TripToBudapest Free Walking Tours

TripToBudapest runs some of the city's best-known free walking tours, operated by the Budapest company Walking Tours Kft. The idea for the tours dates back to 2007, and they have since become a popular way for visitors to get an overview of Budapest on their first day. The tours are tip-based: there is no fixed price, and you pay what you think the tour was worth at the end.

Several routes are available. The Free Budapest Tour gives a general introduction to the history and main sights of Pest and Buda, while the Free Buda Castle Tour focuses on Castle Hill. The Free Jewish District Tour explores the synagogues, memorials and streets of District VII, the Communism Tour covers the decades of socialist rule and its legacy in the city, and the Free Budapest Art Nouveau Tour looks at the city's remarkable buildings from around 1900. The daily schedule on the official website shows which tours run when.

Meeting points depend on the tour. The general tour, the Jewish District tour and the Communism tour meet on Erzsébet tér, by the Danubius Fountain, about 15 metres from the Budapest Eye Ferris wheel; the company suggests looking for the wheel, as map apps may not show the exact spot. The Buda Castle tour meets in the middle of Batthyány tér, about 30 metres from the metro entrance, and the Art Nouveau tour meets at street level by the Parliament Visitor Centre on Kossuth Lajos tér.

Tips are optional, and cash is preferred. The company gives guidance on what people usually pay, depending on how much they enjoyed the tour. Groups of eight or more must contact the company at least 24 hours in advance and pay a minimum amount per person. Questions can be sent through the contact form on the website.

These tours suit budget travellers, solo visitors, students and anyone who wants a friendly introduction to the city from a local guide. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water in summer. Erzsébet tér is next to Deák Ferenc tér, where metro lines M1, M2 and M3 meet, so the main meeting point is easy to reach from anywhere in the city.