The Jewish District walk introduces guests to one of Budapest’s most vibrant and complex neighbourhoods. This thoughtfully curated tour explores the area’s rich Jewish heritage, including powerful human stories, hidden synagogues, courtyards and major historical landmarks.

For a quieter, greener side of downtown Budapest, choose the Secret Gardens & Private Courtyards tour, which reveals another face of the city. This intimate urban walk leads guests into shaded courtyards, peaceful residential gardens and hidden green spaces usually closed to the public, offering a rare glimpse into local life, forgotten stories and the city’s quiet green heart.

Other Imagine walks lead visitors inside the magnificent Párisi Udvar, one of Budapest’s most beautiful architectural gems, through Buda Castle, along the grand Andrássy Avenue or into the rich flavours of the traditional Hungarian food culture.

No matter which sightseeing walk you choose, each tour reveals a more intimate and authentic side of the Hungarian capital in just 1.5 to 2.5 hours, where history, architecture and everyday life are closely intertwined. With Imagine, Budapest becomes more than a destination: it transforms into a living story full of hidden details, stories and secret connections – the kind of experience that stays with you long after you return home.

Imagine City Walks
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Try Hungarian cousine at these restaurants:

The Flavors of Hungary: 11 Incredible Restaurants to Try in Budapest

Discover the flavors of Hungary through 11 restaurants in Budapest, from traditional Hungarian cuisine to modern culinary hotspots.

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Gellért Hill

Rising above the Danube’s banks, Gellért Hill is home to one of Budapest’s most rewarding walks. Once feared as a gathering place for witches, it now welcomes travellers to begin their climb at the St. Gellért Monument, honoring the martyred bishop who gave the hill its name. Wander upward along shady trails to the serene Garden of Philosophers, where statues of spiritual and religious leaders share quiet wisdom and the city unfolds below. The climb ends at the Citadel, erected as a fortress during Austrian rule, and now a lookout where all of Budapest lies at your feet. 

Margaret Island 

Cradled by the Danube between Buda and Pest, Margaret Island is a leafy sanctuary perfect for a romantic escape from the hustle and bustle of the noisy city streets. Named after Saint Margaret of Hungary, a 13th‑century princess turned Dominican nun, it has charmed visitors for centuries. Discover the atmospheric ruins of a medieval convent, meet the friendly residents of the island’s free-to-enter petting zoo, climb the stairs an Art Nouveau water tower, ponder the meaning of life sitting on a bench in the Japanese Garden, then rent a paddle car to leisurely circle the island’s shaded paths. 

Víziváros 

Named for the wells that once supplied water to Buda’s royal court, Víziváros (the “Watertown”) has flourished for centuries in the shadow of Castle Hill. Start at the Neo‑Renaissance Várkert Bazár, linking the Danube embankment to the Royal Palace. Stroll past the Chain Bridge, an icon of reform‑era engineering, and watch the funicular glide up to Castle Hill. Pause at Corvin Square to glimpse fossilized Ice Age footprints, then admire the striking red‑brick Szilágyi Dezső Square Reformed Church. In Batthyány Square, visit the Market Hall, the baroque Casanova House, and St. Anne’s Church, hailed by writer Antal Szerb as Budapest’s most beautiful building.

Bridging Buda and Pest 

For a stroll that blends flavour, charm, and creative energy, cross from Pest to Buda on foot. Begin your walk at Fővám tér, boasting the Great Market Hall, a late‑19th‑century masterpiece brimming with local produce, paprika, and pastries. Step outside and cross the graceful green span of Liberty Bridge, enjoying sweeping views of the Danube and Gellért Hill. On the Buda side, you’ll arrive at Bartók Béla Boulevard, a lively avenue famed for its literary cafés, bistros, and art galleries. Here, the scent of fresh coffee mingles with artistic spirit, making it the perfect place to linger and soak up Budapest’s contemporary urban vibe. 

