Sightseeing
The following special sightseeing programs are offered during your stay in Hungary.
If you are interested in any of them, do not hesitate to book it now. Please, send an email to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) with the type of the program and the date when you wish to do sightseeing.
HOP ON HOP OFF SIGHTSEEING TOUR
HUF 4500.- Special price for Triathlon participants HUF 3500.-
Budapest has a well deserved reputation for being one of the most stunning cities of Europe. Its unique atmosphere and charme created by the river Danube, the surrounding hills, and the magnificent architecture will surely enchant you. Take a full advantage of our tour guides/staff and hostess and ask questions of whatever may interest you, concerning the history, the nature, or generally the way and art of life in Hungary.
Select from a choice of 16 languages on our double decker and glass buses. The full tour is 2 hours long; you may hop on and hop off the bus for a full 24-hour period, which starts at your first departure.
With 16 stops, all nearby places of interest for visitors, a 24-hour Original Hop on - Hop off tour ticket now combined with Hop on Hop off Cruise is all you'll ever need for great Budapest sightseeing.
Available languages on the Bus
English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Greek, Finnish, Swedish, Dutch, Russian, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Hebrew and Hungarian.
Available languages on the Boat
English, German
Children 0-6 years old gratis.
Timetable / Hop on Hop off Boat
Departure: Budapest, Vigadó square, Pier No 11.
JEWISH BUDAPEST
HUF 6.500,- Special price for Triathlon participants HUF 5400.-
Jewish Budapest - we visit the Dohány Street Synagouge, the second largest synagoge of the world, the Jewish Museum (interior visits), the Jewish Cemetery, the Holocaust Memorial and the surroundings of the Synagoge. The tour ends at the orthodox centre, there is possibility for a lunch in a kosher restaurant and visit of the orthodox temple.
No tour during holidays and on special occasions.
Duration 3 hours, from 10:00
Dates: 8, 10, 12 September 2010
SZENTENDRE TOUR
HUF 11.000,- Special price for Triathlon participants HUF 9900.-
Szentendre – Artists’ village – We take you to the picturesque village Szentendre– we visit the magnificent „Caprice” Hungarian Jewellery Museum – Multimedia Presentation – coffee at the Marzipanmuseum – after a walk through the baroque centre of the town – we return by boat to Budapest on the Danube – the tour ends at the Pier/City–Centre.
Duration 4,5 hours , from 14:00
Dates: 8,9,10,11,12. September 2010
In case of low water and during winter time return to Budapest by bus.
ROYAL TOUR
HUF 11.000,- Special price for Triathlon participants HUF 9900.-
Excursion to Gödöllô - Visit to the former Summer-Residence of Queen Elisabeth (Sissi) in Gödöllô (the second largest Baroque castle of the world) interior visit - coffee & cake at the Palace Café. Return to Budapest - Tour ends at the city centre at the Hotel InterContinental.
Duration 4 hours, from 09:00
Dates: 8,9,10,11,12. September 2010
PUSZTA TOUR
HUF 17.000,- Special price for Triathlon participants HUF 15500.-
Spend an unforgettable day in the Puszta - we drive to Kecskemét, (guided walk) and further on to Lajosmizse, where you are welcomed with a traditional Hungarian
Drink after the great perfromance of the famous horsemen and a carriage ride through the Puszta - a typical Hungarian meal (3-course menu with wine) is served in the „csárda” accompaniment of gipsy music. The tour ends in Budapest at your hotel.
Duration 8 hours, from 09:00
Dates: 8,9,12. September 2010
DANUBE BEND TOUR
HUF 16.000,- Special price for Triathlon participants HUF 14500.-
The Danube Bend – an excursion into Hungary’s history – we take you to Esztergom, (Center of the Catholic Church) - interior visit of the Cathedral and to Visegrád the former Royal Residence – Lunch (3-course menu) - we carry on to
Szentendre (guided walk) – we visit the magnificent „Caprice” Hungarian Jewellery Museum – coffee - return to Budapest on the Danube by boat – the tour ends at the Pier/City Centre.
Duration 9 hours, from 09:00
Dates: 8,9,10,11,12. September 2010
In case of low water and during winter time return to Budapest by bus.
HEREND, LAKE BALATON TOUR
HUF 17.000,- Special price for Triathlon participants HUF 15500.-
Herend, world-famous town of Porcelain - after a guided tour through the world's largest porcelain manufactory (founded in 1826), coffee at the „Porcelanium” - possibility for shopping - afterwards we drive to the Tihany Peninsula,
the famous nature reserve (interior visit of the Abbey, founded in 1051) - then lunch in a traditional Csárda (3-course menu with wine) - drive to the oldest spa, Balatonfüred (Promenade) - return to Budapest - tour ends at your hotel.
