Discover the highlights of Buda a take a histroric travel back in time in the Memento park!
In the first part of the tour we visit the Memento Park located 10 kilometers from the city center. During the outbond trip we cross Liberty bridge and riding alongside Buda riverbank we pass by a few famous bulding such as the Great Market Hall, the Gellert Bath, The University of Technology buliding with the 56 revolution monument, The National Teather and the Palace of Arts. During the tour in the park we take you on an exciting travel back in time to the era of the communist dictatorship. We walk around the 42 original giant statues - among them Stalin's boots, Red Army soldiers, Marx, Engels, Lenin etc - once stood in the city during the communist era, tell you what was the life like behind the „Iron Curtain”, how the political secret service used to work, and about the 1956 revolution. You can also experience what it is like to sit in a Trabant the infamous East German car make. After this particular tour we return to the city center and explore the historic Buda Castle. View the iconic Matthias church and enjoy the spectacular view from the Fisherman Bastion. Take a short tour in the cobbled stone alleys, than take a short walk at the Royal Palace courtyard and enjoy the magnificent view from the terrace. We will also view the „White House” the official residence of the Hungarian President and if you are lucky you may even a see the changing of the guards here. At last we drive to top of the Gellert Hill and take a final stop to view the Citadel, the Liberty Statue and to enjoy the breathtaking view of Budapest.
Stories
Why have only the boots of Stalin left?
How did a water polo game turn into a freedom fight?
Why did common Hungarians have 2 passports?
Why did you have to wait years for a car ?
What made a pair of blue jeans cost a month salary?
Why pig killing used to be done during the night?
What was the first american product to you could by in Hungary after the WWII?
Why banana was only eaten during Christmas?
Get to know all this and listen to more stories on this tour
Tour highlights
• 4 hour live guided tour with great photo stops
• Gellert Hill with the Citadel and the Liberty statue with the fabuolus view of Budapest
• Buda Castle with the Matthias church, the Fisherman Bastion with the magnificent view of the city
• A guided tour at Memento statue park (admission HUF 1500 /EUR 5 not included)
Tour Specs
Tour duration: 4 hours
Driving distance: 40 km
Difficulty level: advanced
Tour type: private tour
Schedule
APR-OCT 10 AM
Check-in 15 min prior to departure time
Meeting Point
Budapest Scooter Tour 1053 Budapest Vámház korut 10 (the office is located inside at the house courtyard) Hotline: +36 309845100
Tour map
Great Market Hall
The spectacular Great Market Hall is a good source of Hungarian products. You can also make it a pit-stop for a quick bite of traditional Hungarian food when touring the city. Shop with the locals for sausages, meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables and pastries. Fancy bottles of Tokaji, a variety of paprika and handicrafts are also available.
Liberty bridge
Originally named after Emperor Franz Joseph today called Liberty Bridge (Szabadság híd) was built between 1894 and 1896. Opened in the year of the Millennium and was officially completed when Emperor Franz Joseph inserted the last silver rivet into its iron structure. The top of each of the bridge’s pillars is decorated with a 'Turul' bird, the mythical bird of Hungary.
The Whale (Bálna)
This recently opened cultural center was constructed from a row of old warehouses by the river Danube covered by a whale shape special glass roof . The building was recently used as a movie spot, it appears as the NASA HQ in the movie "The Martian".
University of Technology
The oldest university in Budapest established in 1782 . The eclectic style main building on the riverbank is one of the most remarkable buildings on the Buda side.
A38 boat music club
One of the most popular music and concert venue not only in Hungary but also in Europe.
National Theater
The modern building along with the next door Palace of Arts is the most renomed and newest cultural center of the city. An extravagant illumination makest even more attractive after dark.
Palace of Arts
The largest and one of the most renomed concert hall of Budapest. After dark it is beautifully illuminated along with the next door National Theater.
Kopaszi-gat (dike)
The popular dining spot and recreational area is located at the Lagymanyosi bay a small inlet of the river Danube overlooking the National Theater and the Palace of Arts.. At the bayside there are dozens of restaurants and cafes with outdoor terraces
Memento Park
Memento park is located in the outskirts of Budapest. It was established after the collapse of the communist regime in 1992. It displays 42 original giant statutes including Stalin's boots, Red Army soldiers, Marx, Engels, Lenin etc, once decorated the city during the communist era. On this particular place you will take and exciting travel back in time in the communist dictatorship and learn about the life behind the iron curtain, the 1956 revolution , how the political secret service used to work and you can also experience what it is like to sit in a Trabant the infamous East German car make...
Open every day from 10 am till dusk Admission: Adult 5 EUR/HUF 1.500 Student: EUR 3,50 /HUF 1.000
Castle Garden Bazaar
The Castle Garden Bazaar (Várkert Bazár) is a recently restored neo-Renaissance building on Buda riverfront built in 1883 according to the plans of one of Hungary's great architects Miklós Ybl.