Normafa 

To end our guide on a literal high note, we recommend a trip to Budapest’s highest point, the 527‑meter‑tall János Hill. Your journey begins at Normafa, popular for its scenic hiking trails, crisp air, and sweeping vistas. From here, follow the forested paths upward to the Elizabeth Lookout, designed by Frigyes Schulek, and climb its steps for a panoramic view of the city and beyond. Once you’ve caught your breath, reward yourself with a well‑earned strudel at Normafa Síház, or a delicious coffee & cake combo at Szépkilátás Cukrászda (part of the famed Szamos confectionery chain). 

Take a look at the city’s marvelous buildings:

Architectural Marvels You Can’t Miss in Pest

Pest is a paradise for architecture lovers, with landmarks that are simply unmissable for any visitor. Each a masterpiece in its own right.

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House of Music Hungary

The House of Music Hungary, designed by Sou Fujimoto, opened in 2022 in City Park, blending nature and architecture in a stunning, musical experience. The building’s innovative design and immersive atmosphere make it a must-visit for architecture and music enthusiasts alike, who can also discover interactive exhibitions, and enjoy diverse programs. Tickets are available online or at the Museum of Ethnography’s visitor center for this unforgettable tour.

1146 Budapest, Olof Palme sétány 3. | Website

House of Parliament

Hungary’s Parliament, a symbol of the nation and its democracy, welcomes over 700,000 visitors each year. During a 45-minute tour, guests can admire the grand staircase, the iconic Dome Hall, and the former House of Lords, while learning about the building’s rich history, architecture, and artwork. Tours are available with an audioguide or a professional guide in Hungarian, English, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish.

1055 Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3. | Website

Dohány Street Synagogue

Explore Jewish history, from the 19th-century Renaissance to the Holocaust and today, with expert guides at the Dohány Street Synagogue. This 45-minute tour covers synagogue architecture, Neolog traditions, and Hungarian Jewish heritage, including the grave garden and Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park. Available in 8 languages, the tour is free with your synagogue ticket. Just find the flag of your language and embark on this unforgettable experience!

1074 Budapest, Dohány utca 2. | Website

Opera House

Discover the newly restored Opera House on a 60-minute guided tour, perfect for architecture and culture lovers. Explore its stunning interior, learn about this architectural masterpiece and its rebirth, and see the latest innovations for staging grand productions. Daily tours in English start at 13:30, 15:00, and 16:30, with other languages available upon request. Each tour ends with a special mini concert by OPERA soloists!

1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 22. | Website

Explore a New Exhibition:

A Secret Museum Has Opened in the Depths of a Downtown Budapest Hotel

Walking along Kazinczy Street, you wouldn’t think that a secret museum takes you time travelling.

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Fiumei Road Graveyard

The Fiumei Road Graveyard transcends the ordinary, serving as Hungary’s vast sculpture repository while also chronicling the nation’s history. Imagine a cemetery transformed into a national memorial, where tombstones narrate stories ranging from the Age of Dualism to communism, the 1848-49 War of Independence, the defiant 1956 Revolution, and the emergence of the democratic multi-party system. You can also take a free guided tour in English at the cemetery to get all the details about the intriguing facts and legends, which you can sign up for online.

Registration: idegenvezetes@nori.gov.hu

Buda Castle Cave

Join the guided walking tour to uncover the hidden 3.3 km cave system beneath the streets of the Castle District, revealing the history and unique geology of Buda Castle Hill. Embark on a fascinating journey through the depths of this ancient labyrinth, where natural limestone caverns and meticulously crafted 800-year-old man-made cellars intertwine to create underground wonders. Marvel at the intricate network of passageways and alcoves, each with its own unique story to tell and explore previous bomb shelters and even a medieval prison.

1014 Budapest, Dárda u. 2. | Website

Budapest’s French Confectionary

For decades, Budapest’s renowned confectionery has been a haven for the elite and a dream destination for those scrimping and saving for a taste of its decadent delights. Delve into the fascinating tale of Emile Gerbeaud, the Swiss visionary who transformed Hungarian confections forever. Uncover the intriguing world of the “Gerbeaud girls,” who devised a secret language to navigate their legendary boss’s exacting standards. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Budapest’s beloved sweet haven and indulge in its latest delectable dessert offerings!

