Who we are?
The idea of “TRIPTOBUDAPEST – Free Budapest Walking Tours” was created in 2007. We are all born and bred in Hungary. We are fully licensed and professionals. We are cultural ambassadors of our country. Tour company name: Walking Tours Kft. Registration number: 01-09-940190
Can we join your free tour as a group?
Groups of 8 or more people are required to contact us at least 24 hours in advance and they have to pay a minimum 8 €/ person minimum fee for the tour. Organized groups are not permitted on our free tours.
How are the tours free?
Tours have no fixed prices; they are based on a name-your-own -price system. You have the possibility of paying any price you wish, even nothing, for our tours. The choice to remunerate the tour guide is 100% voluntary. We are confident in the quality of our walking tours and confident that you will be sufficiently satisfied with your experience and you will feel you want to tip your tour guide.
How do I find the meeting point?
Pest-side tours (free Budapest-, Jewish- and communism walks) leave from Elisabeth (Erzsébet) square (address: 1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér) We meet about 10-15 meters away from the Budapest Eye Ferris wheel, next to the fountain, in the middle of the square.
Free Buda Castle Tour leaves from Batthyány square (address: 1011 Budapest, Batthyány tér) next to the metro stop.
Please see the website map for details! Scroll down the “Home” page to find google maps for both of the meeting points.
How will I recognise the guide?
Our guides hold a blue flag that says FREE TOUR on it, sometimes they wear royal blue raincoats on the meeting points. To join our walking tours, meet your guide and your fellow travelers at the indicated meeting points at the indicated times, at lease 5 minutes before the tours start.
What are the walking tours about?
In a few words: Basic overview with practical orientation.
Free Budapest Tour, Free Buda Castle Tour: you can get a short, general historic overview during this tour, but it is more like an orientation than an actual historical tour of Budapest. If you do not know anything about Hungary, it is a great way to get started. If you are a history buff and want something more in depth please join our private sightseeing walks instead.
(You can choose from our customized private tours where you can make sure you spend 1 on 1 time with the tour guide and the tour is based only on your interest, need and pace.)
We also give useful orientation with well-balanced and not sponsored tips about where to go and what to do in Budapest and there is plenty of time to ask questions.
Free Communism Tour: This tour is not the type of tour where you go and look at fancy buildings, although you do look at some buildings and memorials. Rather, it’s about the history and daily life of Communism in Hungary and about the Hungarian people. We provide an interesting first-hand info of life in Hungary, in the pre- and post Iron Curtain/Cold war era and help to understand the local way of living and not just seeing the city from a touristic viewpoint.
Free Jewish District Tour: It gives an excellent introduction to the Jewish religious traditions, cultural art and the mutuality with the Hungarian history. We also introduce the last Jewish Ghetto in Europe that is abundant in hidden Jewish symbols. This tour (and all our free walking tours) doesn’t include entering to sites where payment is required (for example the largest synagogue of Europe, the Dohány street synagogue).
Urban and Street Art Tour: this tour is not a typical “graffiti tour”, but mostly we see the legal kind of street art mainly in the 7th district of Budapest, which is the Jewish quarter. We see murals that are mostly about Hungarian culture, history, cuisine etc. You can also get to know how an innovation was created in the area during recent years by artists and the city. This tour is temporary suspended.
Free Evening Tour: A lovely ~1.5 hour long evening walk in the heart of Budapest. It is a short picturesque stroll, only about 2 km and, if you are tired of longer walks, take this one! Ideal for everyone, but especially for those who arrive to Budapest in the afternoon and missed the other tours already, but still would like to discover a little bit of the city on their first evening. Compact infotainment in the evening, so at night you already know the city.
Pub Tour: On this tour you can get to know the (ruin) bar culture and the nightlife of Budapest. On this tour we visit at least 3 bars. You get free welcome drinks, hang out with our guides and feel a bit like a local for a few hours. This tour is not a free walking tour, please check the current tour rate on this tour’s subpage. This tour is temporary suspended.
Do Free Budapest Walking Tours enter a few historic buildings?
On all tours, all our stories are told in outdoor areas in public places such as parks, squares and sidewalks nearby or in front of the sights.
How many historical sites do you visit during General Sightseeing Walks?
