✅BY LOCALS © Budapest Free Walking Tour

What will we visit on this tour?

• Meeting point:

  Budapest, Opera, 1061 Hungary

  Budapest, Opera, 1061 Hungary

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  See you 5 minutes before, outside the National Opera. Black umbrella. Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/LBzQZoSHxoRF633p6

• 1
  Outside visit

  Hungarian State Opera

  The meeting point for our free tour starts here. The Opera House is one of Budapest's architectural gems. Inaugurated in 1884, it was designed by the famous architect Miklós Ybl in a neo-Renaissance style with Baroque touches. The building impresses both with its elegant facade and its luxurious interior, adorned with frescoes, statues, and golden details. The Opera House has hosted some of the greatest singers and composers, and its acoustics are recognized as one of the best in the world.

• 2
  Outside visit

  Andrássy Avenue

  Andrássy Avenue is one of the most majestic and iconic streets in Budapest, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inaugurated in 1876, it connects the city center with Heroes' Square and City Park. Along this neo-Renaissance style avenue, you'll find iconic buildings such as the Hungarian State Opera, elegant palaces, luxury shops, and historic cafés. It is an essential route for discovering the cultural and architectural richness of Budapest.

• 3
  Outside visit

  Budapest Metro Line 1

  Also known as the Yellow Line, it is the oldest in the city and was inaugurated in 1896. It is the second oldest underground metro in the world, after London's. Built to celebrate Hungary's millennium, Line 1 runs along Andrássy Avenue, connecting the city center with City Park. Its historic design has been preserved, with small belle époque-style stations. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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• 4
  Outside visit

  Empress Sissi Square

  Officially called Erzsébet Square in honor of Empress Elisabeth of Austria (known as Sissi), it is a large green space in the heart of Budapest. It is a popular spot to relax, surrounded by gardens, fountains, and modern outdoor bars. The square is named after the beloved empress, who was highly regarded in Hungary for her support of the Hungarian cause during the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

• 5
  Outside visit

  Danube Fountain

  The Danube Fountain is a beautiful sculptural representation of Hungary's main rivers: the Danube, Tisza, Drava, and Sava. Created in 1883 by Miklós Ybl, one of Hungary's most prominent architects, the fountain is in a neoclassical style. At the center, a female figure represents the Danube, flanked by statues of youths symbolizing the other rivers. The fountain is an iconic landmark in the city center, renowned for its elegance and symbolism.

• 6
  Outside visit

  Little Statue of Mr. Bean's Teddy Bear

  The Mr. Bean Statue, created by Hungarian sculptor Mihály Kolodko, is a small bronze sculpture representing the popular British character played by Rowan Atkinson. This tiny figure is part of the micro-sculptures that Kolodko has installed in various locations around Budapest. With its humorous and detailed style, the statue has become a curious attraction that surprises those walking through the city, blending urban art with pop culture.

• 7
  Outside visit

  Former Gerbeaud Café

  Founded in 1858, it is one of the most historic and elegant cafés in Budapest. Famous for its traditional Hungarian pastries, Gerbeaud boasts a neo-Renaissance exterior facade and a luxurious Belle Époque-style interior. For over a century, it has been a gathering place for high society and artists. Among its specialties are the classic Dobos and Esterházy cakes. Today, it remains an iconic spot to enjoy coffee and dessert, immersed in the rich cultural history of Budapest.

• 8
  Outside visit

  Vörösmarty Square

  “There is no place for you in the big world; May the hand of fate bless you or defeat you: you must live here, you must die. This is the land on which the blood of your fathers was shed so many times; This to which are attached all the holy names of a thousand years.” In this square his monument and in this, a coin... Will you find it?

• 9
  Outside visit

  Iconic Váci Street

  One of the most famous and bustling pedestrian streets in Budapest. Located in the heart of the city, it is known for its shops, cafés, and restaurants, making it a popular tourist destination. The street features a blend of historic and modern architecture and is ideal for strolling and enjoying the city's vibrant atmosphere. It connects to the Central Market and other key landmarks, serving as one of Budapest's main commercial hubs.

• 10
  Outside visit

  Vigadó Concert Hall

  Inaugurated in 1865, it is one of Budapest's most prominent buildings and an important cultural center. Its architecture blends Romantic and Oriental styles, with an ornate facade and unique decorative details. Throughout its history, it has hosted concerts by renowned composers and artists, such as Franz Liszt and Johann Strauss. Located on the banks of the Danube, Vigadó is a symbol of Budapest's artistic splendor and remains an iconic venue for musical and cultural events.

• 11
  Outside visit

  Fountain of the Children with the Frog

  The Fountain of the Children with the Frog (Béka Szökőkút) was created in 1912 and is located in Vigadó Square. It is a charming modernist work that reflects the artistic trend of the time, characterized by its attention to detail and organic forms. The fountain depicts several children playing around a frog, and its playful design adds a touch of joy to the square.

• 12
  Outside visit

  Little Princess Statue

  The Little Princess Statue is a charming bronze sculpture located along the Danube Promenade. It was created by sculptor László Marton in 1989, inspired by his daughter, who used to play with a paper crown. The small figure, sitting casually on the railing, has become a popular and beloved symbol of Budapest.

• 13
  Outside visit

  Tram 2 along the Danube River

  Budapest's Tram Number 2 is famous for its scenic route along the Danube River, offering some of the best views of the city. It passes by several key tourist landmarks, such as the Parliament, Chain Bridge, and Central Market. It's a popular and picturesque way to get around the city center, and it has been ranked as one of the most beautiful tram rides in the world due to the stunning views it offers.

