Budapest Highlights and a Journey through WWII and Communist Eras

4 Day Tour of Budapest

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Trip Map
Itinerary
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Shoes on the Danube Holocaust Memorial in Budapest

4 Days 3 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

WWII History & Communist Era

Cultural Exploration

A 4-day trip to Budapest uncovers the threads of WWII and Communism that are intricately woven into the rich tapestry of attractions in the city. This is more than a trip; it's an emotional dive into a past that has shaped the present. Your experience is enriched with not one, but two private tours led by knowledgeable locals, including a tour focused on the city's WWII and Communist history. As you wander through the historic Jewish Quarter and the majestic Castle District, each step is a walk through time, revealing stories of resilience and rebirth.

Discover the haunting past of WWII and Communism at the House of Terror Museum
Stroll across the rebuilt Chain Bridge, a symbol of the city's rebirth after WWII destruction
Explore the Castle District, where history comes alive amidst ancient walls and panoramic city views
Discover Budapest's Jewish heritage, a journey of memory and hope, in the evocative Jewish Quarter
Stand in reflection at Holocaust memorials such as the Shoes on the Danube.

Discover the haunting past of WWII and Communism at the House of Terror Museum
Stroll across the rebuilt Chain Bridge, a symbol of the city's rebirth after WWII destruction
Explore the Castle District, where history comes alive amidst ancient walls and panoramic city views
Discover Budapest's Jewish heritage, a journey of memory and hope, in the evocative Jewish Quarter
Stand in reflection at Holocaust memorials such as the Shoes on the Danube.

Hungarian Parliament

Architecture

Chain Bridge

Architecture

St Stephens Basilica

Churches & Monasteries

National Museum

Museums & Galleries

Central Market

Street Markets

Castle Hill

Castles & Chateaux

Must see sights

Hungarian Parliament

Architecture

Chain Bridge

Architecture

St Stephens Basilica

Churches & Monasteries

National Museum

Museums & Galleries

Central Market

Street Markets

Castle Hill

Castles & Chateaux

Starting from

$897

per person

4.8 (365 reviews)

Not included

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Trip Map & Itinerary

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Budapest

Day 1

Arrive Budapest

To Be Determined

Private Transfer from the Budapest Airport

We will schedule a pick up for 30 minutes after your flight's arrival time. You will be met in the terminal by a driver holding a sign with your name on it. The ride is for your party only - you will not be sharing a vehicle. The cost of the ride is included in your package, and you will not have to pay the driver. IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Day 1

Arrive Budapest

To Be Determined:

Private Budapest Airport Pickup

Mid-Day/Afternoon:

Jewish Quarter

Late Afternoon/Early Evening:

Central Pest

Day 1

Arrive Budapest

Day 1

Arrive Budapest

To Be Determined

Private Transfer from the Budapest Airport

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Visiting the Jewish Quarter

Budapest was once the site of one of Europe's largest and most vibrant Jewish communities and contains the world's second largest synagogue – the Dohány Street Synagogue. A visit there is an impressive reminder of the wealth and influence the Jewish community in Hungary once possessed. A small but vibrant Jewish population still inhabits the Jewish Quarter today.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Exploring Central Pest

In Central Pest you will discover the beating heart of the city, with grand apartment houses and art nouveau architectural gems. No visit to Budapest is complete without seeing its highlights, including St. Stephen's Basilica, which dramatically rises above the city, and the Chain Bridge, which regally spans the Danube.

Day 2

Budapest

Day 2

Budapest

Day 2

Budapest

Day 2

Budapest

9:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Best of Budapest: Half-Day Walking Tour of Highlights & Hidden Finds

During your tour you will take in a gorgeous vista of the city from the Fisherman's Bastion, explore the winding streets of the Castle District, gaze in awe at the striking interior of St. Stephen's Basilica, travel along the city's most elegant avenue and more. Along the way you will experience the city as a local does, stopping to check out intimate courtyards, enjoying a pastry and soaking in the ambiance of Budapest's most elegant cafes.

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon

Budapest Castle and the Castle Hill

The historic Renaissance and Baroque architecture of Buda's hilltop Castle District make it feel like a quaint step back in time. Indeed, in the little squares and narrow lanes of the Castle District, you will find the heart of historic Hungary. Numerous points in the Castle District also provide breathtaking views over the Danube and the Pest side of the city.

Early Evening/Evening

Gellért Hill, and the Gellért and Rudas Baths

You can enjoy the best view in Budapest from the peak of Gellért Hill. Just beneath it you will find two of the city's most famous baths. The Secession-style Gellért baths, with an elegant collonaded main pool and incredible tile-work, and the 500-year-old Rudas Baths, which were built by the Turks when they ruled Hungary.

Day 3

Budapest

Day 3

Budapest

Day 3

Budapest

Day 3

Budapest

9:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Turmoil and Terror: Budapest during World War II and Communism

On this tour, your guide will uncover the history hidden by the passage of time and progress. You will hear the stories of war and repression, and learn how the past still affects the present day reality. You will also discover how people lived their daily lives under Communist rule from a first-hand perspective. The tour concludes with a visit to the superb Terror Museum.

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon

Andrássy Avenue & the State Opera House

The wide, tree-lined Andrássy Avenue is Budapest's most prominent street, and is lined by imposing neo-Renaissance palaces and buildings. It is home to the breathtakingly beautiful State Opera House, making it the musical heart of Hungary. You will also find the superb House of Terror museum, which focuses on the horrors inflicted by 20th century totalitarian regimes.

Late Afternoon to Evening

Szechenyi Baths, Vajdahunyad Castle, Zoo, and Heroes' Square

The Széchenyi Baths are the largest and the most popular of all the city's baths. With eighteen indoor and outdoor pools and impressive neo-Baroque architecture, the baths make for an unforgettable visit. Nearby, you will find the fascinating Vajdahunyad Castle, a delightful zoo, and the monumental Heroes’ Square, which tells a 1,000-year old tale of Hungarian history.

Day 4

Depart Budapest

Day 4

Depart Budapest

Day 4

Depart Budapest

Day 4

Depart Budapest

Early Morning/Morning

Váci street and the Central Market

The Central Market Hall is a mezzanine shopping arcade first opened in 1897. Today the Central Market teems with activity like small shops and stands offer a remarkable assortment of goods, including fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses, fish, flowers, and Hungarian specialties. There are also many souvenirs available on the second floor of the market.

To Be Determined

Transfer to Airport by Taxi

Budapest has one main airport, Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, where almost all visitors depart. Your hotel can arrange a reliable taxi (there is no Uber in Budapest). You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about two hours and forty-five minutes before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with about two hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen to thirty minutes.

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Budapest Highlights and a Journey through WWII and Communist Eras

4 Day Tour of Budapest

$897

Secure Your Customizable Trip Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.

Trip Map & Itinerary

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Private Transfer from the Budapest Airport

Secure Your Customizable Trip
Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary
Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.