Chain Bridge
The Chain Bridge was the first bridge to permanently connect Buda and Pest. At the time of its completion, Chain Bridge was considered to be one of the wonders of the world. Chief engineer Adam Clark completed the span in 1849. Crossing the bridge is just a short walk and no matter which direction you go, the view is beautiful.
Buda Castle
This World Heritage Site is the oldest neighbourhood of the city. It's unique atmosphere with beautiful ancient buidings such as the Mathias Church, The Fishermen's Bastion, The Royal Palceis, silent courtyards, twisted, narrow cobblestone streets and superb views make it the most important architectual heritage and a top destination of Budapest.
Matthias Church
The 700-year-old Matthias Church was the scene of several coronations, including that of Charles IV in 1916, the last Habsburg king. It was also the site for the great Hungarian King Matthias' two weddings, hence its name. The eastern gate of the church was built in the 13th century. Today, Matthias Church remains one of the city's most prominent buildings.
Fisherman Bastion
The Fisherman Bastion is one of the most fascinating sights on Castle Hill. Although fishermen from Watertown (Víziváros) reputedly defended this part of the city during the Middle Ages, Fishermen’s Bastion was built in the 1890s and it’s purely decorative. Today, it's a favorite lookout.
St. Mary Magdalena Tower
The tower was part of the 13 century gothic church. During Turkish occupation this church was only allowed to use for the Christians and was shared by Catholics and Protestants. Tower top lookout open Tue-Sun 10 am-6 pm. Admission HUF 800
The Royal Palace
The first royal residence on Castle Hill was built in the 13th century, after the Mongolian invasion. Construction continued in the 15th century, following the marriage of King Matthias Corvinus and Beatrix of Naples in 1476. Many Italian artists and craftsmen accompanied the new queen, bringing the Renaissance style to Buda. The palace was completely destroyed when liberating Buda from the Turks. In the 18th century, a Baroque palace was built, which is identical with the core structure of the present-day palace. During the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the palace gave home to lavish ceremonies symbolizing peace between the dynasty and the nation.
Gellért Hill
Gellert Hill (Gellért-hegy) offers some of the best panoramic views of Budapest. The hill was named after bishop Gellért (Gerald), who was thrown to death from the hill by pagans in the fight against Christianity in 1046.
Citadel
At the top of the hill is the Citadel (Citadella), a fortress built by the Habsburgs after defeating Hungary's War of Independence in 1849. It was a prime, strategic site for shelling both Buda and Pest in the event of a future rebellion.
Liberty statue
Statue of Liberty (Szabadság Szobor) - Budapest's Statue of Liberty stands on top of the hill, and she can be seen from all parts of the city. The statue was erected in 1947 during the Communist era. As Liberty had already become a symbol of the city, she was not removed unlike other Communist icons, such as the Red Army soldier who used to stand at her feet, allowing us to see her in her original surroundings.
Elisabeth bridge
Probably the most elegant bridge in Budapest was named in honor of Queen Elisabeth, wife of Emperor Franz Joseph. The original suspension bridge was built at the end of the 19th century, but the damage sustained in World War II left the bridge beyond repair. Using the old pillars, a new bridge was built in the 1960s.
The Hungarian National Museum
The Hungarian National Museum (Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum) is the oldest public museum in Hungary. The museum's present building was built between 1837 and 1847, and it stands as a great example of Neo-Classicist architecture. Founded 200 years ago, the museum is dedicated to the history of Hungary and today it remains a symbol of Hungary's national identity. The permanent exhibition includes furniture, textiles, weapons, metalwork and ceramics. One of the most valuable items is the Coronation Mantle (the Crown Jewels are on display in Budapest's Parlament)
Budapest Scooter Tour
All our tours start and finnish at Budapest Scooter Tour office at 1053 Budapest Vámház korut 10. The office is inside the courtyard of the building.
What's included
50 cc scooter with safety helmet
Fuel
3-rd party liability insurrance
English speaking tour guide
Intercom radio with a headset
Services indicated in the tour programme
Exclusions
Meals, drinks , admission tickets are not included only if explicitly specified in the tour programme
Requirements
Valid Photo ID (EU citizens only) or passport (Non EU citizens)
Valid driver's licence
50cc: Car or Moped licence
125cc: Motorcycle licence EU A1 or international equivalent
50 cc scooters are only for 1 person, it is forbidden to carry a passenger
Liability
The tour participant drives the scooter at his/her own risk. The driver is liable for damages caused to the scooter at his/her fault up to maxiumum HUF 150.000/ EUR 500. Damage is calculated according to the price list available at the office.