Budapest in a Day Tour with the Castle District

Explore the contrasting neighborhoods of Buda and Pest with a leading expert
From US$463 privately
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Tour Details
Duration
7 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
  • St. Stephen's Basilica
  • Fisherman's Bastion (exterior)
  • Buda Castle
  • Dohany (Great) Synagogue
  • Matthias Church
Photos & Highlights
  • Join an engaging, local expert at the top of their field such as history or architecture as you explore the top highlights of Budapest
  • Unique, personal tours for the intentional traveler. Choose from a variety of private tours for just you and your party.
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Tour Description
Your full-day exploration begins in Buda’s Castle District with the stunning panorama of the Danube River as a backdrop. You will spend the first part of your morning exploring this stunning medieval area, stopping at notable sites such as Fisherman’s Bastion, the exterior of Matthias Church, and the exquisite Buda Castle complex. Here, you’ll learn about the Hungarian monarchy and the strategic and symbolic importance of this historic district. 
 
Continuing your adventure, you will travel across the river to downtown Pest, taking in the eclectic blend of ancient and modern that is unique to the city. Your morning will be topped off with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant or cafe, where you’ll have the chance to talk to your expert about anything — from the sites explored earlier to modern local life in Hungary.
 
After lunch, you’ll make your way through the Jewish Quarter, learning about the Jewish culture in the city from the Middle Ages to WWII to the present day. You will visit the important Dohany (Great) Synagogue, the largest synagogue in Europe (on Saturdays, you will view from the exterior only). You’ll continue your walk through buzzing Pest, with your expert guiding you through its stunning architecture, from Art Nouveau to Baroque to the Neoclassical St. Stephen’s Basilica. At the end of this fascinating journey, you will have a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Hungarian capital's architecture, politics, history, and culture. 

Experts
Levente Levente
Musician
Szabolcs Szabolcs
art historian
Anna Anna
Historian
Iren Iren
Local Guide
Eniko Eniko
Art Historian
Eszter Eszter
Art Historian
Zsofia Zsofia
Local Guide
Szonja Szonja
Theologian
Nada Nada
Medievalist
Anna Anna
Art Historian
Greta Greta
Local Guide
Daniel Daniel
Media & theatre producer
  • If you have limited time in Budapest and you want to cover a lot of sites. 
  • You have a deep thirst for knowledge and want maximum impact for your short stay in the city. 

  • Buda Castle - historic royal palace situated on the Castle Hill in Budapest, stands as a symbol of Hungary's rich heritage
  • Fisherman's Bastion - iconic terrace featuring fairy-tale-like towers and stunning panoramic views of Budapest
  • Matthias Church (interior and exterior, if available) - Gothic church in the Castle district with vibrant, colorful roof adorned with intricate patterns
  • Dohany (Great) Synagogue (interior and exterior, if available) - largest synagogue in Europe, built in a Moorish revival style. 
  • St. Stephen's Basilica - neoclassical cathedral featuring a towering dome, and housing the relic of St. Stephen's mummified right-hand

  • General Information
    • There will be a break in the tour to stop and use bathroom facilities as well as opportunities to stop and rest along the way if needed. Please communicate any mobility needs or concerns with our team at the time of booking. 
  • Tickets
    • Includes tickets to Matthias Church, St. Stephen’s Basilica and Dohany Synagogue (when available)

  • Wheelchair accessibility
    • Matthias Church is wheelchair accessible. 
    • Dohany Synagogue is accessible with a ramp. 
    • St. Stephen’s Basilica can be accessed through a special entrance, though response time to the call bell for this entrance can vary. 
For more information about Context tours, please visit our FAQs.

Can this tour be booked for earlier or later? 
It’s not recommended to start this tour later than 9am due to heavy congestion in central Budapest, and in regards to the opening hours of various venues along the tour route. 
 
Is this a good tour for children and families? 
It’s a walking intensive tour, however, we can accommodate this tour and make it kid-friendly, please kindly reach out to us if you are traveling with children. 
 
What costs will I need to cover on the day?
Your entrance fees, public transport, and a local snack/refreshment will be pre-paid. On the day, you will be expected to cover the cost of your lunch and any additional refreshments.
 
Can I book a car service?
Car service is not required, but can be arranged. Please contact us and we can provide costs and arrange this for you. 


Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
(4.71) 37 Reviews

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

ZSofia was a great guide! we learned so much about Budapest from her and enjoyed getting to know her over lunch. We saw some amazing sights while on this tour and some areas of the city that we would not have explored on our own. I would highly recommend this tour and Sofia!
Anna was outstanding- highly recommend!
Greta was superb. She was knowledgeable and attentive. She is a great guid.