Tour Budapest for first time in 2023 (with videos)

Touring Budapest for the first time can be an exciting adventure! From its vast array of historic sites and landmarks to its bustling city life, Budapest is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

I’ll be sharing what I saw and researched on my visit to Budapest and will also share some tour options on the way.
I toured Budapest for the first time as part of a multi-city group tour of Eastern Europe.

The architecture of Budapest is one-of-a-kind with castles, cathedrals and monuments helping to tell the story of this vibrant nation. There are plenty of places to explore including grand coffee houses, iconic festivals and cozy pubs where you can try the best Hungarian specialties.

360 camera video tour

Here is my 360 VR video I took on my Insta360 X3 while I was in Budapest for my first time as well. Will also have pictures of my sightseeing visit which I shot with Sony RX100 VII ( which is a great compact travel camera).

Table of Contents for Touring Budapest for first timers

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Budapest’s Historic Sites when touring first time

These are the must see spots if you are visiting Budapest for the first time, and especially if you cant come back again. ( I visited these in my 2 days there )

Buda Castle is one of the most iconic sites in Budapest. Located on top of a hill overlooking the Danube, it was once home to Hungarian kings and queens. The castle has been through many transformations over the centuries, but its baroque architecture still stands as a reminder of Hungary’s royal past. Visitors can explore its courtyards and gardens, or take in stunning views from atop its walls.

The Parliament building is another must-see for visitors to Budapest. Built between 1885 and 1904, this impressive structure houses the National Assembly of Hungary and serves as an important symbol of democracy in Europe.

It features a striking Neo-Gothic design with intricate details like statues depicting famous Hungarians throughout history adorning its facade. Inside, visitors can admire the grandiose interiors including ornate staircases leading up to parliament chambers where debates are held today just as they were more than 100 years ago.

Other historic sites worth visiting include Fisherman’s Bastion which offers panoramic views across Pest; Heroes’ Square which commemorates those who died during wars; Matthias Church whose colorful roof tiles make it stand out among other buildings; and Vajdahunyad Castle – an eclectic mix of architectural styles that represent different eras throughout Hungarian history.

Visit Thermal Baths

Whether you’re looking to relax and soak in the warm waters or just experience something unique, there is an option for everyone, especially if you are touring Budapest for the first time.

The Szechenyi Baths are one of the largest and most popular thermal baths in Budapest, located in City Park. This complex offers outdoor pools with varying temperatures, steam rooms, saunas and massage services. It’s also home to some interesting statues and artwork which make it a great place to explore as well as relax.

Gellert Spa & Baths offer indoor pools with different temperature settings while Rudas Thermal Baths have an impressive domed ceiling that creates a beautiful ambiance when lit up at night time.

Gellert Spa is next to Gellert Hill and I will have a video walkthrough and around that area.

If you’re visiting Budapest, don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity – take some time out from sightseeing and enjoy a relaxing dip in one of its many thermal baths.

Whether it’s the Szechenyi Baths or any other option available throughout the city, such as Gellert Spa & Baths or Rudas Thermal Baths, there is something for everyone to experience.

Enjoy Local Cuisine

If you’re a first-time tourist to Budapest, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the city’s culinary offerings.

Hungarian cuisine is a delicious mix of hearty dishes, flavorful spices, and fresh ingredients. Goulash is one of the most popular dishes in Hungary, made with beef or pork stewed in paprika-spiced broth and served with potatoes or egg noodles.

Paprikash is another classic dish that combines chicken cooked in a creamy sauce flavored with sweet Hungarian paprika. Stuffed cabbage rolls are also popular, filled with ground meat and rice and simmered in tomato sauce for an unforgettable flavor.

For something more modern, Budapest has plenty of trendy restaurants offering innovative takes on traditional recipes as well as international fare. Sample some local specialties like langos – deep-fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese – at one of the city’s many street food stalls or enjoy a romantic dinner at an upscale restaurant overlooking the Danube River.

No matter what your taste buds crave, you’ll find something to satisfy them in Budapest. From cozy cafes serving homemade pastries to lively pubs pouring craft beer from local breweries – there’s something for everyone here. So don’t forget to explore all that this vibrant city has to offer when it comes to its culinary scene.

Take a Cruise on the Danube River

Take a Cruise on the Danube and explore Budapest from a different perspective, and is a must do if you are touring Budapest for the first time.

We took a nighttime dinner cruise tour that was part of our Eastern Europe tour group and it was amazing, especially with the Parliament building and Castle lit up. That link was my full article on that with a video.

Here is a well ranked tour option below.

Enjoy the city’s stunning skyline as you drift along the river in one of many boat tours available. Whether it’s an hour-long sightseeing tour or a romantic dinner cruise, there are plenty of options to choose from.

One popular destination is Margaret Island, located in the middle of the Danube River between Buda and Pest. The island is home to lush gardens, tranquil atmosphere and plenty of recreational activities such as swimming pools, tennis courts and playgrounds for children.

There are also several historical monuments including a 13th century Dominican convent and ruins from an old Roman bathhouse.

