded Hungary. In the center sits a statue of St. Istvan, the Hungarian king responsible for bringing Christianity to Hungary.
Portions of the Fisherman’s Bastion require a ticket – but not all. There are free places; so only buy a ticket if you want to go up to the top.
Plus, on certain days and at certain times, you can access all of the Fisherman’s Bastion for free!
Walk west onto Szentharomsag Street to Ruszwurm Café.
Ruszwurm Café
MAP. Claiming to be one of the oldest cafes in Budapest, Ruszwurm is a good place to stop to rest your feet and recharge with a beverage.
Operating since 1827 and featuring some original décor, it’s the perfect spot to try a classic Hungarian pastry, the Ruszwurm Cream Cake.
Continue west to the viewpoint terrace and promenade.
Buda Hills Lookout Point
MAP. From the café, continue walking to the west-facing terrace, Toth Arpad. From the lookout point, take in the views over the neighborhoods of the Buda Hills.
Consider taking the stairs and elevator down to tour the Hospital in the Rock Museum. This WWII hospital is built in a cave and was used as a nuclear bunker. Tours begin on the hour and require a ticket.
Otherwise, walk north along the promenade to St. Mary Magdalene Church.
St. Mary Magdalene Church
MAP. Built in the middle of the 13th century, the St. Mary Magdalene Church has been expanded, used as a mosque and nearly destroyed in war.
It’s one of the lesser visited sights on free walking tours in Budapest, but we feel it’s worth seeing up close.
Only the bell tower remains – and it sat in ruins for decades. The tower has been re-opened to the public, and for a fee you can climb to the top for incredible Budapest views.
If you are interested, before leaving the north end of Castle Hill seek out a few more off the beaten path sights. Use this Map to find the Turkish Grave, the Archive Building and the Vienna Gate.
Now pass the small Lutheran Church, which was built in 1895, and walk back to Trinity Square on Tancsics Mihaly.
Follow Tarnok Street as it turns into Disz Ter, turn right and walk a few steps to the Statue of the Old Hussar (a warrior holding a sword) and turn left along Szent Gyorgy. Walk past the ruins, along the Hungarian flag-lined road to the large white Sandor Palace.
Sandor Palace
MAP. Once the home of kings and governors, today Sandor Palace is the official residence of the President of Hungary.
This Neo-classical palace was built for Count Vincent Sandor in the early 1800s. Heavily bombed during WWII, gutted and left in ruins, it has been restored according to original plans.
A ceremonial Changing of the Guards takes place every hour. The palace is open to visitors only during select weekends in the summer.
Directly opposite is an ornate gate that leads to the front of the Buda Castle. The back of the castle can also be explored; don’t miss out on the ruins!
Buda Castle Royal Palace
MAP. The enormous Royal Palace is essentially a replica (of a replica…of a replica) with barely any of the original features still standing.
Regardless, the castle is a prime attraction and is featured on all of the top Budapest walking tours.
The first palace was built in 1265, but it was destroyed – both by fires and wars – numerous times. World War II left the Buda Castle in complete ruins.
After the war, archaeological research commenced and revealed remains of the Medieval castle, as well as other substantial finds.
However, rather than reconstructing the castle according to prior plans, any remaining embellishments were destroyed and rebuilt with a less ornate and more modern design.
Today, the main use of the Buda Castle is to house the Budapest History Museum, the Hungarian National Gallery and the National Library.
Tickets are required to enter these venues, but it is free to walk the palace grounds and courtyard.
Buda Castle Statues
While touring the grounds, be sure to seek out some of these points of interest.
King Mattias Fountain – MAP. Honoring the last Hungarian-blooded king of Hungary, the Mattias Fountain resembles the Trevi Fountain of Rome. It’s towards the back, near the courtyard entrance, and a total hidden gem!
Turul Bird Statue – MAP. The Turul Bird is a mythical creature of Magyar legend. The statue dates to 1905 and, although damaged in war, it was restored.
Eugene of Savoy – MAP. Dedicated to the French General who fought against the Ottomans, this equestrian statue sits in front of the palace, under the large green dome.
Buda Scenic City Viewpoint
MAP. Before leaving the Buda Castle grounds, take in the sweeping views of Budapest. The vista encompasses Gellert Hill to the south and the Basilica and Parliament to the east.
From this perch, you can see the length of the Danube and the many bridges that cross it.
This completes our Budapest Castle Hill Walking Tour. Those who are ready for more can continue to Gellert Hill.
Note: There are several ways to get from Castle Hill to Gellert Hill and the walk takes about 30 minutes. Use this Map for the best route. It is also possible to hop on a Budapest tram and ride two stops.
