Budapest is not only Hungary’s largest and most populous city but also its cultural biggest hub. No matter when you plan to visit, there’ll always be a lot of outstanding things to experience.

Since Hungary is such a small country, Budapest is also an excellent hub for day trips. Eger, Esztergom, Lake Balaton, and Szentendre are just a handful of the places that are a short hop from the capital and can be visited during a day trip from Budapest.

A unique city with a youthful atmosphere, excellent music, cultural, and arts scene, as well as vibrant nightlife, here you’ll also find some of the best thermal baths in Europe and wonderful buildings.

There’s just so much to do and see here that it can be overwhelming to even start planning. That’s why, in this article, I’m sharing the top Budapest tours, excursions, and experiences to add to your bucket list (in 2024), no matter your budget. Also, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance applies to all the suggestions below.

Half-day Wine Tasting Tour in Etyek Wine Country near Budapest

Experience the best of Hungary’s Etyek wine region. The tour takes about 4 hours, is available year-round. You leave either in the morning or in the afternoon. The tour includes a traditional 2-course meal at a wine estate. You’ll visit 2-3 wine cellars and sample up to 12 wines.

The price also includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, transport in a van with AC, and a local guide.

Make sure to allow additional budget for other food & drinks you might want to buy along the way, as well as wine bottles you’d want to purchase to bring back home.

Budapest Highlights Bike Tour

This tour takes about 2 hours, is available all year round, and costs from US$32.32 per person, price varies by group size. You’ll cycle past the Jewish Quarter, City Park, Heroes Square, the UNESCO-listed Andrassy Avenue, and more iconic landmarks in Budapest.

The package includes the use of the bicycle and a hamlet. Make sure to allow budget for any drinks & foods you may want to purchase along the way. And you should consider bringing a water bottle, too.

Budapest Essentials Private Tour Highlights and Hidden Sights

This 3-hours tour is perfect for visitors with a limited time or those on their first trip to Budapest. It is available all year round.

You’ll visit some of Budapest’s most popular attractions – such as the Chain Bridge, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Parliament – as well some lesser-known places – for example the Shoes on the Danube.

The price includes the entrance ticket to the cupola of St. Stephen’s Basilica (which offers some amazing views!), a map, and snacks.

The tour leaves from Apaczai Csere Janos U. 12-14 and returns to Deák Ferenc tér (nearby the departure point).

Make sure to bring a water bottle or allow some budget for drinks along the way. You also need to consider the transportation to the meeting point.

Budapest Jewish Heritage Walking Tour

Enjoy a casually paced walk around Budapest’s important Jewish sites. Learn about the community still active here today, see the Kazinczy Street Synagogue, the Jewish Museum, and more.

The tour is available all year round (on select dates each month). There are several tour durations and itineraries to choose from.

All tours depart from in front of the Dohány Street Synagogue.

The price includes a professional and the entrance to the Great Synagogue. If you choose the Grand Tour, you’ll also enjoy a cake at a kosher bakery and the price includes the Kazinczy Street Synagogue entrance fee, too.

Make sure to allow in the budget for any drinks & foods you might get along the way, as well as the transport to the meeting point and from the ending point.

Adventure Caving Experience in Budapest

Escape the bustle of the city and embark on an exhilarating adventure into the Pálvölgyi Caves. This tour, ideal for the active traveler, lasts for about 3 hours, is available all year round (on select dates each month).

The tour departs from Szépvölgyi út 162 and returns to the same place. The price includes overall, helmet, and headlight.

Kindly note that during this tour you’ll have to climb on walls and crawl through narrow passages.

Make sure to include in the budget the cost of foods & drinks you might want to buy after the tour, as well as the transportation to and from the meeting point.

Budapest Historical Sightseeing – Walking Tour

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors. It lasts between 2 and 3 hours, is available all year round (on select dates each month).

Your guide will show you the city’s most important sights, including the Hungarian Parliament, Europe’s largest synagogue, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Castle District.

The tour departs from Deák Ferenc tér (old OTP bank) and returns to the Chain Bridge.

Make sure to allow the budget for any foods & drinks you’ll buy along the way, use of public toilets, as well as the cost of transportation to the departure point and from the ending point.

Hungarian Wine Tasting (with Cheese and Charcuterie) in Budapest

Get to know Hungary’s culinary culture and history. Tickle your tastebuds and allow a sommelier to guide you through an unforgettable tasting experience. Try five top local wines, paired with fresh bread, 4 kinds of Hungarian cheeses, and 4 kinds of cured meats.

