Christmas Trips · BUDAPEST CHRISTMAS TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 7 budapest christmas tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Spend 60 minutes aboard a Silverline Cruises boat beside Budapest’s Elizabeth Bridge. Enjoy unlimited mulled wine in seven flavors, non-alcoholic winter drinks, indoor seating, and views of Parliament, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Chain Bridge. Bring earphones for the nine-language audio guide app.
“Amazing views. Comfy seating and cozy vibes. Drinks are regularly brought to you. It was absolutely amazin.”
Spend six hours aboard the elegant Gróf Széchenyi, sailing past Budapest's lit monuments while enjoying a five-course dinner, unlimited drinks, Rajkó Ensemble folk music and dancing, a midnight buffet, and a DJ. Choose a meat, poultry, or vegetarian menu before you go.
“Repas n’est pas raffiné! Cher pour rien!!!! Pas beaucoup d’ambiance.”
Start near the State Opera House at 3 p.m. and follow an English-speaking guide along Andrássy Avenue, Váci Street, the Danube, Chain Bridge, and Christmas markets. The tour ends at St Stephen’s Basilica with skip-the-line entry, a guided visit, chimney cake, and mulled wine.
“First a lesson on wines of Hungary and a wine tasting, excellent. Guide was a college student named "Barbie", a rough English translation. Then on to St Stephen's Church, also excellent on the history. Then on to the Christmas Market and hot punch. All around superb.”
Meet at the Opera House at 4:30 pm for a 2.5-hour English tour with guides such as Katalin, Zsuzsa, and Istvan. Walk to St. Stephen’s Basilica, three Christmas markets, and the Danube, with chimney cake, mulled wine, and local food tips along the way.
“We had a lovely afternoon discovering the Christmas markets with Zsuzsa. She gave us tips on which food we should try and which ones are prepared in the traditional or classic manner. She also gave us tips on where to buy the best pastries in town and introduced us to the section of the road where every winning "Hungarian wine of the year" is lined up. We also got the chance to try mulled wine and hot tea and we love them. They warm the stomach which helps with the freezing temperature at night.”
Walk from the Hungarian State Opera to Budapest’s Christmas markets, stopping at Szent István Square, Gresham Palace, and Vörösmarty Square. Your English-speaking guide explains Hungarian holiday customs, with mulled wine and chimney cake included. Guides have included Zoltán, Ferenc, and Odea.
“Zoltán was terrific. Ask for him. Very knowledgeable and good English. Good balance of history and Xmas markets.”
Meet your English-speaking guide outside the Hungarian State Opera House for a 2.5-hour walk through Budapest’s Christmas markets. Taste chimney cake, mulled wine, and marzipan, then finish with coffee at a historic coffee house. Private groups are available.
“We loved this individualised tour for our group. We were able to taste some of the traditional Christmas market treats and learned more about the culture of this beautiful country. We especially enjoyed the cafe stop at the end! The hot chocolate was devine!”
Spend 2.5 hours walking Budapest’s illuminated center with an English-speaking guide, visiting the Vörösmarty Square and Basilica markets, tasting chimney cake and mulled wine, and entering St. Stephen’s Basilica through the skip-the-line route. Petra has earned special praise for her lively city history.
“Our guide Petra was outstanding. So knowledgeable about all of Budapest and tremendous amount of history. All the information she shared went well beyond just what was described for the tour. So friendly and helpful and was able to answer all our questions. The whole experience was amazing for our whole family! Loved it and loved learning so much about the beautiful city of Budapest.”
Pick a market, a lights run or a night in the snow.