#3 Gellert Hill
Gellert is the tallest hill in central Budapest, standing at 771 feet. With a few top Budapest tourist attractions and amazing scenic viewpoints, we believe trekking up Gellert Hill is totally worth it.
Shrouded in trees, you get to experience a touch of nature and the shade is nice in the summertime.
Gellert Hill is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sight that encompasses the Banks of the Danube River.
The sights are well-connected by hiking paths – and there are viewpoints and benches along the way. Although not clearly marked, the paths are almost all interconnecting and will eventually lead to the Citadel.
Use this Map for Tour #3 walking directions.
Statue of St. Gellert
MAP. The hill is named for Bishop Gellert, a monk who was brought to Hungary in the year 1000 by King Istvan to aid in converting people to Christianity.
According to legend, a group of those opposing that plan captured Gellert. They sealed him in a barrel and rolled him down the hill to his death.
The statue was built to honor the monk. In addition to his statue, there is a waterfall and panoramic viewpoint.
Continue up hill, passing a few scenic lookout points along the way.
Liberty Statue
MAP. This 45-foot-tall woman holding a palm leaf overhead represents peace. The Liberty Statue, which is visible from most points along the Danube riverside, sits on an 85-foot-tall pedestal.
The inscription reads: To the memory of those all who sacrificed their lives for the independence, freedom and prosperity of Hungary.
There are two other statues that sit at the base – one of a man slaying a dragon, which represents the defeat of fascism.
Behind the Liberty Statue is the Citadel of Budapest.
Budapest Citadel & Views
MAP. The Gellert Hill Citadel building was constructed in 1851 by the Habsburgs (but built by Hungarian forced laborers) as a show of power after the (unsuccessful) Hungarian Revolution of 1848.
The military fortress was designed to be a strategic vantage point over Buda and Pest – we feel it offers one of the grandest views on our Budapest Free Walking Tours!
Note that construction has been ongoing at both the Liberty Statue and Citadel. Hopefully, it will be completed soon!
After savoring the views, start the downhill trek. Walk south along the paths to the Cave Church.
Gellert Hill Cave Church
MAP. Transformed into a church in the 1920s, the Budapest Cave Church is a unique thing to see.
Under the care of the Pauline Order, monks live in the nearby hillside monastery (it’s the building with turrets just below).
Standing in the front is a statue of St. Istvan and his horse, with a lovely view of Liberty Bridge in the background.
During the communist era, the entrances were sealed with concrete and the monks were imprisoned. It was restored in the early 1990s and is now open for mass and tours (tickets required).
Continue downhill to one of the most popular baths in Budapest.
Gellert Thermal Baths
MAP. Featuring grand Art Nouveau architecture, the Gellert Bath opened in 1918 to provide medical water treatments.
Today, they are used by tourists (and some locals) for luxurious spa treatments and the swimming pool. Tickets are required.
From the Gellert Baths, walk east to the Liberty Bridge.
Liberty Bridge
MAP. The green Liberty Bridge – sometimes also called Freedom Bridge – is one of the prettiest in Budapest.
It was originally built in the late 1800s as part of the Millennium World Exhibition. Sitting atop the bridge are four Turul birds.
Cross Liberty Bridge and pause at the end to take a look back at Gellert Hill. Then, continue walking east one block to the massive market hall.
Great Market Hall Budapest
MAP. Not only is the Great Market Hall the largest in Budapest, it is also the oldest. Opened in 1897, it is housed in a 10,000 square meter building and has stalls on three floors.
In the basement, vendors sell fresh fish and meat. On the ground floor, stalls overflow with cured meats, produce and paprika. The upper mezzanine features small restaurants and souvenir kiosks.
This marks the end of our free walking tour of Gellert Hill! From here, you can continue on to the Jewish Quarter.
#4 Budapest Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
There had long been Jewish people living in Budapest – and by the 20th century, Jews made up nearly a quarter of the population.
After German Occupation in 1944, the Nazi regime created a Jewish Ghetto in Budapest, confining them to a small district surrounded by stone walls and barbed wire.
The Ghetto existed for two months before the Red Army liberated Budapest. During that time, Jews were killed, died of disease and sent to concentration camps, diminishing the Jewish population of 200,000 citizens to just 70,000.
In recent years, the Old Jewish Quarter has become a hub of nightlife – including both Ruins Bars and Budapest Craft Beer Bars.
Use this Google Map for the directions from sight-to-sight for Tour #4.
Dohany Street Synagogue
MAP. Also called the Great Synagogue, this is the largest synagogue in Europe and one of the biggest in the world.