Tours will lead you through about 10 significant historical, architectural or cultural sites of Budapest. Major sites include Elisabeth Square, Saint Stephen’s Basilica, Academy of Hungarian Sciences, Gresham Palace (now Four Season’s Hotel), Chain Bridge and the Castle District area (Royal Palace, Matthias Church, Fisherman Bastion). We also see some sights from the distance: Gellért hill with the Liberty statue and the Citadel, the Hungarian Parliament.
What if I am late?
Each tour starts 5 minutes later than advertised, so please try to be punctual. After the introduction of the tours, they leave the meeting point in about 10-15 minutes after the starting time out of respect for those who did arrive on time. However, our meeting point assistant waits for the late comers with a blue flag for another 5-10 minutes after the tours have left. If you are running late or missed the meeting point location, please contact us via phone: +36203409217
Is it necessary to make reservation?
No booking is needed to join our free tours, just show up at the meeting point with a smile, however, groups of 8 or more MUST contact us before joining. From experience, we know that larger groups have the tendency to involuntarily interrupt the tour. We want all our tour guests to enjoy the tour, therefore, we cannot allow groups of 8 or larger to participate in our public tours. Sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.
You are welcome to book a private tour for your groups of 8 or larger. Please send us an email: booking@triptobudapest.hu
How long does a walk last?
Depends on the type of the free walk. Free Budapest Tour: 2- 2.5hou rs. Free Jewish District Tour and Free Communism Tour 1,5-2 hours. Evening Tour 1,5 hours
How far do we walk?
Free Budapest Tour covers about 2 miles (i.e. about 2.5 kilometers if you think metrically). The tour goes at a moderate pace for the average walker.
Free Buda Castle Tour covers about 1,5 miles. The tour goes at a moderate pace for the average walker. We start the tour with an 8-minute uphill walk to the Castle District, which can be difficult with prams. The tour is not recommended with a wheelchair.
Free Jewish District Tour covers about 1,5 miles. The tour goes at a moderate pace for the average walker. This tour is more talking than the walking type of tour. Please be prepared for longer stops while walking.
Free Communism Tour covers about 1,5 miles. The tour goes at a moderate pace for the average walker. This tour is more talking than the walking type of tour. Please be prepared for longer stops while walking.
Free Evening Tour: covers about 1,5 miles. The tour goes at a moderate pace for the average walker.
Do we end up where we started off?
Tours do not conclude where they began. Our guides will provide directions to subways, local sites, or back to the meeting point at the end of the tour.
Free Budapest Tour and Free Communism Tour end at the Parliament building. It is a 20 minute walk from the starting point.
Free Jewish District Tour ends at Szimpla Ruin Bar. It is a 15-minute walk from the meeting point.
Free Buda Castle Tour ends at the Royal Palace ( Buda Castle) area. It is a 20 minute walk from the meeting point.
Free Evening Tour ends at the Great Market Hall and Liberty bridge ( Szabadság híd) area. It takes about 15 minutes to get to the tour starting point.
Please note: ending points are all subject to change as routes may change unexpectedly during a tour for reasons beyond our control (extremely bad weather conditions, demonstrations, etc.)
Is it difficult to hear the guide?
No. You can always stand by the guide and ask questions.
How to get to the meeting point from your ho(s)tel?
Ask your ho(s)tel staff, send us an e-mail: info@triptobudapest.hu or call us on: +3620 34 09 217
We can send you detailed instructions how to find the meeting point from your accommodation.
Is there a toilet / refreshment break?
We don’t have any scheduled toilet breaks during our tours, but you can always ask your guides for the nearest café/restaurant/hotel where they usually let you use the restrooms.
We would recommend bringing a bottle of cold drink in the summer, that you can refill at some public drinking fountains while walking.
How much money should I leave?
Free tours have no fixed prices, they are based on contributions only. Supporting us is not compulsory and participants are free to give as much or as little as they feel the tour is worth and is therefore available for everybody and anybody interested in Hungary and Budapest. You could literally pay nothing and walk away at the end, and some people do this on nearly every tour, but most people find the tours to be extremely informative, entertaining and engaging, so they appreciate their tour guides (all tour guides work exclusively for gratuities) and with their contribution keep the project alive for the future. This is an independent project without financial support from any third parties (there is NO business or governmental involvement on any level). A suggested contribution is 5-10€ (which is ~2000-3800 Hungarian Forints)/person. The reason we suggest a number is for those who are unsure of what is helpful for us to keep running our tours free. 100% of our funding comes from your contribution. Again, nothing is compulsory, everything is welcome.
