So you’ve taken part in one of the amazing standard free walking tours in Budapest, but you’re still itching to discover more about the history, art, and uniqueness of the city – all with the help of a local guide?
Don’t worry, there are many excellent tours in Budapest. Rather than attempt to review them all, this list has curated a variety of the five best themed walking tours Budapest has to offer.
What are the best themed tours in Budapest?
1. Jewish Walking Tour
You may have stumbled across the Dohány Street Grand Synagogue or wandered through the Jewish Quarter, but do you know the stories and history behind Budapest’s Jewish sites of historical and cultural significance such as these?
This Jewish History Walking Tour will provide you with information from over 2000 years of Jewish history as you visit three different synagogues in the 7th district, where Eastern Europe’s largest Jewish community dwells. Alongside history from this period, your guide will focus upon the last 150 years, and also reveal the effects of gentrification in this area.
You’ll stop in a ruin bar on the tour, where you can relax and rest your feet with a chance to delve deeper into conversation with your enthusiastic guide.
If your thirst for knowledge on this topic still isn’t satiated after the tour, head to the Jewish Holocaust Memorial Center or check out the shoes on the Danube bank memorial sculpture.
2. Street Art Walking Tour
This beautiful city is full of history and gorgeous architecture, but did you know that Budapest also has a thriving street art scene?
The Street Art Walking Tour by Budapest Flow will show you some of the most famous murals and graffiti in the Jewish Quarter. Not just for art lovers, on this tour you’ll learn about the artists, the themes, and the deeper meaning behind each piece, giving you a glimpse of history as well as life today in Budapest.
In between admiring the diverse pieces of art, there will be stops at local design shops where you can find the perfect souvenir, birthday gift, or even a small trinket for yourself.
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Finally, you’ll finish the tour at an inviting café where you can discuss the art you’ve seen over a gratis cup of coffee.
Can’t get enough art? The Ludwig Museum, located in the Müpa Budapest building, offers rotating exhibitions featuring contemporary art from international and Hungarian artists.
3. Free Communist Walking Tour
This 2.5 hour Free Communist Walking Tour is a must for history buffs and those interested in the Communist era in Budapest.
See the last remaining Soviet war monument in downtown Budapest and hear a candid report of how Communism impacted Hungarian life and culture.
This tour can be related to a walking history lesson, giving an overview of Soviet times, with less location-specific stops.
Starting at Elisabeth Square, in the park just across from the Budapest Eye ferris wheel, the tours run every Friday and Saturday at 15:30. As with all free walking tours, tips are encouraged based upon how much you enjoyed the tour.
When you need a refresher on Soviet occupation, the House of Terror Museum provides a wealth of information as well as testimonials, news reports, artifacts, and more.
Memento Park is another way to round out your experience. There you can find Statue Park, Stalin’s Grandstand, and exhibitions regarding Communism and dictatorship.
4. Bloody Tales from Within the Castle Walls Walking Tour
Looking for a bit of mystery and intrigue? Let a charming guide in period costume lead you through the Buda Castle area, telling thrilling tales of vampires and folklore on Mysterium Tours’ Bloody Tales from Within the Castle Walls Walking Tour.
With a blend of history and fantasy, you’ll hear fascinating myths, terrifying legends, and learn about enigmatic figures such as Vlad the Impaler (Dracula) and Elizabeth Báthory. These stories may be a bit graphic and creepy, but they’re balanced by the guide’s energy and sense of humor.
If you’re up for some excitement and have an interest in all things spooky, don’t miss this fun themed tour!
5. Secret City Trails Budapest’s District V: A Sculptural Journey Through The Heart Of The City
Discover Budapest in a whole new way with this self-guided tour from Secret City Trails. Budapest’s District V: A Sculptural Journey Through The Heart Of The City takes you along the river and past famous sights in the V. district as you solve riddles and look for clues.
Tourists, expats, and locals alike can learn interesting facts, see sculptures they may not have spotted before, receive new recommendations, and, of course, have a lot of fun on this unique tour!
Summary
This list has collected the five top themed tours in Budapest, but if you’re hungry for more extraordinary experiences, Budapest is full of great tour options.
From exploring Buda Castle with virtual reality to zooming around on Monsterollers for panoramic city views, the possibilities are seemingly endless.
What are you waiting for? Dive in and start exploring this alluring city!