The tasting takes about 1.5h, is available all year round.

The cellar is at Bródy Sándor u. 9. Make sure to include in the budget the transportation to and from this place, as well as any additional foods & drinks you may want to order.

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Budapest Danube River Sightseeing Night Cruise by Legenda City Cruises

Admire the cityscapes in the evening, from a glass-enclosed vessel. This tour lasts for an hour, is available all year round..

The cruise departs from dock 7 (and returns to the same place).

The price includes an audio guide (available in 30 languages) and a glass of beverage (alcoholic or not).

Kindly note that you need to also budget for any foods & drinks you want to purchase, as well as the cost of transportation to and from the dock.

The 10 Tastings of Budapest With Locals: Private Food Tour

Skip the tour traps and discover Budapest’s culinary highlights during this private walking tour that lasts for about 3 hours. It is available all year round.

Discover hidden gems, get a taste of the authentic Hungarian cuisines, explore the Central Market Hall, the Jewish Quarter, a ruined bar, and more.

The tour departs from the Central Market Hall and returns to the same place.

The price includes the local guide, as well as 10 food and drinks tasting at the included stops.

Kindly note that you need to also budget for any additional foods & drinks you want to purchase, as well as the cost of transportation to and from the market.

Trails of Budapest Hiking Tour

Active travelers will enjoy this unique day hike in the hills around the city. The hike takes about 4 hours, during which you’ll have breathtaking views and enjoy interesting stories.

The tour is available until October. It departs from Széll Kálmán tér and returns to the same point.

The price includes a certificate and a badge, tickets for public transportation (during the tour), and snacks.

Please make sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes , suitable for uneven terrain, and bring a water bottle. Also, consider the additional cost of getting to and from the departure point.

Budapest Market Hall Tour and Cooking Class

Get the taste of the local cuisine in Budapest by visiting the Central Market Hall with a guide, then head to a kitchen where you’ll learn to prepare a three-course Hungarian feast.

This experience lasts for 4 hours, is available all year round (on select dates each month).

In addition, you can arrange to meet up with your guide and have breakfast at the market.

You get to choose the dishes you want to prepare (from several menus) and enjoy snacks and drinks while you cook. For example, you’ll learn how to make goulash soup and Hungarian pancakes.

The price includes the necessary ingredients for the dishes you’ll cook, the three-course lunch, soft drinks, a glass of wine, and the recipes to take home.

The meeting point is in Fővám tér 6 (near the Central Market Hall) and you’ll return to the same place.

Please make sure to budget for any additional alcoholic beverages you may want to purchase, as well as the transportation cost to and from the market.

Street Art Tour Budapest

Budapest is one of the best places to explore if you are interested in street art. While the museums offer fantastic opportunities to discover Hungarian art, to really understand it, you need to head into the streets.

This tour takes about 3 hours, is available all year round (on Fridays each week).

You’ll learn about Budapest’s murals, street art, and graffiti.

The meeting point is in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, an area filled with wonderful murals.

The price includes a coffee or tea.

Kindly also budget for transportation price to and from the meeting point, as well as any other foods & drinks you may purchase during the tour.

Private Guided Tour to Szentendre & Visegrád Castle (Danube Bend)

Explore picturesque Szentendre and the medieval citadel of Visegrad during a half-day trip from Budapest. The tour lasts for 4 hours, is available all year round.

The price includes the admission ticket to the citadel, a private English-speaking guide, transportation in an AC vehicle, and hotel pick-up & drop-off.

Make sure to also budget for any foods & drinks you may purchase during the tour.

Private Bratislava Day Trip from Budapest with lunch

The charming and small city of Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital, can easily be visited during a day trip from Budapest. This tour takes 10 hours, is available all year round.

The itinerary is flexible and is to be created based on your preferences. You’ll take a walking tour of Bratislava’s Old Town and see landmarks such as Michael’s Gate and Bratislava Castle. You’ll also enjoy lunch (included in the price) and spare time to shop and sightsee independently.

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors to Bratislava.

The price also includes hotel pick-up & drop-off and transportation in an AC vehicle.

Make sure to also budget for the additional foods & drinks you might want to purchase during the tour.

>>Click here to discover other tours, excursions, and experiences in & around Budapest

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