Can I take my children on the walks? Is there an age limit?
Children of any age are welcome. You know your own children better than we do It is recommended to bring some snacks and/or refreshments for them. Pllease note that younger children may find these tours too tiring. We think our tours are suitable for children over the age of about 12.)
What if I am the only person who shows up?
The minimum number of participants is 4 on our free walking tours. If there is 4 of you already, you are lucky since you will have (kind of) a private walking tour!
Is it possible to book a guide for a private walk?
All walking tours are available for fully customized premium private bookings with pick-up and drop-off anywhere. See and enjoy only what you want. We have already organized private walks for International school groups, Multinational companies etc as well. For more information, or to schedule a private walk, please call or email us. References are available upon request.
What if it is raining?
Free Budapest Walking Tours are held rain or shine. Wet weather gear is useful. If needed, we do some route adjustments to accommodate poor weather conditions.
Can I join the walk with wheelchair?
We welcome wheelchair users and limited mobility devices on all tours except Free Buda Castle Hill tour as there are some challenges to face uphill upon the stairs.
Can I bring my pets?
Yes, absolutely. We all love pets! We move at a comfortable pace during our tours.
Can I take a video on the tours?
In protection of the intellectual property and copyright that goes into the tours, any forms of video and audio recording are not allowed on the tours. The interesting stories that we share with you are the result of painstaking research over many years, so please show your appreciation by listening with attentive ears, open hearts and obedient hands! Photography is allowed. Thank you for your cooperation.
What should I wear / bring for the walking tour?
Wear comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing. Also bring a camera, as there will be plenty of photo opportunities. During the summer also bring a plastic bottle as you can refill it with water at some public fountains/taps. Please dress warmly in the winter! If it snows, it is cold and wet.
What are the rates for private tours?
. Tour price depends on group number, tour length, tour date, and tour type. Please e-mail booking@triptobudapest.hu us or call us at +36 20 960 5295 to get rates for the tour that you are interested in for your private group outing.
Where is the best place to exchange money in Budapest?
There are some money changing shops located in the city centre. Ask your guides about these places. Probably the best deal will be at the ATM machines which dispense Forints (HUF), and do not charge commission when withdrawing from your home bank account. Before you depart, make sure that your bank has authorized your debit card for international withdrawals.
Do you do any free tours apart from English?
The regular free tours are in English. We can arrange a private tour for you in Spanish, Italian, French, Russian, and Bulgarian, however, that would not be tip-based. Please contact us to discuss your needs.
Do you do free tours over Winter Holidays?
Tours go daily, – except for December 24th afternoon, 25th all day, 31st evening and January 1st. During these block out days private tours can be available.
Is Budapest safe?
Yes, it is, however like in most metropolises pickpockets are an existing threat! Our tour guides always remind all travellers to take care of their belongings!
Where can I pick up a leaflet/flyer?
Leaflets are available in some Budapest hostel, hotels. You can also get them during our tours from your guide(s).
Do we pay taxes at all?
Yes, absolutely. We must pay all the taxes, social security and the such.
For Hungarians: Magyar vagyok, szeretnék csatlakozni a városnézéshez. Megtehetem?
Budapesti városnézésünk és tematikus túráink forgatókönyve a néhány napra hazánkba érkező turisták érdeklődése alapján készült. Mondanivalónk összeállításánál az ő igényeiket és érdeklődésüket vettük figyelembe.
A hazai közönség részére sokkal összetettebb és bővebb történelmi ismeretekre épített forgatókönyvet írtunk. A magyar nyelvű túrákon való részvétel előzetes regisztrációhoz kötött. Az angol nyelvű túráinkon való részvétellel kapcsolatosan munkatársunk tájékozatatja Önöket arról, hogy van -e lehetőség csatlakozni a választott sétához.
How to be a member of the Free Budapest Walking Tours Community?
Whether you are new or regular, like us on Facebook under the name of Free Budapest Walking Tours. You can reconnect with your travel buddies, plan your next Budapest trip, share tour photos, tag yourself on group pictures and tell others about your Budapest experience. Our community has more than 27.500 members!
Got anything to ask? Do not keep it to yourself. Send your questions to info@triptobudapest.hu or call us: +36 20 340 9217
