Budapest City Tours are essential for the green traveller who is keen to see how this once Roman city has progressed into the eco-friendly heart of Eastern Europe.
Once known as Aquincum, Budapest was founded in 1873 and is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Resting on the banks of the Danube this striking city covers over 500 square km and is the countries primary city for all things cultural, commercial and industrial.
With numerous things to do including tours of its many world heritage sites, museums, geothermic springs and boat trips down the Danube you may want to plan your trip so that you can experience as many of this stunning cities wonderful qualities as possible.
Things to do in Budapest for the Eco-tourist
There are a number of different tours you can take in Budapest with one of the most interesting being that of the Urban Adventures Budapest Explorer. Your English speaking guide will take you on a journey through the local markets, through the city parks and along the waterfront, while soaking up the atmosphere that is the real Budapest. There’ll even be an opportunity to take a stroll through the area where renowned musician Franz Liszt grew up while admiring the city’s array of stunning architecture.
For those who love site seeing then a trip to Heroes square won’t disappoint. The centre point of the square is the Millennial Monument which was built for the 1000th birthday of Hungry. The monument is over 100ft tall and has the Archangel Gabriel on top. Alongside the monument are two museums, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hall of Arts. Both museums cost around ?3-4 and each has something different to offer whether it be local or international artists. If after exploring the museums in Heroes Square you yearn for a bit more of Hungary’s history then take a walk down Andrassy Avenue to the House of Terror. This unique museum explains how the Hungarians survived the Nazi and Communist regimes and is a must for anyone interested in Hungary’s history.
The Sz?chenyi Medicinal Bath – Budapest is known for its baths and there are none finer than the bath in Sz?chenyi. The largest medicinal bath in Europe, it offers visitors the opportunity to relax in the water and admire the stunning architecture that surrounds the baths while at the same time enjoying the thermal spring’s regenerative ingredients.
No trip to Budapest would be complete without a excursion down the Danube so why not take a trip on the Budapest Danube Cruise. This cruise has everything from a lunch and evening menu to music and dancing, while at the same time allowing you to take in the beautiful sites that are strewn along the banks of the Danube. There is even the opportunity to take in a walking tour at the mid-point and while the boat itself only stops for 5 minutes, you can use your ticket to catch the following cruise back an hour later.
While on land what better way for the Eco tourist to explore the sites than by bike so why not try out BudaBike Tours . Whether you be the type of person that enjoys a guided tour from someone with the knowledge of the city or if you are the kind who would just like to go and explore there is something for you. BudaBike Tours offers bicycle hire from as little as EUR5 for an hour to EUR20 if you are looking to keep the bike for a couple of days. The guided tours are usually around EUR20 and last for about two hours.
For those looking to sample the Hungarian culinary delights why not try the Great Market Hall, located close to K?lvin square in the 9th district. The largest market in Budapest offers a variety of interests for tourists ranging from Hungarian delicatessen tours to numerous souvenir stalls. The building itself is an excellent example of Hungarian architecture and it’s three floors are sure to keep you enthralled for hours. For a taste of traditional Hungarian cuisine why not try out the Brumi Food Bar which is located on the upper level.
Places to stay in Budapest for the Eco-tourist
The Karoly Central Hotel is an ideal base for any eco-tourist visiting Budapest. Located close to the Hungarian National Museum, St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Dohany Synagogue its location is ideal for those looking for a central base at a reasonable price. Rooms start at EUR28 per night and the English speak staff ensure a warm welcome. The hotel itself has excellent eco-friendly credentials with eco-friendly lighting , a great recycling ethos and even green room info packs in the bedrooms for all visitors.
Budapest is a lively city full of wonderful architecture and its setting on the bank of the Danube makes it a superb location for a holiday. There are many local markets to explore, a wide variety of walking, cycle and boat tours as well as a diverse cuisine. If the above doesn’t fill your entire break you may also want to take time to enjoy the Jewish district with the Jewish Central Synagogue in Donahy Street and the Jewish museum.
Photo credit – f.gergo83