• 14
  Outside visit

  Janne Haining

  It is a section of the promenade along the Danube River in Budapest, named in honor of Jane Haining, the Scottish missionary who sacrificed her life during the Holocaust while protecting Jewish girls in Budapest. This tribute highlights her bravery and dedication to others, even during the darkest times of World War II.

• 15
  Outside visit

  Chain Bridge

  The Chain Bridge is Budapest's most famous bridge, connecting Buda and Pest over the Danube River. Inaugurated in 1849, it was the city's first permanent bridge. It symbolizes the unity between the two sides of the city and is an architectural icon. Its four lions stand guard for all eternity, and their legend will leave you speechless.

• 16
  Outside visit

  Hungarian Academy of Sciences

  Founded in 1825, it is one of the most important institutions dedicated to advancing knowledge in Hungary. The building, located next to the Chain Bridge, is an excellent example of late Renaissance architecture, designed by Friedrich August Stüler and inaugurated in 1865. Its impressive architectural details and monumental facade reflect its mission to promote science and culture in the country. The academy remains a key center for research and scientific development in Hungary.

• 17
  Outside visit

  Franz Liszt Memorial

  Franz Liszt was a Hungarian virtuoso pianist and composer of the 19th century, renowned for his piano mastery and contribution to classical music. The memorial in his honor, an imposing statue, highlights his connection to Budapest, where he served as the director of the Academy of Music in 1875. Liszt played a key role in the development of the city's musical life, and his legacy continues to thrive in Hungarian culture.

• 18
  Outside visit

  Police statue

  The Statue of the Policeman in Budapest is a bronze figure of a smiling officer. It is said that rubbing his round belly brings good luck. The statue represents the warmth and friendliness of the city's policemen in bygone times.

• 19
  Outside visit

  St. Stephen's Basilica

  St. Stephen's Basilica is one of Budapest's most iconic buildings. It is the largest church in the city and is named after Hungary's first king, St. Stephen. Inside, it houses one of the country's most important relics: the mummified right hand of the king.

• 20
  Outside visit

  Monument to the Victims of the German Occupation

  With this monument, the current Hungarian government commemorates the tragedy after "Operation Margarethe". German troops marched silently from Ostmark (Austria) to Hungary on March 12, 1944. As a consequence of the German occupation, Adolf Eichmann organized the transport of 550,000 Jews

• 21
  Outside visit

  Gresham Palace (Four Seasons Hotel)

  The Gresham Palace is an elegant Art Nouveau building located opposite the Chain Bridge in Budapest. Originally built in 1906 as the headquarters for the Gresham insurance company, it is now a luxurious hotel. The palace is renowned for its stunning architecture, which features ornate details, beautiful stained glass windows, and mosaics, making it a symbol of early 20th-century splendor in Budapest.

• 22
  Outside visit

  Liberty Square

  Liberty Square (Szabadság tér) is one of Budapest's most important and iconic squares, surrounded by historic buildings. In this square, both the United States and the Soviet Union are represented, reminiscent of the old days of the Cold War.

• 23
  Outside visit

  Former National Television

  The former National Television building of Hungary, constructed in 1905, was originally the headquarters of the Budapest Stock Exchange. Designed in a neoclassical style, its imposing facade with columns reflects its origins as a financial center. After World War II and with the arrival of the communist regime, the stock exchange closed, and the building was transformed into the headquarters of state television.

• 24
  Outside visit

  Memorial to the Soviet Soldiers of 1944

  It commemorates the soldiers of the Red Army who died liberating Budapest from Nazi occupation in 1945. It is the only Soviet monument still standing in a prominent location in the city, making it a controversial symbol due to the legacy of Soviet occupation in Hungary. The monument, a marble structure with a red star on top, remains a reminder of the country's complex 20th-century history.

• 25
  Outside visit

  Ronald Reagan Statue

  The Ronald Reagan Statue honors the former U.S. president for his role in ending the Cold War and the fall of communism in Central Europe. Inaugurated in 2011, the bronze statue depicts Reagan walking forward with a determined expression. It is located near the controversial Soviet War Memorial, symbolizing Reagan's role in restoring freedom and independence to Eastern European countries, including Hungary.

• 26
  Outside visit

  Former Hungarian Navy

  The Adria Palace, built in 1918, is an impressive Art Nouveau building located in Liberty Square. It was originally the headquarters of a marine insurance company, which is why it features stone ships and nautical motifs in its decorations. Although it was nationalized during the communist era, today it houses offices and remains a symbol of Budapest's architectural splendor.

• 27
  Outside visit

  Szamos Confectionery

  A renowned pastry and chocolate shop in Hungary, famous for its handmade sweets and marzipan products. Founded by Mátyás Szamos, the brand began in the 1930s and has grown to become a symbol of Hungarian confectionery. Szamos is known for its quality and tradition, particularly for its marzipan, chocolates, and classic Hungarian cakes like the Dobos and Esterházy.

• 28
  Outside visit

  Parliament of hungary

  The Hungarian Parliament, located on the banks of the Danube River, is one of Budapest's most iconic buildings and one of the largest parliamentary seats in the world. Inaugurated in 1904, its design is neo-Gothic, inspired by the Parliament in London, with Renaissance and Baroque elements. The facade is adorned with statues of kings and historical figures, while the interior houses the Holy Crown of Hungary. Our free tour ends here at 1:40 PM. Nearby, we will recommend some great places to eat.