Built in the 1850s, it has a capacity for nearly 3,000 seats. The Dohany Street Synagogue was damaged during WWII, but was restored in the 1990s.
In addition to the Great Synagogue, the Hungarian Jewish Museum, the Heroes’ Temple, a Jewish cemetery and the Raoul Wallenberg Holocaust Memorial Park are also found here.
Walk around the synagogue to the left (north side) on Wesselenyi Street. Peer through the gates at the back of the complex.
Raoul Wallenberg Holocaust Memorial Park
MAP. This park is dedicated to Raoul Wallenberg – a Swedish diplomat credited for saving thousands of Jews during the Holocaust by issuing them protective passports.
The most stunning feature is the Weeping Willow Tree sculpture. Also called the Emanuel Tree, it features leaves engraved with the names of Holocaust victims.
Standing outside the memorial park, walk northeast on Wesselenyi. You will find the next stop on the northeast corner of Wesselenyi and Nagy Diofa.
Aran Bakery and Jewish Food
MAP. The wildly popular Aran Bakery doles out international breads, pastries and sweets – but they specialize in local flavors, too.
In fact, it’s highly rated as one of the best places to eat Flodni. The signature Hungarian Jewish sweet features five layers of cake alternated with four fillings: raisins, walnut, poppy seed and plum jelly.
For a more substantial meal of Jewish food, try the nearby Mazel Tov (MAP). Although it is not a kosher restaurant, they serve traditional fare in a magnificent space. (Don’t be put off by the exterior!)
For kosher restaurants, try one of the eateries – like Carmel Kóser Étterem (MAP) – on Kazinczy Street (where we head later).
Note that the best kosher bakery in Budapest, Frohlich Pastry Shop, has permanently closed. Established in 1953, the family-run establishment was known for churning out delectable Hungarian treats.
From the bakery, walk northwest on Nagy Diofa to the next stop.
Klauzal Square Budapest
MAP. Although now Klauzal Square looks like any other city park with a playground and dog park, it once was the heart of the Old Jewish Quarter. It’s a nice spot to rest and reflect, before continuing on your Budapest walk.
The next stop on our free Jewish Walking Tour Budapest is the Kazinczy Street Synagogue. From the north end of Klauzal Square, head southwest on Dob Street. At Kazinczy Street turn right (southeast).
Kazinczy Street Synagogue
MAP. Tucked tightly into Kazinczy Street, the enormous Kazinczy Street Synagogue was built in the early 1900s for the strict Orthodox Jews.
Although the synagogue was damaged in WWII, the building has been renovated and features a vibrant interior. There is a fee to enter.
From here, retrace your steps north on Kazinczy Street to Dob. At Dob Street turn left. Walk about a block and look for the understated memorial on your right.
Carl Lutz Memorial
MAP. A Swiss Diplomat, Carl Lutz served as the Swiss vice-consul in Budapest during WWII. Using his diplomatic skills, he was able to negotiate a deal to save more than 60,000 Hungarian Jews from death.
Carl Lutz also set up safe houses around Budapest; his most famous, The Glass House, was a safe haven for more than 3,000 Jews.
You can learn more about Lutz and his work with the Jewish Community at the Glass House Museum, which is north of the Jewish District.
Continue walking south on Dob to the next street, Rumbach Sebestyen. Turn right and walk to the last stop: Rumbach Street Synagogue.
Rumbach Street Synagogue
MAP. The beautiful Rumbach Street Synagogue was built in 1872 in the Moorish Revival style. The intricately patterned façade and rising turrets make it the most beautiful synagogue in Budapest.
The interior has recently been renovated, so it’s worth going inside. A ticket is required for entry.
This concludes our Jewish Quarter Budapest Walking Tour. Keep walking on our Free City Tour of Budapest Culture to see more!
#5 Budapest Culture Walk
The city’s famous museums, theaters, concert halls, spas, squares and parks emanate it’s dedication to the arts and historic figures.
On this sightseeing tour of Budapest culture, we feature some of the most prestigious places. Begin your self-guided Budapest Tour on Deak Ferenc Utca Fashion Street.
Use this Map for the walking route of Tour #5.
Budapest Fashion Street: Deak Ferenc Utca
MAP. Built as a prominent street in the late 1700s as a means of connecting the city to the riverside, Deak Ferenc boasts grandiose architecture.
However, the street was time worn by the early 2000s. Rather than let the buildings deteriorate, it was renovated with strict attention to historical details and is now home to major retailers.
