Overview:
Hungary's capitol and largest city is an architectural and cultural gem, with baroque, neoclassical, art nouveau buildings and a thriving nightlife to boot. Stretched along the gentle banks of the Danube, Budapest was recently ranked by Forbes as one of Europe's most idyllic places to live. Tours of the city visit UNESCO World Heritage castles and discuss the city's rich history.

Popular Sights
"Architecturally stunning Budapest is a tour de force of Hapsburg splendor," writes Frommer's. Indeed, there is an abundance of architectural masterpieces to explore in this city. The Neo-Gothic Parliament building is one of Europe's oldest legislative buildings and the largest Parliament building in Europe. Other popular sites include Castle Hill, the River Danube embankments and the whole of Andrassy ut, all of which have been officially recognized as World Heritage Sites. The city is also home to Dohany Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue in Europe. For the best view, take a chairlift to John Hill, where a 1,736-foot-high tower awaits. On a clear day, you can even see out toward the Tatra Mountains.

Free Budapest Walking Tours
The Free Tours offer general, Communist or Jewish-themed tours of Budapest that attempt to convey the way Hungarians live in the city today, with lots of well-researched anecdotes. Tour guides also provide visitors with information on the day's free events, parties and tips on beating the crowds at the city's famous bath houses.

Budapest Bike Breeze
Budapest Bike Breeze visits Andrassy Avenue, Heroes' Square, Szechenyi Thermal bath and the Castle district. The tour ends with a complimentary Hungarian meal. The company also offers a shorter tour of Pest, a two-hour kick scooter tour and a canoe trip down the Danube.

City Segway Tours
For those who'd like to explore Budapest without an ounce of physical exertion, City Segway Tours offers tours of inner Pest and views of the Buda castle district via breezy Segway. Tour highlights include St. Stepehen's Basilica, the Hungarian Parliament, the Opera House and the Szechenyi Chain Bridge.

EUrama Travel Agency
EUrama offers bus tours called Budapest City Sightseeing Tours that offer a variety of tours through the Jewish district and Parliament. The trip lasts three hours and the company also arranges hotel pick-up for free.

Create Your Own
Riding the trams is an inexpensive way to orient yourself and sightsee on your own. Tram 4 or 6 will take you along the large ring road, while tram 2 at night provides a view of the Parliament building and Castle Hill lit from outside. For a historical sightseeing stroll, check out the Jewish district.