Budapest tours

Things to do in Budapest

Budapest, where the Danube shimmers under city lights and history whispers through its streets, is a city that demands exploration. This Hungarian capital, with its blend of grand architecture and thermal comforts, offers experiences steeped in both tradition and modernity. A local guide unravels Budapest's layers, taking you beyond the surface. A walk through the Buda Castle District or a taste of its culinary offerings, rich with paprika, reveals the city's heart. From unearthing hidden ruin bars to sharing tales of a storied past, your guide ensures Budapest becomes a narrative as memorable as its sights. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Budapest. Explore Budapest your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Budapest tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Budapest for every interest, including: History tours: Explore Castle Hill with a guide who unlocks the stories inside Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion, then step into the Hospital in the Rock to see a Cold War-era bunker hospital. You can also trace 20th-century history at the Dohány Street Synagogue and the House of Terror, pausing at the Shoes on the Danube memorial along tram 2. Nature and Wildlife tours: Ride the Zugliget chairlift up to János Hill, walk Normafa’s easy forest paths, and duck into Szemlő-hegyi Cave with a guide who explains the limestone formations. For wildlife, go birding in Duna–Ipoly National Park or visit Budakeszi Wildlife Park to spot red deer and wild boar while learning about local habitats. Food and Drink tours: Taste lángos, cured meats, and paprika at the Great Market Hall, then savour Dobos torte at a classic coffeehouse like Gerbeaud. In the evening, sample Tokaj and Egri Bikavér during a sommelier-led tasting in a historic cellar, try your hand at strudel-making, and finish at a ruin bar for a flight of craft beer or a pálinka or Unicum tasting. Budapest’s core is walkable, and metro lines, trams, and buses connect major neighbourhoods easily. For the hills and parks or for longer distances, you can book a chauffeured tour or ask your local guide about private transportation between stops. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Budapest inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Explore Budapest with a private walking tour and discover its unique neighborhoods with the guidance of a local. It's the best way to experience the city's diverse atmosphere. - Castle District: Rich in history, this area is perfect for cultural tourists. Walk through cobblestone streets and visit the majestic Buda Castle. The panoramic views of the city are a must-see. - Jewish Quarter: Known for its vibrant nightlife and historical significance, this neighborhood is great for those interested in culture and history. Explore synagogues and enjoy the lively ruin bars and street art. - Andrássy Avenue: Ideal for those who love shopping and architecture, this grand boulevard is lined with historic landmarks and luxury boutiques. It's a great spot for families to explore and enjoy the city's elegance. Day trip ideas from Budapest Budapest day trips make quick work of river bends, small towns, and wine hills nearby, and your tour can lean toward views, castles, or local flavours. Szentendre: cobbled lanes, galleries, and riverside cafés set an easy pace; it’s perfect if you like folk art, small museums, and browsing studios between coffee breaks. Visegrád and the Danube Bend: climb to hilltop ruins for big views over the curve of the river, walk forest paths, and learn how this royal site guarded a key stretch of the Danube. Esztergom: the huge basilica and quiet streets give you architecture, history, and wide river scenes, with a quick hop over the bridge to Slovakia if you want another angle. Eger: a baroque town with a stout castle and a slim minaret, plus cellars pouring reds in the Valley of the Beautiful Women; ideal if you like mixing history with relaxed tastings. Lake Balaton, Tihany peninsula: calm villages, an old abbey, and shoreline paths make a low-key day around Central Europe’s largest lake, good for gentle hikes, photos, and simple fish lunches. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Budapest most travellers miss.