Looking back at 2018

With over 250 tours I delivered last year I can’t tell how fortunate I am to show my travellers around the city and the country I love the most. This is my home, my birthplace and I’m looking forward to introducing it to even more people in 2019!

I’ve just had a look at which my most popular tours were last year:

  • “THE GRAND BUDAPEST” WALK: a great introduction of Budapest to first time visitors or travellers who only have one day to see the main highlights and some of the hidden gems.
  • BUDAPEST FOODIE TOUR: as I also work for a Hungarian food magazin, I’m really happy to take you to local markets and little artisan food shops and to make sure you taste all the great Hungarian treats.
  • JEWISH QUARTER WALK: including the visit of the world’s second largest synagogue and a walk in the ghetto which is today the Soho of Budapest with great cultural and creative vibes.
  • DANUBE BEND TOUR BY CAR: it’s a relatively short drive from Budapest and in only one day I can show you three very different little Hungarian villages and the stunning view over the bend of the Danube river.

Winter has finally arrived

Take a look at how Budapest looks like now, all white and snowy. It’s such a special period of the year, as unfortunately we’re getting less and less snow every year. Come and see for yourself!

 

 

The Second Best Christmas Market in Europe (2018): Advent at St. Stephen’s Basilica

Budapest Christmas markets transform the city each winter into a festive wonderland filled with lights, seasonal flavours, and local traditions.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of travellers vote for their favourite Christmas markets across Europe. In 2018, one of Budapest’s most beloved festive spots received an exceptional honour: the Advent Feast at St. Stephen’s Basilica was voted the second best Christmas market in Europe by European Best Destinations.

Anyone who has visited this market will immediately understand why it ranked so highly. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Basilica, the atmosphere is unmistakably festive. The market focuses on what Budapest does best at Christmas: comforting seasonal food and drinks, beautifully crafted local handicrafts, and a warm, welcoming ambiance in the heart of the city.

One of the highlights is the spectacular video mapping show projected onto the main façade of St. Stephen’s Basilica after dark. The illuminated visuals transform the square into a magical winter scene and make this market especially memorable in the evening hours.

And of course, no visit would be complete without sampling traditional treats. Be sure to try a cup of local hot wine and freshly baked chimney cake (kürtőskalács)—arguably the most irresistible flavours of Budapest’s Christmas markets.

Going Underground – Discovering the Caves of Buda

Few visitors realise that the Buda caves in Budapest form an extensive underground labyrinth, revealing a hidden, quieter side of the city beneath the hills.

One of the things I love most about guiding in Budapest is when travellers ask for something different—experiences that go beyond the classic sightseeing routes. On one such occasion, our curiosity led us underground, into the fascinating cave system hidden beneath the Buda Hills.

We visited Pálvölgyi Cave, the longest cave in Budapest and one of its most surprising natural treasures. The guided visit lasts around 60 minutes and takes you through a labyrinth of passages filled with spectacular stone formations. Along the way, you’ll see delicate dripstones, dramatic shapes sculpted over thousands of years, and even the fossilized imprints of ancient seashells—silent reminders that this area was once underwater.

Beyond its geological wonders, the caves have another very practical appeal: the temperature remains a constant 11°C (52°F) all year round. That makes it a wonderfully cool escape during Budapest’s hot summers and a surprisingly comfortable option in winter, when the caves feel almost warm compared to the chilly streets above.

Exploring the Buda caves is not part of standard city tours—but it can be a memorable addition to a custom-designed Budapest experience. For travellers who enjoy nature, light adventure, or simply seeing a lesser-known side of the city, going underground offers a completely different perspective on Budapest.

 

 

Chairlifting and the Stunning Colours of Fall in Budapest

Budapest chairlift autumn experiences are at their most beautiful when the forests of the Buda Hills glow with warm seasonal colours.

Autumn is one of my favourite seasons in Budapest, especially when a custom tour takes us slightly away from the city centre and closer to nature. Chairlifting to the Elizabeth Lookout Tower on top of St. John’s Hill is always a memorable experience — but in fall, it becomes truly magical.

As the chairlift gently carries you above the forest of Budapest, the city slowly fades away and is replaced by layers of gold, rust, and deep green. The ride itself is calm and almost meditative, making it ideal for travellers who enjoy slower moments and unique perspectives.

