Budapest Christmas Markets and Highlights Tour from Vienna 2 days

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Day 1: Vienna to Budapest – Christmas Sights and Splendor
7 stops
1
Vienna
Start your Christmas getaway with a private pick-up from your hotel in Vienna. Travel comfortably through picturesque winter landscapes as you head to the enchanting city of Budapest, Hungary’s capital, known for its rich history and magical holiday spirit.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
2
Fisherman's Bastion
Upon arrival in Budapest, meet your expert local guide for a 3-hour private walking tour exploring some of the city's most iconic landmarks and the festive Christmas atmosphere. Begin your tour at the breathtaking Fisherman’s Bastion, a neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque fortress offering panoramic views over the city, especially beautiful during the winter months when Budapest’s rooftops are covered in snow. Learn about the history of this symbolic site and take some time to capture stunning photos with the Parliament Building and Danube River in the background.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
3
Matthias Church
Just a short walk away is the magnificent Matthias Church, a historic landmark known for its colorful tiled roof and intricate Gothic architecture. Your guide will share stories about the coronations and important events that have taken place here over the centuries. The church’s spires look especially magical surrounded by the Christmas decorations of the nearby streets.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
4
Buda Castle
Continue exploring the charming Buda Castle District, wandering through cobblestone streets lined with medieval houses and historic buildings. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Budapest’s most picturesque areas, and during the holiday season, the festive decorations and lights make it even more enchanting. Your guide will provide fascinating insights into Hungary’s royal history.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
5
From the Buda side of the city, walk across the famous Chain Bridge to the Pest side. The bridge, festively illuminated for the season, offers stunning views of both sides of Budapest and the Danube River. As you cross, your guide will discuss the importance of the bridge and its role in uniting the two halves of the city.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
6
End your tour at the lively Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market, one of Budapest’s largest and most beloved holiday markets. This market, filled with wooden stalls selling handmade gifts, festive food, and mulled wine, is the perfect place to soak up the Christmas spirit. Your guide will help you navigate the market, pointing out traditional Hungarian Christmas treats like kürtőskalács (chimney cake) and lángos, as well as locally crafted souvenirs that make for wonderful holiday gifts.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
7
Budapest
After the guided walking tour, you’ll have free time to explore more of the market on your own, shop for holiday gifts, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Stroll through the market at your leisure, try more seasonal foods, or simply take in the Christmas lights and live music performances. Then, your driver will take you to your hotel for check-in. Spend the night in the heart of Budapest, allowing you to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife or relax after a day of Christmas cheer.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Day 2: Budapest Highlights and Christmas Cheer
8 stops
8
Hungarian Parliament Building
Start your second day in Budapest with a fresh exploration of the city’s historic and festive highlights. Meet your guide in the morning for a 3-hour walking tour of Budapest. Begin your tour at the majestic Hungarian Parliament Building, one of Europe’s most stunning government buildings. Admire its neo-Gothic architecture, iconic dome, and intricate detailing. Your guide will share the fascinating history of Hungary’s political center, as you stroll around Kossuth Square, which may also host a small Christmas market during the season.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
9
Shoes on the Danube Bank
Walk along the picturesque Danube Promenade to visit the Shoes on the Danube memorial, a deeply moving tribute to the victims of World War II. Your guide will explain the significance of this powerful symbol, located by the riverbank, and share the stories behind it.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
10
St. Stephen's Basilica (Szent Istvan Bazilika)
Next, head to the grand St. Stephen’s Basilica, one of Budapest’s most important religious buildings, named after Hungary’s first king. During Christmas, the square in front of the basilica transforms into a bustling Christmas market with festive lights, ice skating, and traditional holiday treats. The basilica itself is beautifully illuminated, and visitors can opt to step inside to marvel at its ornate interior.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
11
Vaci Street
Continue your walk along Váci Street, Budapest’s main shopping avenue, known for its charming boutiques, souvenir shops, and festive holiday decorations.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
12
Central Market Hall
Your guide will take you to the famous Central Market Hall, an indoor market buzzing with local vendors offering fresh produce, Hungarian specialties, and seasonal gifts. This is the perfect spot to pick up some traditional Hungarian food products or Christmas souvenirs.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
13
Budapest
After your walking tour, board a 1-hour Danube River cruise (depending on operating for your selected day and weather conditions) to enjoy a unique view of Budapest’s landmarks from the water. Relax as you glide along the Danube River, passing under the Chain Bridge and taking in stunning views of Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, the Parliament Building, and more, all beautifully illuminated and decorated for Christmas. The cruise is a magical experience, offering a different perspective of the city’s grandeur during the holiday season.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
14
Budapest
After the cruise, you’ll have some free time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or explore more of the Christmas markets in the city center. Revisit your favorite markets from Day 1 or discover new ones to pick up any last-minute gifts or enjoy more traditional holiday treats.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
15
Vienna
In the afternoon, your driver will pick you up from your hotel or a designated meeting point for the comfortable return journey to Vienna. Relax in your private vehicle and reminisce about your unforgettable Christmas experience in Budapest. Arrive back in Vienna in the evening, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel, concluding your magical 2-Day Christmas Tour to Budapest.
3 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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