Budapest 20th Century Historical Walking Tour

5.0 (1 reviews) Budapest, Hungary
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Duration3h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

While you will see the main attractions of downtown Budapest, this private tour focuses on their links to 20th-century history and the events that unfolded there.

You will start your walk in a lively city square, then move to the historic Jewish Quarter. You will tour the site of the Jewish ghetto, visit memorial locations, see synagogues, learn about life in Budapest before and during the war and see the quarter's current modern side.

At the end of WWII, Stalin “liberated” Hungary, so under Soviet occupation Hungary was compelled to build communism for 45 years. You’ll visit the last Soviet Memorial and a small exhibition at the Parliament, walk along the river passing the Shoes on the Danube Bank Memorial.

Communism ended in 1989, and Hungary transitioned to capitalism. You'll discuss this journey with your guide as the tour concludes in a coffee shop in downtown Pest. The tour is enriched with archived photos, personal and family memories, and a touch of sarcasm.

What's included

  • Pick-up from centrally located accommodation
  • Licensed English speaking guide
  • Coffee and/or Tea
  • Drop-off

What to expect

  1. District V / Inner City
    10m
    The walk begins in downtown, near Astoria. As you stroll through a small downtown garden, you can discuss Hungary and Budapest's history up to the 20th century with the guide and see the medieval city wall.
  2. Budapest's Jewish Quarter
    30m
    The Jewish Quarter was once a bustling commercial center. By walking through the district's narrow streets and squares, visiting courtyards, you can learn about the political changes that have occurred before WWII
  3. Great / Central Synagogue (Nagy Zsinagoga)
    10m · Admission ticket not included
    You can admire Europe's largest synagogue while the guide provides the historical background of the synagogue and the memorial park. Outside visit only.
  4. Rumbach Street Synagogue
    Pass by
    Enjoy a quick photo stop and learn about the beautiful synagogue, a hidden gem in the heart of the Jewish District.
  5. Kiraly Street
    10m
    Formerly the busiest main street of downtown Pest, you will walk these streets and learn about the life of the Jewish community in the early 1900s.
  6. Szent Istvan Bazilika
    10m · Admission ticket not included
    Travelers will learn how churches responded during WWII and the Holocaust, and how they operated under communist rule—including the compromises they had to make.
  7. The Glass House
    10m · Admission ticket not included
    In 1944, Swiss diplomat Carl Lutz saved thousands of Jewish lives. Travelers will learn about his extraordinary story.
  8. Szabadsag ter
    30m
    Liberty Square is rich with 20th-century history. Visitors will learn about the Soviet War Memorial, the 1945 siege of Budapest, and the fate of statues and memorials that once glorified the "liberating" Red Army and communist leaders.
  9. Budapest Parliament
    20m · Admission ticket not included
    The magnificent Parliament building holds many hidden stories, and visitors can learn about the square's significance in the 1956 revolution. The square features a small exhibition commemorating these events.
  10. Shoes on the Danube Bank
    10m
    60 pairs of iron shoes commemorate the tragic events of winter 1944–1945
  11. District V / Inner City
    20m
    Enjoy a coffee break during or at the end of the tour.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet Eszter, the tour guide, in front of Danubius Hotel Astoria at the arcades. If you would like a pick-up, please provide your centrally located accommodation details 24 hours before the tour.

End point

The tour will conclude near the Chain Bridge on Pest side, in the heart of the town.

Pickup details

Meet your guide, Eszter at the reception of your hotel or in case of a private accommodation, in front of the house.

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Not recommended to children under age of 14

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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