At the top, the reward is more than worth it. From the lookout tower, you can enjoy panoramic views over Budapest, stretching across Buda, Pest, and the winding Danube. On clear autumn days, the light is softer, the air is crisp, and the city feels wonderfully peaceful from above.

This experience is especially popular with nature lovers, photographers, and guests looking for something a little different from classic sightseeing. It fits beautifully into a customised Budapest tour, combining fresh air, gentle walking, and one of the best viewpoints in the city.

Sometimes, the most memorable moments in Budapest happen when we slow down, rise above the city, and simply enjoy the view.

 

Meat – Meat – Meat & Sausages at the Pig Slaughtering Festival (2018)

This weekend’s Foodie Tour turned out to be a little unusual — and very memorable. Instead of moving between markets and small food shops across the city, we dedicated the day to one single event: a Pig Slaughtering Festival in Budapest, held on a bright, sunny autumn weekend.

It was intense in the best possible way.

From the moment we arrived, we were surrounded by the unmistakable aromas of grilled meats, freshly made sausages, and slow-cooked Hungarian classics. Stalls lined up one after another, each offering its own version of traditional pork dishes, prepared with pride and confidence.

A true celebration of Hungarian meat traditions

Hungarian cuisine is deeply rooted in pork — and this festival was a perfect snapshot of that tradition. Over the course of just a few hours, we tasted an astonishing variety of sausages, cuts of meat, and rich, comforting flavours. By the end of the tour, I realised I had probably eaten as much in four hours as I normally would in an entire week.

And honestly? I had no regrets.

If there’s one thing I always recommend to visitors, it’s to try mangalica sausage. Made from Hungary’s famous curly-haired mangalica pig, it’s rich, flavourful, and truly in a league of its own — for me, it’s the absolute best of Hungarian sausage-making.

A different kind of Foodie Tour

Experiences like this are exactly why I love customising my Foodie Tours. Sometimes it’s about discovering hidden bakeries or wine bars; other times, it’s about diving headfirst into a local festival and embracing Hungarian food culture at its most authentic and unapologetic.

Food events like pig slaughtering festivals are not staged for tourists — they’re for locals, families, and producers who care deeply about tradition. Sharing this kind of experience with my travellers is always a highlight.

If you’re curious about Hungarian cuisine and want to explore it beyond restaurant menus, I’m always happy to tailor a custom Foodie Tour around seasonal events, markets, or local specialities.

A Must-See in Budapest: the Margaret Island

Floating gently between Buda and Pest, Margaret Island in Budapest is one of those places that feels instantly familiar to locals and surprisingly intimate to visitors. Long before it became Budapest’s most popular park, the island lived many lives — and traces of that past are still quietly present among the trees.

Centuries ago, this was a place of withdrawal and reflection. Medieval monasteries once stood here, followed by periods when the island served as a place of isolation. Its most famous resident was Princess Margaret, daughter of King Béla IV, who chose a life of service and devotion on the island in the 13th century. Today, little remains of those structures, but the sense of calm they left behind is unmistakable.

How locals use the island today

For Budapesters, Margaret Island is less a sightseeing stop and more a way of life. People come here to jog, picnic, read, cycle, or simply sit in the shade on a warm afternoon. It’s where the city exhales — especially in summer.

Because it’s surrounded by the Danube and free from traffic, the island has a slower, softer rhythm than the rest of the city. That’s exactly why many visitors end up calling it one of their favourite unexpected discoveries.

Exploring at an easy pace

Margaret Island is best enjoyed without rushing. One of the most enjoyable ways to explore is by renting one of the pedal-powered group bikes or electric vehicles, which allow you to move comfortably between highlights while still soaking in the atmosphere.

A place that fits beautifully into a custom tour

Margaret Island isn’t part of my standard city walks, mainly because of its location slightly outside the historic centre. However, it fits perfectly into customised walking or driving tours, especially for guests who want to balance sightseeing with relaxed, local experiences.

It’s an ideal addition in late spring or summer, offering a refreshing contrast to the architectural intensity of the city centre. Margaret Island may not demand attention — and that’s exactly its charm. It’s a place to slow down, breathe, and experience Budapest the way locals do.

