Enjoy Budapest With Free, Self Guided Walking Tours
Enjoy Budapest With Free, Self Guided Walking Tours
By Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong
Budapest is the capital of Hungary. It has been called one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The palaces, government building and bridges are all lit at night. Have your camera ready because the reflections in the river make for fantastic vacation photos.
Budapest is a mix of classical and modern architecture separated down the middle by the Danube River but connected by the Chain Bridge since 1849.
In modern Pest, we viewed the beautiful Andrassy Avenue, the Hungarian Opera House, and the Heroe's Square monuments.
We crossed the Chain Bridge to the historic Buda side of the city where we strolled the Castle District. At this hilltop castle complex, we explored the turrets of Fishermen's Bastion, medieval Matthias Church and the spectacular views from Buda Hill.
We walked from Pest to Buda across the Chain Bridge over the Danube and back again. We walked down to the imposing Parliament Building and also spent time contemplating "The Shoes On The Danube" memorial to the Holocaust victims that were executed here on the banks of the river.
If we had just had a little more time, we would have loved to have visited the famous thermal baths that were once enjoyed by ancient Romans.
If you are visiting Budapest, be sure to consider these free, self guided walking tours published by VisitBudapest. See this amazing city at your own pace.
Castle Hill Walking Tour
Castle Hill is the undisputed must-see attraction in Budapest. This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes the 700-year-old Matthias Church, houses from the Middle Ages, and the Royal Palace. Stroll along the cobblestone streets between colorful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque facades, and don't miss the amazing views of the city. http://visitbudapest.travel/activities/budapest-sightseeing/castle-hill-walking-tour/
By Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong
Budapest is the capital of Hungary. It has been called one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The palaces, government building and bridges are all lit at night. Have your camera ready because the reflections in the river make for fantastic vacation photos.
Budapest is a mix of classical and modern architecture separated down the middle by the Danube River but connected by the Chain Bridge since 1849.
In modern Pest, we viewed the beautiful Andrassy Avenue, the Hungarian Opera House, and the Heroe's Square monuments.
We crossed the Chain Bridge to the historic Buda side of the city where we strolled the Castle District. At this hilltop castle complex, we explored the turrets of Fishermen's Bastion, medieval Matthias Church and the spectacular views from Buda Hill.
We walked from Pest to Buda across the Chain Bridge over the Danube and back again. We walked down to the imposing Parliament Building and also spent time contemplating "The Shoes On The Danube" memorial to the Holocaust victims that were executed here on the banks of the river.
If we had just had a little more time, we would have loved to have visited the famous thermal baths that were once enjoyed by ancient Romans.
If you are visiting Budapest, be sure to consider these free, self guided walking tours published by VisitBudapest. See this amazing city at your own pace.
Castle Hill Walking Tour
Castle Hill is the undisputed must-see attraction in Budapest. This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes the 700-year-old Matthias Church, houses from the Middle Ages, and the Royal Palace. Stroll along the cobblestone streets between colorful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque facades, and don't miss the amazing views of the city. http://visitbudapest.travel/activities/budapest-sightseeing/castle-hill-walking-tour/
Inner City Walking Tour
Once you've explored Castle Hill, turn your back on hilly Buda and get acquainted with busy Pest. This tour will take you around the inner city of Pest passing by St. Stephen's Basilica, the Parliament Building, Central Market hall and Váci Street, a pedestrian precinct and perhaps the most famous street in Budapest. http://visitbudapest.travel/activities/budapest-sightseeing/inner-city-walking-tour/
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
This tour will give you a sense of the vibrancy of the Jewish community in Budapest prior to World War II. It will take you through the Jewish Quarter, which became a walled ghetto during the war. Much of this compact neighborhood is rapidly changing, but there are still some wonderful sights to see, like the Great Synagogue in Dohány Street, which is the largest Synagogue in Europe. http://visitbudapest.travel/activities/budapest-sightseeing/jewish-quarter-walking-tour/
Obuda Walking Tour
Óbuda, the oldest district of Budapest, has well preserved Roman ruins, remains from the Middle ages, charming Baroque squares and many museums and monuments. This tour gives an insight into the history of the city by taking you on a journey through this often overlooked district. The trip starts and ends in the Ancient Roman Empire, with a detour through the Middle Ages followed by Baroque, Classicist and Modern times. http://visitbudapest.travel/activities/budapest-sightseeing/obuda-walking-tour/
Millennium Walk
To appreciate Budapest's present appearance, 1896 is an important date to remember, as this was the 1000th anniversary of Hungary. Many buildings in Budapest were commissioned to celebrate the Millennium, including the Underground Railway. Trains ran from the city center to City Park. This tour follows along the path of the Millennium Underground, the first subway line in continental Europe. http://visitbudapest.travel/activities/budapest-sightseeing/millennium-walk/
For gay travelers, visit http://www.budapest.com/city_guide/gay_budapest.en.html
For naturists and nudists, the Naturist Oasis Camp in Délegyháza is just south of Budapest http://www.naturista.hu/ and the Naturist Park Szigetmonostor is just north of Budapest, in Szigetmonostor www.naturistasziget.hu.
Once you've explored Castle Hill, turn your back on hilly Buda and get acquainted with busy Pest. This tour will take you around the inner city of Pest passing by St. Stephen's Basilica, the Parliament Building, Central Market hall and Váci Street, a pedestrian precinct and perhaps the most famous street in Budapest. http://visitbudapest.travel/activities/budapest-sightseeing/inner-city-walking-tour/
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
This tour will give you a sense of the vibrancy of the Jewish community in Budapest prior to World War II. It will take you through the Jewish Quarter, which became a walled ghetto during the war. Much of this compact neighborhood is rapidly changing, but there are still some wonderful sights to see, like the Great Synagogue in Dohány Street, which is the largest Synagogue in Europe. http://visitbudapest.travel/activities/budapest-sightseeing/jewish-quarter-walking-tour/
Obuda Walking Tour
Óbuda, the oldest district of Budapest, has well preserved Roman ruins, remains from the Middle ages, charming Baroque squares and many museums and monuments. This tour gives an insight into the history of the city by taking you on a journey through this often overlooked district. The trip starts and ends in the Ancient Roman Empire, with a detour through the Middle Ages followed by Baroque, Classicist and Modern times. http://visitbudapest.travel/activities/budapest-sightseeing/obuda-walking-tour/
Millennium Walk
To appreciate Budapest's present appearance, 1896 is an important date to remember, as this was the 1000th anniversary of Hungary. Many buildings in Budapest were commissioned to celebrate the Millennium, including the Underground Railway. Trains ran from the city center to City Park. This tour follows along the path of the Millennium Underground, the first subway line in continental Europe. http://visitbudapest.travel/activities/budapest-sightseeing/millennium-walk/
For gay travelers, visit http://www.budapest.com/city_guide/gay_budapest.en.html
For naturists and nudists, the Naturist Oasis Camp in Délegyháza is just south of Budapest http://www.naturista.hu/ and the Naturist Park Szigetmonostor is just north of Budapest, in Szigetmonostor www.naturistasziget.hu.
Article and photo by Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong
Copyright 2018 Sunny Harbor Publishing
Sunny Harbor Publishing, PO Box 560318, Rockledge, FL 32956
Phone: 321-252-9874
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.SunnyHarborPublishing.org
Copyright 2018 Sunny Harbor Publishing
Sunny Harbor Publishing, PO Box 560318, Rockledge, FL 32956
Phone: 321-252-9874
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.SunnyHarborPublishing.org