Pro Tip: Fashion Street is especially beautiful at Christmas Time! Illuminated with holiday lights, each retailer creates artful window displays, as well.
Walk to the end of the street to the riverside Vigado Ter Square.
Vigado Concert Hall and Square
MAP. The large plaza, Vigado Ter, provides a stunning view of the riverside Vigado Concert Hall. Built in 1859, Vigado is the second biggest concert hall in Budapest.
Vigado is also where it was declared that Buda and Pest would merge into one city, Emperor of Austria Franz Joseph held his coronation celebration and numerous famous musicians have taken stage.
The building was heavily damaged during WWII – and it took 36 years to repair. Visitors can see the interior on guided tours with a ticket.
From the plaza, walk around the north side along Vigado Street into Vorosmarty Square. Exit the square to the north (by the Lion Fountain) and turn right on Harmincad Street, then walk to Erzsebet Square.
Erzsebet Square Budapest
MAP. Home to the Budapest Eye Ferris wheel and a few chic bars and restaurants that occupy the former city bus station, Erzsebet Square is a popular hangout in the summer months.
From the northeast corner of Erzsebet Square, cross diagonally to Andrassy Avenue, the city’s main thoroughfare.
Andrassy Avenue
MAP. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Andrassy Avenue was built in 1872 and connects Erzsebet Square to City Park.
The wide boulevard is lined with stately mansions, embassies, luxury shops, fine boutiques and the famous Opera House.
During the turbulent times of the 1950s, the street’s name was first changed to Stalin Street, then the Avenue of Hungarian Youth (after the Hungarian Revolution of 1956), and then People’s Republic Street.
It reverted to the original name (after Prime Minister Gyula Andrassy) in 1990. Walk along Andrassy Street to the Opera House.
Hungarian State Opera House
MAP. The Opera House in Budapest is one of the city’s most luxurious buildings. Constructed from 1874 until 1884, the auditorium seats nearly 1,300 people and boasts excellent acoustics.
The interior is just as sumptuous as the exterior, featuring marble columns, an elaborate staircase and an extraordinary chandelier. Visitors can tour the Opera House with paid entry.
There are a handful of incredibly inexpensive tickets to some of the performances at the Opera House. We bought upper balcony seats for just $2 (now the cheapest ticket is about $5).
Continue walking along Andrassy to the Oktogon intersection.
Budapest Oktogon
MAP. Although a busy intersection where Terez Korut and Andrassy meet, the large, octagonal juncture is ringed by chic cafes. When the intersection was designed, it was considered an architectural achievement.
Walk two blocks north of Oktogon to the House of Terror Museum.
House of Terror Museum
MAP. Aiming to reveal the crimes of the fascist and communist governments during the 1900s, the House of Terror displays exhibits and shares real-life stories of victims. A ticket is required for entry.
The specific building at 60 Andrassy was chosen purposefully, as it served as the headquarters of the Hungarian Nazi Party (also known as the Arrow Cross Party) during WWII.
Continue walking on Andrassy to where it ends at Heroes’ Square.
Ride the Metro: Rather than walk, take a ride on the famous M1! Retrace your steps to Oktogon and use the Yellow Line to get to Heroes’ Square. Built specifically to transport passengers to City Park, it’s just three stops and trains are frequent and cheap.
Heroes’ Square Budapest
MAP. Heroes’ Square is dedicated to Hungary’s most revered residents. At the center is the grand Millennium Monument, which features 14 of Hungary’s most legendary leaders.
The column acknowledges the Seven Magyar Tribes that settled the area in the year 896. Archangel Gabriel sits atop the column at the height of about 120 feet.
The square is also home to the Hungarian War Memorial, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hall of Art.
From Heroes’ Square, exit to the east…and enter into City Park.
Budapest City Park
MAP. Sitting northeast of the busy center is a 302-acre enclave of green space, simply named City Park. It dates to the 13th century, but it wasn’t until the early 19th century that it became a public park.
In 1896, the grounds were revamped for Hungary’s millennium celebration. Besides the many paths, there are ponds, monuments, a castle and so much more!
The following three sights – Vajdahunyad Castle, Jaki Chapel and Szechenyi Baths – are located within City Park.
Vajdahunyad Castle
MAP. Originally constructed of wood and cardboard for the 1896 celebrations, the intent was to tear it down once the party was over.
However, the site gained such popularity that it was reconstructed using four distinct architectural styles.
The main building is in the Renaissance style and patterned after the Transylvania Castle in Romania, but was part of Hungary at the time.
The mansion is decorated in Baroque touches and houses the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture.