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Operatour

Step into the vibrant world of opera and ballet at Budapest’s iconic Opera House! Explore the stunningly renovated 1884 building, marvelling at its most exquisite spaces restored to their original grandeur, and discover the cutting-edge 21st-century technologies and innovations enhancing the theatrical experience, making it more immersive. And to cap off your visit, enjoy a mini concert that will leave you with unforgettable memories of your time at this cultural gem! The 60-minute guided tours are available in English, Spanish, and Italian as well.

1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 22. | Website

Discover the best hidden spots:

Budapest’s Secret Gardens You Will Love This Summer

From hidden gardens to whimsical oases, we’ve curated a list of the city’s coolest outdoor spots.

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1st stop: Gül Baba’s Tomb

A little-known fact about Budapest is that it holds Islam’s northernmost holy site. Built in the 16th century, the octagonal shaped, domed spectacle marks the burial place of Ottoman dervish poet Gül Baba, who died during the siege of Buda in 1541. Surrounded by a wonderful garden, and located a short but steep walk from Margaret Bridge, the recently refurbished shrine also offers a magnificent view over the city. Close to the monument, you’ll find one of Buda’s loveliest food venues, Törökméz. It is a must-try for early birds and late risers alike, thanks to its amazing all-day breakfast offers and unmatched ambience.

1023 Budapest, Margit utca 27.

2nd stop: Garden of Philosophers

Reachable from Margaret Bridge by trams 41/19 and a short hike, the Garden of Philosophers is a tranquil park offering stunning panoramic views of the Danube and the Pest side of the city, packed with plenty of quiet areas to sit and ponder. Some of its most noteworthy features are its granite sculptures, depicting famous thinkers and religious figures, such as Laozi and Jesus Christ. In case you get hungry from all that contemplation, relocate to nearby Búsuló Juhász Restaurant, where you can spend a delicious lunch while continuing to marvel at the scenery.

1118 Budapest, Kelenhegyi út 58.

3rd stop: Normafa

Now that we’ve climbed Gellért Hill, it’s time to go even higher, and when in Budapest, you can’t go much higher than Normafa. Renowned for its picturesque hiking trails, crisp air, and striking lookout spots, this popular tourist destination is named after an ancient birch tree, which, according to one legend, sprouted when King Matthias of Hungary was born. Once you’ve climbed the stairs of the Elizabeth Lookout and managed to get your breath back, be sure to reward yourself with a nice dessert at Szépkilátás Cukrászda, a member of the Szamos confectionery chain.

1121 Budapest, Szépkilátás út 1.

4th stop: Buda Castle

From Normafa, take the bus 21 to Széll Kálmán Square, then make your way up to Castle Hill on foot, where you’ll be greeted with the historic streetscape of the Castle District. Occupying the southern tip of the Castle Hill, Buda Castle (also known as the Royal Palace) dates back to the 13th century, although most of the present Baroque structure was built during the 18th and 19th centuries. Housing the Budapest History Museum, the Hungarian National Gallery, and the National Széchényi Library, it is a must-visit destination for history and architecture enthusiasts, while foodies can enjoy an authentic Hungarian dinner experience under the venerable roof of Pest-Buda Bistro.

1014 Budapest, Fortuna utca 3.

5th stop: Castle Bazaar

Built between 1875 and 1883, Miklós Ybl’s Castle Bazaar is a beautiful neo-Renaissance garden complex, offering a range of cultural activities, including art exhibitions and concerts, as well as a royal perspective over the Danube and everything beyond it. Nestled inside the Bazaar’s Öntőház courtyard, Monkey Bistro is the perfect spot to clink our glasses together in celebration of the end of our little sightseeing tour. With 13 gin & tonic pairings, a diverse cocktail section, and toothsome bar dishes, Monkey Bistro has something for everyone, ensuring a memorable experience that you’ll cherish long after your visit.

1013 Budapest, Ybl Miklós tér 4.

Guided Tour in the House of Music, Hungary

Deemed by the international profession as one of the most anticipated buildings of the world in 2021, the multiple award-winning House of Music, Hungary welcomes visitors with a lot of surprises and reveals interesting details throughout the 1-hour long tour. The guides talk about the innovative design of the House of Music, how it blends into nature as envisioned by its architect, Sou Fujimoto, while also unveil how music is intrinsic to the building both on the inside and on the outside. Visitors will also learn about the exhibitions and events organized here, which you can visit before or after the tour which does not include entry to the exhibitions and the Sound Dome.