Duration 9 hours, from 09:00
Dates: 11. September 2010
More Sightseeing Recommendations from the Local Organizing Committee - Budapest
NATIONAL MUSEUM
Outside of this stunning neoclassical building of Mihaly Pollack, tens of thousands greeted the 12 Points (the petition of the revolution containing its 12 main tenets), and poet Sandor Petofi's recital of the national Song with a thunderous ovation on March 15th, 1848. The demonstrating crowed later headed to Buda where the imperial governor reluctantly accepted their demands, including Hungary's autonomy without bloodshed. But why not step inside the museum, devoted to the rich and diverse history of the magyars and learn more about the doomed revolution, the Habsburgs' requital and path to the reconciliation of 1867? The museum spreads out over four floors, providing so much information you may end up feeling dizzy.
BATTHÁNY ETERNAL FLAME
Count Lajos Batthyany was the prime minister of the first responsible Hungarian government. Sentenced to death by the ausztrian authorities for high treason after the ill-fated revolution ending with the Hungarians being crushed by the overwhelming Russian-Austrian army, he was executed by firing squad on October 6th, 1949. A decision was reached to erect the memorial at the very spot of his execution (between the Parliament and Szabadság tér) in 1905, yet construction was delayed by Great War. In 1926, Moricz Pogany could finally design the 180 cm tall bronze stand which holds a crimson glass-inside it burns the eternal flame, flickering in memory of the martyr. Franz Liszt dedicated his piano work Funeralles, subtitled October 1849 to, among others, Batthyany.
CITADEL
It might be hard to believe that one of the city's most touristy places, the massive white-stoned fortress sitting on the top of Gellert Hill near the Statue of Liberty, was once a loathed symbol of oppression. Built by the Habsburg dynasty after the revolution of 1848-1949, the building's original function was to allow the Western neighbors to keep an eye on the naughty Hungarians below and prevent a future uprising. While there, visit the underground World War II bunker with lifelike waxworks and moving photo exhibition showing the great destruction Budapest suffered during the world wars, or if you want a more uplifting experience, just sit back and relax in the cafe and enjoy the fantastic view of Budapest.
PILVAX COFFEE HOUSE
This is where it all started. Named after its owner in the 1840s, Karoly Pilvax, the coffee house near to Vaci street became a favorite hangout for progressive, radical, mainly young intellectuals, such as poets Sandor Petofi and Mihaly Tompa, as well as novelist Mor Jokai, in the years preceding the revolution. This is the very spot where the Hungarian demands were worded and the 12 points was born. Tradition also has it that Sandor Petofi recited his national song herefor the first time on March 15th. The place is still functions as coffee bar and restaurant with an inimitable atmosphere, where you can get a teaspoon of history with your coffee.
STATUE OF LAJOS KOSSUTH
One of the many monuments of Kossuth tér, this imposing statue in the shadow of the Parliament building pays tribute to the indefatigable champion of liberty, Lajos Kossuth, who was the regent-president of Hungary during the freedom fight. The statue that can be seen today is actually the second version – the first one was erected in 1927 but had to be removed in 1950, as the Stalinist dictator, Mátyás Rákosi considered it too pessimistic and remote from the Communist world view. Therefore, today, a five-meter-tall Kossuth can be seen towering above six other figures (there is, of course, a peasant woman and an armed worker among them) on the pedestal with him being portrayed as a great orator pointing towards a brighter future.
Sculpture of Sandor Petofi
Not only was Sándor Petőfi one of the greatest Hungarian poets, whose works have been translated into countless languages, but being the author of the National Song and co-author of the 12 Points, he was also a key figure in the 1848-1849 revolution, whose short life is still an exemplar of valor, progressiveness and patriotism. His death is still shrouded in mystery; it’s most likely that he was killed in 1849 in the battle of Segesvár at the age of 26, although some think that he was captured and taken to Siberia by the Russians. His sculpture, located near the Pest end of the Elizabeth Bridge, stands on a tall grey granite pedestal, was erected back in 1882 and portrays the legendary poet during his recitation of the National Song.
MUSEUM AND INSTITUTION OF MILITARY HISTORY
Much of Hungary’s history stems from its wars and revolutions, making the military a significant institution. With this in mind, the Museum and Institution of Military History was formed in a former barrack in the castle district and is now a working research institute as well as a museum; a place certainly worth a visit for those wanting to learn more about Hungary’s past. Here you can see uniforms and regalia, tracing the military history of Hungary from the original Magyar conquest back in the 9th century. Outside the museum, along the castle wall, you can find old cannons and artillery that can be viewed up close. Entry to the museum is free but there is a small fee for those who want to take pictures or would like a tour in English, German or Hungarian.