Just a stone’s throw from the castle is the Romanesque Benedictine Jaki Chapel (MAP) It is modeled after chapels of the 13th century.
Szechenyi Thermal Baths
MAP. Budapest has more than 120 natural springs and about 25 thermal bath houses that feed the naturally occurring hot water into elaborate, fancy and playful pools.
Inside the grandiose Szechenyi Baths, there are 21 different pools. They were constructed in 1913 and expanded in 1927 to include an outdoor pool. A ticket is required to enter.
Give your feet a rest, you deserve it, Then follow our Budapest Night Tour!
#6 Budapest Night Walk
Walking around Budapest at night is a stunning sight! After the sun goes down, the iconic monuments and buildings are illuminated by spotlights.
Our Budapest Night Tour takes in the best sights on a short stroll along both banks of the river.
Because we have already covered these areas on our previous Budapest walks, we are only sharing our suggested route and what to see along the way.
Use this Map for the walking tour route of Tour #6.
Chain Bridge Walk
MAP. Start the Self-Guided Walking Tour of Budapest at Night at Chain Bridge on the Pest side. Take a moment to marvel at the bridge from the east riverbank.
Cross the bridge using the north walkway. Pause halfway across to take in the Buda Castle (up on the hill to your left). At the end of the bridge, near the Lion, take in the view of Parliament down the river.
Buda Riverside Path to Margit Bridge
MAP. From the west end of Chain Bridge, take the stairs (to your right) down to the riverside path. Walk north along the riverside, keeping your eye across the river on Parliament.
Continue walking all the way to Margit Bridge. Cross the street (walking west) to find the stairs to Margit Bridge, then using the southside walkway to cross. At the crook, pause to take in the panoramic views.
Pest Riverside Path to Chain Bridge
MAP. Complete the walk across Margit Bridge to the east and take the stairs down towards the riverside.
Walk south, passing right by the colossal Parliament Building. Here you will see the Shoes on the Danube Bank monument, the most heartbreaking monument in the city.
Take in the views across the river and complete the loop back to Chain Bridge.
St. Istvan’s Square
MAP. Take one last look at the serene landscape, then walk around the north end of Szechenyi Square to Zrinyi Pedestrian Street. Walk east to St. Istvan Basilica, one of Budapest’s most beautiful nighttime sights!
BONUS: Szimpla Kert Ruins Bar
MAP. It wouldn’t be right to visit Budapest and not visit a ruins bar! Szimpla Kert is the most famous one – and from St. Istvan’s Church it is just a short 15-minute walk.
That ends our Free Walking Tour Budapest. We hope you enjoyed your visit!
Budapest Sightseeing Map
Use this Budapest walking tour map to get to the sights outlined in our Free Budapest Walking Tour. Each tour is marked in a different color. RED = Iconic Pest Sights; YELLOW = Buda Castle; GREEN = Gellert Hill; BLUE = Jewish Quarter; PURPLE = City Culture; BLACK = Night Tour.
Budapest Guided Tours
Our Budapest free walking tours include everything you need to explore the city! We also happen to think it is the best Budapest sightseeing route.
That said, we understand that some travelers prefer having a guide to lead the way. We are highlighting a few of the top rated Guided Walking Tours Budapest.
- This Guided Walking Route Budapest Tour features top attractions. Plus, it includes a stop for strudel.
- On a 4-hour Private Tour of Budapest, learn about the history and sights from a local tour guide.
- The Big Bus Budapest Hop On Hop Off Bus is a great option, because it makes stops at all the best spots.
- Meet fellow travelers and visit the most notorious bars on Pub Crawl of Budapest.
Budapest Tourist Card
Those who plan on entering sights and using public transportation should consider purchasing a Budapest Card. One of the benefits is an included Budapest walking tour!
Walking Tours Budapest: What You Will Need
Whether you choose to use our detailed self-guided Budapest city walk or join a tour, make sure you pack the following items!
Walking Shoes
Budapest is a walkable city – but only if you have the right travel shoes! I like to wear comfortable and lightweight trainers, like these from New Balance, while Kris prefers Merrell.
Water Bottle and Day Pack
Regardless of what season you visit Budapest, you will need water. We recommend using a refillable, collapsible water bottle.
Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase, you will also want a great day bag to organize and secure all of your essential everyday travel items.
Travel Camera
Budapest is a beautiful city! Rather than trying to capture the sights with your phone, we recommend upgrading to a real camera for quality photos. We use a DSLR Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens.
European Trip Insurance
Travel insurance may come in handy during unfortunate flight delays or lost luggage, or if you fall ill or get injured. Check coverage and rates with World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to Hungary! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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