1146 Budapest, Olof Palme sétány 3. | Website

Museum of Ethnography Building Tour

The impressive building of the Museum of Ethnography is decorated with beautiful and unique details, which makes it one of the most interesting buildings of the city. The guided tour reveals all of these while you are shown around the most important spaces of the building, including the visual depository holding ceramics from all over the world as well as the main attraction of the Visitor Centre, namely the Golden Age of Budapest and the Liget Project mock-ups. While the 1-hour long tour gives a glimpse into the atmosphere of the museum, to get a full picture of its content, purchase a ticket for the exhibition as well!

1146 Budapest, Dózsa György út 35. | Website

Opera House Tour

Since 15 March 2022, the Opera House guided tours have been available again for lovers of architecture and culture at the completely restored gem of the Andrassy Avenue. Get to know how this citadel of opera and ballet has been reborn, how the beautiful interior has regained its former glory, and what innovations have been installed to enable the staging of spectacular productions. In case you prefer to visit alone, private tours are also available. In case you want to get the full experience, make sure to check the programme to attend a show!

1075 Budapest, Síp utca 12. | Website

Pesti Vigadó Tour

If you wish to explore all the spaces in Pesti Vigadó, while you get to know the history of the building and the interesting stories connected to this monument, you can choose from two options: join a historic walk tour or book a private guided tour. If you would like to delve into the Pesti Vigadó experience more extensively and get to know every detail, visit the interesting current exhibitions before or after your tour. At the ground floor you can also enjoy the famous Hungarian cuisine.

1051 Budapest, Vigadó tér 2. | Website

Dohány Street Synagogue Tour

While there are several different walking tours of the Jewish Quarter, the main attraction is definitely the Dohány Street Synagogue which is the largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world. Its huge size and the large number of seats demonstrates the significance and the high economic and cultural standards of the Budapest Jewry of the age, making it the highlight of each tour. Open to visitors from Monday to Friday, the Synagogue is still predominantly a venue of worship but it also houses cultural programmes, such as concerts. You can buy tickets to discover the famous historic site by yourself, however if you want to know every single detail about the building and its history, join one of the tours listed on the website.

1074 Budapest, Dohány utca 2. | Website

Created in collaboration with Funzine and led by expert guide Brigitta Ladányiné Zemba, the adventurous journey begins in one of the most romantic neighbourhoods of the city, where the narrow streets and time-worn buildings will tell you about the lives of their former inhabitants and reveal their tumultuous past. By the time you’ve completed the three-hour tour, you’ll learn the proper way of exploring Budapest: with your eyes peeled and your ears wide open, always looking up.

During the walk (available in English and German), you will hear captivating stories about important events, horrific crimes, and illustrious figures, tied to these noteworthy downtown locations with the invisible fibres of history. Get acquainted with the exciting story of the prestigious Párisi Udvar, learn about the details of its construction, its golden age, decline, and subsequent renovations, and get lost in the intricate and mesmerizingly beautiful facade of the recently refurbished luxury hotel. Afterwards, you’ll travel back in time to the age of the Hungarian revolution of 1848-49, and see where the longest-running uprising of the Spring of Nations had all started.

From the world of Petőfi and Café Pilvax, you’ll be taken to busy Váci utca, the city’s number one shopping street. Besides street musicians, living statues, and the latest fashion collections, Váci utca also boasts a number of gorgeous Art Nouveau edifices, including the Kralovánszky apartment building, famous for its ornate Venetian gothic portal, and the colourful masterpiece of renowned Hungarian architect Ödön Lechner. Commissioned by the Thonet brothers, heirs to Europe’s famous furniture-maker empire, the building’s oriental design was so ahead of its time that it caused major public outrage at the time of its opening.

All this and more await you on the next ‘The hidden treasures of downtown Budapest’ tour, to be held on 16 November. To take a leisurely walk down history lane, register at beyondbudapest.hu and be there at the Fővám tér playground at 10 AM sharp.

