One of the nicest ways to enjoy Budapest is by bike – and there is a tour for everyone. Here are three of the best Budapest bike tours.
(Photo: getyourguide.com)
Budapest, like many cities, is best seen by bike. The Hungarian capital is full of secret spots, rundown ruin pubs and hidden alleyways, so getting around on two wheels makes a lot of sense. The city, created in 1873 from a merger of the three neighboring cities of Pest, Buda and Óbuda, is also full of history and if it’s just a weekend visit a bike means you can see most landmarks. There are also some good bike lanes, scenic paths and historic routes to check out too – plus some hills if you like a challenge. Rather than just hitting the streets, mobile phone balancing on the handlebars, it makes sense to join an organised bike tour, with everything included. Here are three of the best Budapest bike tours:
Guided City Discovery Bike Tour
This top-rated and much-loved bike tour is a great way to get to know Budapest. All the safety gear and a decent bike is included and then it’s off to explore the city, learning about its culture, history and stories from a well-informed guide as you pedal. It’s a half-day tour so takes in all the main sights, starting with Szabadsag Tér (Liberty Square) with its huge monument remembering the Soviet Army. It continues along Andrassy Street, a boulevard packed full of historic, beautiful buildings and exclusive shops of Pest, and on to Hôsök Tere or Heroes Square. It ends with a visit to Basilika, with its small winding streets full of the atmosphere of old Budapest, plus plenty of stops inbetween. It’s a fun, cheap and cheery way to see this glorious city. From €31.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Guided Downtown Electric Bike Tour
(Photo: getyourguide.com)
For something a bit easier on the legs, this electric bike tour is just the ticket. It’s 3.5 hours long but thanks to the power of electric assistance you fit a lot of sights in. One of them is Castle Hill, which can be tricky on normal bikes, and the tour also passes Andrássy Avenue, the Hungarian State Opera House, the House of Terror, Heroes’ Square, Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion before returning to the Danube Bank and seeing the historical Rudas Bath. There’s also a lot more on the way. It’s a top-rated tour and really professionally run, plus uses wooden e-bikes for extra eco kudos. From €44.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Wheels & Meals Budapest Bike Tour with a Hungarian Goulash
We all know that cycling can be thirsty and hungry work so this tour has the good sense to combine pedalling with lunch. A local guide takes you to Budapest’s top attractions, such as the historic Chain Bridge, St. Stephen’s Basilica, the UNESCO-listed Buda Castle District and more, before stopping off for a hearty helping of Hungarian goulash stew for lunch. The group is small, limited to just 12 people, and it’s a great mix of learning about the culture and history of Budapest as well as sampling some of its gastronomic delights. From €38.00.
Book at Viator.com