For those looking for something more adventurous, there are boat tours that offer kayaking trips down the river with stops at various points along its banks where you can take pictures or just relax in nature’s beauty while listening to stories about Budapest’s history told by your guide.

You can even rent out pedal boats if you want to explore further downstream on your own.

No matter what type of experience you are looking for, taking a cruise down the Danube will give you an unforgettable view of Budapest that will remain with you long after your trip has ended.

Cruising along the Danube River is a great way to experience Budapest, offering beautiful views of the city. Now it’s time to explore some of the unique markets and boutiques that make up this vibrant city.

The Danube heads all the way down to 2 other cities I visited and these are my guides and video

• Vienna for first time
• Bratislava Slovakia day tour

Shop at Markets & Boutiques

Shopping in Budapest is a must for any tourist looking to take home some unique souvenirs or find the perfect gift. From bustling markets like Central Market Hall to chic boutiques along Andrassy Avenue, there’s something for everyone when it comes to shopping in this beautiful city.

Central Market Hall is one of the most popular spots for tourists and locals alike. Located on Fővám tér, this market has been around since 1897 and offers an array of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, spices and more. It’s also a great place to pick up traditional Hungarian handicrafts such as embroidered textiles or hand-painted ceramics.

Our hotel was just a block away from the market and we bought some paprika and had lunch there.

For those looking for something a bit more upscale, Andrassy Avenue is lined with high-end stores offering designer clothes and accessories from top international brands. Whether you’re searching for that perfect dress or just browsing through window displays of luxury items – you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for here.

If vintage clothing is your thing then head over to Ecseri Flea Market located on Rákóczi út where you can browse through piles of secondhand clothes at bargain prices. This flea market has been around since 1857 so it’s definitely worth checking out if you want some authentic finds.

Finally, don’t forget about the Christmas Markets which pop up every year during December offering handmade gifts such as jewelry and decorations made by local artisans – these are always a hit with visitors who come back each year just to see what new treasures they can find.

No matter what type of shopping experience you’re after, Budapest has something special waiting just around the corner. From bustling markets like Central Market Hall to chic boutiques along Andrassy Avenue, and even vintage clothing at Ecseri Flea Market – there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city.

Top tours of Budapest for first time visitors

I researched some tours and will be putting some options with links below.

Parliament Building

The Parliament Building in Budapest is a must-see for any traveler. This iconic building, located on the banks of the Danube River, was built between 1885 and 1904 in Neo-Gothic style. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Hungary and stands as a symbol of democracy and freedom.

We did this tour and I took video, but couldn’t film in certain areas.

History:

The Hungarian Parliament Building was designed by Imre Steindl and it took nearly two decades to complete its construction. It has been home to the National Assembly since 1902 when Franz Joseph I opened it officially with a speech from its balcony. Since then, many important events have taken place here including visits from foreign dignitaries such as Pope John Paul II who addressed an audience from its steps in 1991.

Architecture:

The building’s façade features intricate designs that include statues representing different figures from Hungarian history such as King Stephen I, Matthias Corvinus, Kossuth Lajos and others.

Inside there are more than twenty chambers filled with artwork depicting various aspects of Hungarian culture while also providing seating for members of parliament during sessions or debates. In addition to this, visitors can take guided tours around the premises which will provide them with further insight into this magnificent structure’s history and architecture

Visiting Tips:

Visitors should note that due to security reasons they cannot enter inside without prior authorization or special permission granted by their tour guide or host institution/organization beforehand, so it is important to plan your visit accordingly if you wish to gain access.

Additionally, tickets may be required depending on what type of event is taking place at the time, so it is advisable to check online before heading out just in case. Finally, keep an eye out for interesting facts about each chamber you pass through during your tour; these will give you some extra knowledge about Hungary’s rich cultural heritage.

Buda Castle

It stands atop a hill overlooking the Danube River and provides stunning views of the city below. Built in 1265 by King Bela IV, it has been home to many Hungarian rulers over the centuries. Today, Buda Castle houses several museums and galleries that showcase Hungarian history and culture.

History

The castle was originally built as a fortress to protect against Mongol invasions during the 13th century. Over time, it became an important royal residence for kings and queens from various dynasties who ruled Hungary until 1918 when it became part of Austria-Hungary after World War I.

During World War II, Buda Castle was heavily damaged but later restored to its former glory in 1949 with help from UNESCO’s World Heritage Site program.

Attractions

Today, visitors can explore numerous attractions within Buda Castle including art galleries such as The National Gallery which showcases works by famous Hungarian artists like Mihaly Munkacsy or Laszlo Paal; historic sites like Matthias Church which dates back to 1255; or museums such as The Military Museum which displays weapons used throughout Hungary’s long history.

Fisherman’s Bastion

Constructed in the 19th century, is a beautiful neo-Gothic terrace with seven towers that represent the seven Magyar tribes who settled in Hungary. Each of these towers offer spectacular views of Budapest and from its highest tower, visitors can see almost all of the city’s main attractions.

This place was beautiful as you will see in my pictures and video. My shot above is from my nighttime dinner cruise of Danube with the entire Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church lit up.