If you’d like to include Margaret Island in a bespoke tour itinerary, I’m always happy to tailor the route to your interests and pace.

Folk Art Festival in the Buda Castle District (2018)

Every year around 20 August, on St. Stephen’s Day, the cobbled streets of the Buda Castle District fill with colours, textures, and the quiet magic of Hungarian folk art. This is the time when some of the country’s most talented folk artists and designers come together for the Summer Folk Art Festival, turning the historic castle area into an open-air celebration of tradition.

What I love most about this festival is that it’s not staged or artificial. Many of the artists you meet are continuing techniques that have been passed down through generations—sometimes within the same family. Their work reflects regional styles from all over Hungary, each with its own patterns, colours, and stories.

Hungarian Folk Art Up Close

As you wander through the festival, you’ll find beautifully crafted pottery, ceramics, wooden objects, jewellery, embroidered textiles, and woven fabrics. These are not souvenirs made for tourists, but authentic pieces created with patience, skill, and deep respect for tradition.

One of the highlights is that visitors can often try the crafts themselves. Whether it’s weaving, sewing, or embroidery, watching the process (and giving it a go) makes you appreciate just how much work and precision goes into each finished piece.

More Than Just Crafts

Of course, no Hungarian festival would be complete without food. Alongside the artisan stalls, you can taste traditional Hungarian treats, making this event just as enjoyable for food lovers as for art enthusiasts.

Set against the backdrop of Buda Castle’s historic walls and panoramic views over Budapest, the Folk Art Festival is a wonderful way to experience Hungarian traditions in a relaxed, joyful atmosphere. Even if you’ve visited before, it feels slightly different every year—and that’s part of its charm.

A Must-See in Budapest: The Central Market (Great Market Hall)

Yes, I agree — the Central Market of Budapest has become a major tourist attraction over the years. And yet, it may come as a surprise that it is still one of the favourite shopping places of locals.

Despite the crowds, the market remains a living, breathing part of everyday Budapest life — and that’s exactly why it’s such a fascinating place to visit.

A Personal Memory of the Central Market

I first visited the market with my grandmother when I was around five years old. At that age, I couldn’t tell the difference between the “aisle of the rich” and the “aisle of the poor” — but I was completely captivated by the smells, colours, and endless variety of products.

That sensory overload is still very much part of the experience today.

The Great Market Hall: 120 Years of History

The Central Market, officially known as the Great Market Hall, opened more than 120 years ago and quickly became the heart of Budapest’s food trade.

The iron structure and glass roof often remind visitors of a 19th-century train station, while the colorful Zsolnay roof tiles make the building unmistakable from the outside.

Inside, you’ll find:

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables from across Hungary

  • Hungarian sausages, salami, and cured meats

  • Paprika in every form imaginable

  • Local cheeses, honey, and preserves

  • Traditional Hungarian pastries and street food

Why the Central Market Is a Foodie Must-See

If you’re curious about Hungarian gastronomy, this market is one of the best places to understand it.

The Central Market showcases:

  • Seasonal Hungarian ingredients

  • Regional food traditions

  • Everyday eating habits of locals

  • The contrast between traditional stalls and modern food counters

It’s lively, noisy, sometimes chaotic — and absolutely authentic.

Visiting the Central Market on a Budapest Food Tour

A visit to the Central Market is part of my Budapest Food Tour (except on Sundays, when the market is closed).

During the tour, I’ll:

  • Help you navigate the market beyond the obvious tourist stalls

  • Explain what locals really buy and why

  • Introduce Hungarian food traditions and shopping habits

  • Make sure you taste one of the best sausages and a proper Hungarian strudel

The market is not just about food — it’s about culture, history, and everyday life.

Combine Market Visit with Wine Tasting

Many guests choose to combine their market experience with a food and wine-focused day, pairing the Budapest food tour with a countryside escape such as the Etyek Wine Tour, Hungary’s closest wine region to the capital.

It’s a wonderful way to connect Budapest’s culinary scene with local wines and rural traditions.

Planning Your Visit to the Central Market of Budapest

If you’d like to explore the Central Market of Budapest with a local guide and truly understand what you’re seeing — and tasting — I’d be happy to show you around as part of one of my private food tours.

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