FISHERMAN’S BASTION
Although the bastion itself is a wonderfully elegant lookout point with its seven towers, its immense beauty and a less fortunate name (nothing’s fishy there, we promise), now turn your eyes a little downwards to the right of Budapest’s signature spot. You’ll find a few benches tucked away in the hillside, a great place to stare down at the Danube and the buzzing crowd of the capital during the day as well as the myriads of its twinkling lights after dark has fallen. It’s not only a spot for romance-thirsty souls, though, as there are two or three benches right next to each other, so you can plan a nice outdoor day in the Castle District with your friends or family, stopping for lunch at this very spot. Don’t forget to clean up after yourselves; let’s try to enjoy our beloved town szemét (“rubbish”)-free.
KÁROLYI GARDEN
This hidden green oasis, bang in the city center, once belonged to the well-heeled, aristocratic Károlyi family. The most famous Károlyi, Mihály, became PM in the fall of 1918, as well as the first president of the independent Magyar republic in January 1919. Right next to the lush garden is Károlyi’s classicist palace for you to admire, now home to the Petőfi Literature Museum and the Contemporary Literature Center. The pretty green spot with flowerbeds, shady trees and a little playground, enclosed by a high, ornate fence, is a perfect place to unwind on a blanket munching on some sandwiches and sipping juice (not wine, as alcohol is forbidden inside) while watching the world go by. During the sunny months it’s open between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
VÁROSMAJOR
Városmajor, the ‘Major’ (mah-yohr) as locals affectionately call it, is a 100,000 m2 public park stretching from Rózsadomb to Kis-Sváb-hegy. The Council of Buda bought the green oasis from a count in 1729 for only 3,000 HUF (less than ten BKV tickets today…), however, it was not until 1785 that Habsburg emperor Joseph II instructed architect József Tallherr and botanist Antal Kock to redesign the area as a public park along the lines of contemporary French garden designs. Today, it features the Heart of Jesus church designed by Aladár Árkay, the statue of the architect himself as well as one of Austrian composer-genius Beethoven and, wait for it, a memorial to Tom Thumb (Hüvelyk Matyi). Home to ideal picnic nooks and festivals during the sunny season at the Városmajor Open-Air Stage.
DANUBE BANK AT CHAIN BRIDGE
There’s a little secret spot right next to Budapest stunning signature sight, the Chain Bridge. The bridge was opened in 1849 as the first permanent bridge across the Danube. It’s named after István Széchenyi, a politician, theorist and writer from the 19th century, who is often referred to as ‘the greatest Hungarian’. At the time of its construction, the bridge counted as a wonder of the world owing to its size and beautifully adorned structure. On the Pest side, right next to the bridge, there’s a small pier (expect one of a bigger blanket’s size) where you can settle down for a picnic with some sight-seeing. The wonderful view – with the Gellért Hill, the Castle and the breathtaking Buda bank – will deffo add a special flavor to your snacks. If the pier’s taken, you can still sun-soak on the benches nearby.
More Sightseeing Recommendations from the Local Organizing Committee – Outside of Budapest
STEAMING SÁRVÁR
Try the top-quality, steaming spa at Sárvár, with 5 pools plus a baby splash pool open year around. Then step into sauna World, a sanctuary of silence in the spa.
www.sarvarfurdo.hu
IMMERSE IN IGAL
Choose a warm weekend to enjoy woodsy Igal, with two healing indoor pools and lots of more outdoors, including a slide.
www.igal.hu
HARKÁNY HAVEN
Pair a hot holiday in the heling haven of Harkány with a pop overto pécs, which is just down the road. Harkány's sulfurus waters will whisk you to wellness.
www.harkanyfurdo.hu
BALATON
Hop on a horse. Hungarians have a horsey heritage, so enjoy an equestrian extravegenza at stables all around the lake. Saddle up for a ride! www.gyereabalatonra.hu
Spring on a bike. The 200 km of bike paths at Balaton will take you past elegant villas, cute peasant homes and vine-yards, with the lake as your companion. http://www.gyereabalatonra.hu
Whizz down the 800 m metal track at Balatonfűzfő. Or clib and shoot bows and arrows at the neighboring Sherpa Adventure Park. www.balatonibob.hu
.jpg)
VISEGRÁD
Head up to Visegrád and hike up the hill to the medieval castle with spectacular Danube wiev. Then come down on a bobsled or a high-wire slide. http://www.visegrad.hu