Visitors to Fisherman’s Bastion can walk through its winding staircases, explore its various terraces and enjoy special events that are held here from time to time. A statue of St Stephen sits in the courtyard between the Church and Bastion.

The Fisherman’s Bastion is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Budapest and is open to visitors all year round.

During the summer months, the Bastion is filled with locals and tourists alike as there are many events and festivals held here such as the Budapest Fringe Festival, Budafest Wine Festival, Telekom Vivicitta Half-Marathon, and more. These events draw thousands of visitors and offer an excellent opportunity to explore Budapest’s culture, food, and music. 

The Fisherman’s Bastion is also a great place for sightseeing as it offers stunning views of the city and the Danube River. Visitors can take pictures from multiple perspectives including the top terrace which provides a panoramic view of the city.

There are also many monuments within the Bastion like The Seven Chieftains statue, which was built to honor seven Hungarian tribes that settled in the area centuries ago. 

Here is my full article of when I went to Budapest on touring Fishermans Bastion area including Matthias Church and Buda Castle District.

Hero’s Square

Hero’s Square is one of the most iconic landmarks in Budapest. Located at the end of Andrássy Avenue, it was built to commemorate Hungary’s 1000th anniversary in 1896.

We walked around the Square with the tour group and then walked to the bridge to view the castle. You can see this in my first 360 video above.

The square features two important monuments: a 36-meter tall column topped with a statue of Archangel Gabriel and the Millennium Monument which consists of seven statues representing Hungarian rulers and other important figures from history.

History

The original plan for Hero’s Square dates back to 1867 when Emperor Franz Joseph I proposed that an equestrian monument be erected in honor of his coronation as King of Hungary. However, due to financial constraints, this project was never completed until after World War I when it was finally unveiled on October 6th, 1929.

Architecture

The main feature of Hero’s Square is its impressive architecture which includes two large monuments surrounded by four smaller ones and flanked by colonnades on either side. The central column stands 36 meters high and is topped with a bronze statue depicting Archangel Gabriel holding up a cross while pointing towards heaven.

On either side are statues representing different historical figures such as Attila the Hun, Stephen I (the first king), Matthias Corvinus (king during Renaissance period) and John Hunyadi (a famous military leader). The surrounding four small monuments represent war heroes who fought against foreign invasions throughout Hungarian history.

Lastly, there are also two semi-circular colonnades flanking both sides containing busts honoring some prominent Hungarians from various fields such as science or literature.

Events & Festivals

Throughout the year, Hero’s Square hosts many events ranging from concerts to festivals celebrating traditional Hungarian culture such as Easter or Christmas markets. Visitors can sample local delicacies and purchase handmade souvenirs crafted by local artisans here.

During summer months, there are often open air movie screenings held at this location too; make sure you check out what is happening before visiting.

FAQs in Relation to Tour Budapest for first time

How many days do you need for Budapest?

Budapest is a city that can be explored in 3 to 4 days. It has plenty of attractions, from its iconic Parliament building and Chain Bridge to the Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion. There are also many museums, galleries, churches, thermal baths and parks for visitors to explore.

For those looking for more adventure, there are opportunities for hiking or biking along the Danube River or exploring some of Budapest’s unique nightlife spots. With so much to see and do in such a short time frame, Budapest is an ideal destination for any traveler looking to make the most out of their trip.

What should I not miss in Budapest?

Budapest is a city full of history, culture and beauty. It’s the perfect destination for tourists looking to explore its many attractions. One must-see spot in Budapest is the iconic Chain Bridge, which connects Buda and Pest across the Danube River.

Another popular attraction is Fisherman’s Bastion, a terrace with stunning views of the cityscape from atop Castle Hill. For those interested in art and architecture, St Stephen’s Basilica offers an impressive interior as well as breathtaking panoramic views from its dome.

And finally, no trip to Budapest would be complete without visiting one of its famous thermal baths – Szechenyi Baths or Gellert Baths are both great options.

Can you do Budapest in 2 days?

Yes, it is possible to explore Budapest in two days. Start your journey by taking a tour of the city’s iconic landmarks such as the Hungarian Parliament Building and St. Stephen’s Basilica. Spend some time exploring the many museums and galleries that showcase Hungary’s rich history and culture.

Make sure to visit one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths or spas for an unforgettable experience. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at one of Budapest’s renowned restaurants before heading out for a night on the town in one of its lively bars or clubs. With careful planning, you can make your two-day stay in Budapest memorable and enjoyable.

Conclusion

From its historic sites to its thermal baths, local cuisine, Danube cruises and markets & boutiques – there’s something in Budapest Hungary for everyone. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’ve been before, travelling here is sure to be an unforgettable experience. So don’t wait any longer – book a tour to Budapest today.

Other Tour first time videos in Eastern Europe

Here are a couple of my other “tour first time” posts from my trip to Eastern Europe.
These have 360 VR videos and pictures and written guide.

Tour Prague for first time in 2023 (13 Must do’s)

Tour Vienna for first time (29 Must Do’s)

Day tour to Bratislava

Reasons to watch 360 travel videos before visiting for real

And here is my Youtube channel with multiple 360 videos from around the world.