Has it ever occured to you when strolling through the historic center of a major capital city that every urban feature is essentially the same as anywhere else, just guised in a different attire? Shops, cafés, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, concert halls, music venues, offices and banks following in close succession. The reason behind this lies in the evolutionary history of the city itself. The Secret Sights of Downtown Budapest walking tour of Beyond Budapest tells you the tale of how the inner city of Pest gained its present shape, and uncovers the exciting, hidden stories of its timeworn houses.

Wherever trade is taking place, flocks of people will also appear. Wherever there’s an abundance of people, there’s also a variety of needs that are just waiting to be satisfied. Naturally, where there’s a need, services soon follow. Whoever decided to move to the capital to sell their products, also needed a place to eat or have a cup of coffee before going to work – thus the first restaurants and coffee houses were born. From the exchange of goods follows that there must be a circulation of money, which presupposes an institutional background, so companies and financial institutes opened their headquarters nearby to commercial hubs. Just like birds of a feather flock together, vendors too have a natural tendency to set up their shops close to each other. As the number of services grew, so did the amount of people who decided to move to the city. Besides eating, working and sleeping, these newcomers also wanted to be entertained: just like that, theatres, cabarets, revues and later on cinemas popped their heads up.

Standing on Fővám tér, where the walk begins, it’s easy to imagine how the Great Market Hall came to life, what made Váci utca the city’s number one shopping street, or why was Centrál Coffee House opened. Beyond Budapest’s walking tour is more than a simple history lesson though. Find out where the ancient town wall of Pest stood, where the first 24/7 café was situated, who its patrons were, what Kincsem, Hungary’s legendary thoroughbread race horse has to do with the inner city, and who we have to thank for having a street called Magyar utca in the centre of Budapest.

Even though they don’t have a voice, every street has stories and adventures to share. Each street, square or name of a building carries a very unique heritage, preserving the memory of their former function and inhabitants. The buildings in which you study, work, relax, shop or run an errand were designed by the greatest architects of their age, full of fine, often unseen details. Such walks not only provide an opportunity to get to know the history of the city around you, but they also help you take notice of special features that you would’ve missed otherwise. Once you know the kind of secrets that these centuries-old buildings hide, you will never be able to look at the inner city in the same way.

For example, did you know that the building of the New City Hall had to be redesigned? The original plans of Imre Steindl were designed in Gothic Revival style, but it would’ve reminded the citizens of Pest too much of the Gothic churches of Germany, so three months after the construction has started, Steindl revised his plans, which eventually gave birth to the present-day neorenaissance building.

Similarly to how history is more than just a series of events, what makes a city truly wonderful, unique and exciting is that it was shaped by a chain of events, little by little, one generation at a time. The only thing that’s more exciting is the fact that our generation also has the power to shape how people will see Budapest in a hundred years’ time.

Passengers boarding the tram on Blaha Lujza tér, university students making their way to a lecture in Krúdy Gyula utca, office workers spending their lunch break on the steps of National Museum – while drifting through the hustle and bustle of daily life, they might not even realize just how much history they’re surrounded by: buildings and streets that witnessed some of the darkest as well as the most glorious moments in Hungarian history, apartments that once gave home to renowned doctors, artists, and musicians. Slow down for a minute and take a look around: you’ll notice bullet holes on one building, a memorial plaque on another, and a small stone statue on the third one, revealing the profession of the first house owner.

The eclectic world of District VIII, which at the height of its glory drew its strength from its colourful population, made up of people from different ethnicities and social classes who worked a wide range of jobs, still offers a whole slew of extraordinary surprises – you just have to know where to look. That’s what Beyond Budapest’s new walking tour ‘The Crumbling Splendour of District VIII’ helps you in.

During the course of the two-hour tour, starting from the garden of National Museum, you’ll learn which building is on the back of the 20,000 HUF banknote, who revolutionized Hungarian midwife training in 1911, what is the contradiction between the group of birds (symbolizing freedom) found on the facade of the Hungarian Radio’s building and the room that’s found right behind them is, how the Jesuit priests of Lőrinc pap tér church managed to save the lives of hundreds of people, and where the Soviet troops entered Szentkirályi utca in 1944, among many other things.

