Budapest 20th Century Historical Walking Tour

5.0 (one review) 3 hours Free cancellation Private tour

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Exhibition next to the Hungarian Parliament — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Jewish Quarter of Budapest — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

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At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English
Operated by: mybudapeswalks

Ages: Adults (15–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Pick-up from centrally located accommodation
Included: Licensed English speaking guide
Included: Tea and coffee: Coffee and/or Tea

Not included

Not included: Drop-off

Itinerary

District V / Inner City

10 min

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.
Budapest's Jewish Quarter

30 min

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
Great / Central Synagogue (Nagy Zsinagoga)

10 min Admission not included

While the guide provides the historical background, you can admire the world's second-largest synagogue, the Heroes' Temple behind it, and the memorial park. Outside visit only.
Rumbach Street Synagogue

Passing by

Enjoy a quick photo stop and learn about the beautiful synagogue, a hidden gem in the heart of the Jewish District.
Kiraly Street

10 min

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.
Hungarian State Opera House - Magyar Allami Operahaz

10 min

Here you can learn about how politics affected the country's cultural life, how the Opera's singers and musicians lived through WWII, and later its role during communist times. When open, visitors can peek into the entrance hall but no interior visit is included.
Szent Istvan Bazilika

10 min Admission 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.
The Glass House

10 min Admission not included

In 1944, Swiss diplomat Carl Lutz saved thousands of Jewish lives. Travelers will learn about his extraordinary story.
Szabadsag ter

30 min

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.
Budapest Parliament

20 min Admission 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.
Shoes on the Danube Bank

10 min

60 pairs of iron shoes commemorate the tragic events of winter 1944–1945
District V / Inner City

20 min

Enjoy a coffee break during or at the end of the tour.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

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.