Pest To Buda, One Crossing

Brigitta runs this GuruWalk walk in English, meeting at Deák Ferenc Square in the Inner City. It runs 2 hours 15 minutes and is rated 4.89 out of 5 across 46 GuruWalk reviews. Like every walk on this site it is free, pay what you want: reserve a spot on GuruWalk and tip the guide what the walk was worth.

Overview

This walk starts on the Pest side at Deák Ferenc Square, where the guide waits in front of the Lutheran church with a blue umbrella, and it works its way across to Buda before looping back through central Pest. It runs in English and lasts 2 hours 15 minutes. The idea is a single connected introduction to the city: the medieval part, the dramatic stretches of the 20th century, and some sense of how Budapest lives now.

Along the way the guide points out photo spots and passes on local recommendations, from markets and places for Gulyás soup to non-touristy thermal baths and shopping ideas. The route takes in Buda Castle, the Change of the Guards at the Presidential Office, Matthias Church, the Fishermen's Bastion, Parliament and the Shoes Memorial, Andrássy Avenue, St Stephen's Basilica, Elisabeth Square, Vörösmarty Square and the Danube Promenade. Getting across the river is by public transport, and the GuruWalk listing says a single ticket covers it.

The walk is listed on GuruWalk and runs on the free, pay what you want model: reserving a spot costs nothing, and guests tip the guide what they felt the walk was worth at the end. It suits anyone who wants one walk that ties both sides of the city together, with a local guide's commentary in English.

Itinerary

1. Meet at Deák Ferenc SquareThe guide waits in front of the Lutheran church with a blue umbrella.
2. Cross to Buda by transportThe group crosses the river by public transport. The GuruWalk listing says a single ticket covers the trip to Buda.
3. Buda Castle and the guardsThe walk covers the historic Buda Castle and the Change of the Guards at the Presidential Office.
4. Matthias Church and the BastionThe route continues to the Matthias Church and the scenic Fishermen's Bastion.
5. Parliament and the Shoes MemorialThe walk passes Parliament and the Black Shoes Memorial.
6. Downtown Pest and Andrássy AvenueThe downtown section takes in Andrássy Avenue, St Stephen's Basilica, Elisabeth Square and Vörösmarty Square with Fashion Street.
7. Danube Promenade finishThe walk ends along the Danube Promenade, with the Little Princess among the final stops.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this walk.

• Getting to Buda. The crossing to Buda is by public transport, and the GuruWalk listing says a single ticket covers it. Have a ticket ready before the group moves off.
• Pace and duration. The walk lasts 2 hours 15 minutes and covers ground on both sides of the river. One reviewer noted the guide walked at a great pace and kept the group feeling welcome.
• Questions welcome. Several travellers said the guide answered all of their questions and gave useful advice for the rest of their stay. Bring your own questions about food, baths and shopping, since the guide shares local recommendations.
• Photo stops. The GuruWalk listing promises the best photo spots along the route. Keep your phone or camera reachable, as the stops at the Bastion, Parliament and the Danube Promenade are the obvious moments for pictures.
• Language. The walk runs in English. The guide is Hungarian and draws on personal anecdotes and everyday life in Hungary, as the GuruWalk listing describes.
• Paying the guide. Booking is free and guests pay the guide what they think the walk was worth at the end, per the GuruWalk listing. Decide what the walk was worth to you and settle up with the guide at the end.

Common issues. The walk depends on public transport for the river crossing, so a ticket is needed and it is not part of the walk. It covers both sides of the city in 2 hours 15 minutes. No food, drinks or entry fees are mentioned as included.

Questions Before Reserving A Tour