The “nyócker” has always been at the centre of events: in addition to weathering the battles of World War II and the Revolution of 1956, it’s also known as the neighbourhood of the famous Paul street boys, the city’s most remarkable Gypsy musicians, of cobblestoned streets, and the breakout of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. The sight of a modern school building on one side of the street and a decaying low-rise dwelling on the other is commonplace, just like a smithy or a confectionery run by the same family for generations.

The walking tour of Beyond Budapest can be likened to a first date, where everything revolves around the feeling of chemistry, and learning about the past life of the other individual, with all its colour, joy, and sorrow. As you’re going along, you’ll find out how many times they had to pick themselves up and bounce back after a failure – similarly to how District VIII pulled itself together after the devastating flood of 1838 (which gave us one of the most elegant neighbourhoods of Budapest, the aristocracy’s beloved Palace District), world war bombings and the fire fights of the revolution, and how it slowly managed to shed its bad reputation to become an attractive, bustling, and colourful quarter once again.

Whether you were born and raised in the district, just moved in to your new apartment, or want to gain an insight into the history and lives of one of Budapest’s most interesting areas, this is an adventure you do not want to miss out on.

For more information check out the website of Beyond Budapest.

It started out just like all the other local jazz variants: the brothels of New Orleans got closed down. We’re serious, to protect the soul of American soldiers going to Europe during WWI from damnation, the red light district of the city was sealed immediately. Eventually every public house got locked up, and bar musicians found themselves without paying customers. Some of them decided to try their luck in Europe – and that’s how jazz music arrived to the bar of Budapest’s Hotel Astoria in the 1940s.

Yes, Hungarian jazz was born right inside the prestigious downtown hotel’s basement bar, radiating through the whole city from this single starting point, sometimes blocked, other times aided by the twists and turns of history. Jazz is more than merely a music genre: it is history written in musical notes. Once it was a way out of the bitterness at wartime. Then it was a weapon against social oppression. At other times it embodied the same spiritual and intellectual freedoms that were about to be taken away from the people by the reigning powers.

Jazz encapsulates everything that’s happened between its birth in the 19th century and today, and it left its mark on every city where it had found a way through its sometimes smooth, sometimes troubled melodies. If you’re interested in the world of the glamorous night life of 1940s Budapest, the secret bars of a post-1956 Hungary, and you want to hear the stories of Hungarian teenagers whose only promise for a better and more free life was symbolized by a handful of talented jazz musicians from the other side of the Berlin Wall, then join the new guided tour of Beyond Budapest named “Downtown time travel in jazz history”.

Put together and lead by Béla Szilárd Jávorszky, the author of a number of books on rock music, the tour walks you through all the important places of the Budapest jazz scene, introducing you to the defining musicians of each period, while giving a comprehensive picture about the genre’s development during the 20th century. You will learn how the city’s gypsy musicians became the pioneers of Hungarian jazz, who introduced swing to Hungary between 1945 and 1948, and how did this American “cultural filth” turn into a style of music endorsed by the country’s official (and communist) cultural policy.

By the end of the two-hour tour, you’ll have a vivid and exciting outline of the city’s jazz life. The walk of Beyond Budapest concludes with the important venues and figures of contemporary jazz life, but it doesn’t end there; jazz is still a bustling, pulsating, and constantly changing genre, interweaving our lives with its varied tunes, just as it did before and after World War II, and during the time of the Hungarian People’s Republic. Whether you’re a true aficionado of jazz, or completely new to the genre, this informative and entertaining city tour will definitely leave you with a newfound appreciation for both Budapest and its historic music scene.

Love it or hate it, you can’t escape jazz. It is everywhere. It is history itself. For more information, click here!

The Story of Downtown Budapest Streets

The interesting history of the buildings and the adventurous lives of the historic figures the streets are named after still surprise us when walking down the roads of Budapest. Beyond Budapest’s Secret Sights of Downtown Budapest walking tour sheds light on a new aspect of District V: its women.

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