Queen of the Danube walking tour of Budapest, Hungary
Places: 31 POIsDistance: 3.97 miDuration: 2h:21m
Tour #1795
About this English self-guided 2h:21m walking tour in Budapest
Hello and welcome to this UCPlaces Tour of The Queen of The Danube! You’ve made it to the enchanting city of Budapest, where history and modernity intertwine along the scenic banks of the legendary river. As we embark on this walking tour, you'll discover why Budapest is often hailed as the "Queen of the Danube."
The city of Budapest is divided into two main parts: Buda and Pest, which are separated by the Danube River. This division reflects the historical, geographical, and cultural differences between the two areas, which were officially united in 1873. Pest, where we are now, is flat and has developed into the commercial and administrative heart of Budapest. It was also a separate town before the unification, and has a vibrant cultural and social scene. Pest is flatter and more densely built-up, housing most of the city's commercial activities and government buildings.
The western side of the Danube River, Buda, is characterized by its hills and historical landmarks, such as Buda Castle. It was historically a separate town and has always been seen as the more upscale and residential part of the city. Buda is known for its rolling hills and greener, more residential areas. We will explore this area later in the tour.
My name is Dave, and it’s my pleasure to show you around this stunning city in the heart of Europe. Today we will visit historically and culturally significant landmarks, to give you the best experience possible. From castles and cathedrals, to outdoor spa's and urban legends, you'll find it here.
We start here in Városliget, also known as City Park, the largest public park located in Budapest and one of the most popular recreational areas in the city. This is a good place to start as we are conveniently located near parking, if you drove, as well as public transportation stops.
Today’s tour is a moderate walk, so hopefully you’re wearing your most comfortable pair. Don’t worry, we will stop for refreshments, and show you the best spots to take a break and relax. Follow your navigation, and let's get started at our first destination on our tour.
How about we begin with a super relaxing visit to one of Hungary's largest and most popular thermal baths, here at Szécheny? Lets slip out of your civvies, hoik up those swimmers and – ahhhhhhhhhh! – marinate your weary, work-wrought bones in one of the city’s great mineral springs.
Built in 1913 in a Neo-Baroque style, making it one of the oldest thermal baths in Budapest. The complex was named after Count István Széchenyi, a prominent Hungarian statesman and key figure in the country's development during the 19th century. More on what a ‘Count’ is and what ‘Baroque style’ is, but for now, let's soak in the mineral rich waters and find out what health benefits we may enjoy.
The thermal waters that feed the Széchenyi Bath are supplied by two thermal springs with temperatures ranging from 74°C (165°F) to 77°C (171°F). These mineral-rich waters are believed to have healing properties and are particularly beneficial for various health conditions, including joint problems and circulatory disorders, respiratory illnesses and the narrowing of blood vessels.
The outdoor section of the Bath is stunning – a daffodil-yellow wraparound of neo-renaissance architecture, but it gets quite busy. Iconic "sparties" with DJs and a bar, take place here on most Saturday nights. In the colder months (late December-February), enjoy little beats relaxing in the warmth of the Széchenyi Baths as snow flutters all around you
Budapest lies on a geological fault line, where the Buda Hills collide with the Great Plain. This topographical fender-bender causes more than 100 thermal springs to jet skyward, releasing some 40,000m3 of warm, mineral-rich water each day.
The Széchenyi Bath is not just a place to soak in thermal waters but also a social hub where locals and tourists come to socialize, play chess, and relax in the sun. It's a great place to interact with people from various backgrounds. Attending the thermal baths has been part of the city's culture for centuries. The Eravisci tribe first chanced upon the springs calling the area Ak-ink (Abundant Water). But it wasn’t until the Romans marched in and built the regional capital of Aquincum here that the power of the waters was fully harnessed.
The layout of most of Budapest’s baths is similar: a series of indoor thermal pools where temperatures range from warm to hot, steam rooms, saunas, ice-cold plunge pools and rooms for massage. Some have outdoor pools with fountains, sprays and whirlpools, and pools for swimming laps.
Going to the thermal baths for some Hungarians is as arbitrary as meeting friends for coffee at the local shop or eating a bunch of caramels.
All done? Ok, let’s take a shower and get ready to head to our next point of interest on our tour.
What’s that stunning building ahead and to the right? It’s the Ják Chapel, a prominent feature of the Vajdahunyad Castle complex, and is a faithful replica of the Romanesque church of Ják, a village in western Hungary. The original church in Ják, known as the Church of St. George, was built in the early 13th century and is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Hungary. The church is characterized by its robust and austere design, with intricate stone carvings, a richly decorated portal, and a sturdy, fortress-like appearance.
The replica was created as part of the Vajdahunyad Castle complex for the 1896 Millennial Exhibition to showcase Hungary's architectural heritage. It was so well-received that it was later reconstructed in durable materials.
One of the most striking features is The Romanesque Portal, which is adorned with intricate carvings and figures, showcasing the artistry of medieval stonemasons. It features Biblical scenes and saints. The interior of the chapel is designed to reflect the simplicity and solemnity of Romanesque ecclesiastical architecture. It often includes features such as round arches, thick walls, and small windows that create a dimly lit, contemplative atmosphere.
Let’s go check out the castle and the main grounds.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Place 2Ják Chapel
Place 3Anonymous Statue
Place 4Vajdahunyad Castle
Place 5Outdoor Ice Rink
Place 6Heroe's Square
Place 7Museum of Fine Arts and Museum of Architecture
Place 8Andrássy Avenue
Place 9HOPP Museum
Place 10Kodaly Museum
Place 11World War I Memorial
Place 12Terror Haza Museum
Place 13Cuisine and Refreshment Break
Place 14Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház)
Place 15Shopping
Place 16St. Stephen's Basilica
Place 17Ruin Bars
Place 18Ferris Wheel
Place 19Vörösmarty Square
Place 20Danube Promenade
Place 21Buda Castle and Parliament
Place 22Storytime
Place 23Széchenyi Chain Bridge
Place 24Additional Structures on the Hill
Place 25Buda Castle Funicular
Place 26Sandor Palace
Place 27House of Houdini
Place 28Labyrinth of Count Dracula
Place 29Alley and The Hertl-Strobl House
Place 30Matthias Church
Place 31Fisherman's Bastion
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A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
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