Welcome to Budapest, a city with a rich tapestry of history, culture, and architectural wonders. Divided by the majestic Danube River, Budapest is split into two distinct halves: Buda and Pest.
The good news is that there’s plenty to discover on both sides — and there’s no better way to explore than on our guided e-scooter tours in Budapest. But don’t just take our word for it! Our excursions in the city have been rated as Tripadvisor’s #1 Outdoor Activity in Budapest since 2018!
We know our home city inside out, so let us share our local tips and insights into getting around both sides of Budapest. Do you have any questions for the E-Magine team? We’re here to help, so please feel free to get in touch for the information you need.
Discovering Buda: Hills, Castles, and Thermal Bliss
Buda is on the west side of the Danube and is the older, more residential part of the city. It is characterized by hilly terrain and historic landmarks, some of which we introduce below.
Strolling through Buda’s charming cobblestone streets and immersing yourself in a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere is a wonderful experience and a pleasant break from the hustle and bustle of Pest.
Buda Castle and the Castle District
The Castle District is the nerve centre of Budapest’s history and culture. The quaint, winding cobblestone streets pass famous cafes, Habsburg monuments, and beautiful baroque houses. And the longer you explore here, the more hidden gems you’ll find in corners and side streets.
Perched atop Castle Hill, Buda Castle is a historical marvel offering panoramic views of the Danube. Today, it’s home to the Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Museum.
The terraces and turrets of the fairytale-like Fisherman’s Bastion offer stunning views over the Danube and of Matthias Church.
Curious? Check out our Buda Castle Tour in Budapest to find out more about our journey through the Castle District on MonsteRoller e-scooters.
Gellért Hill
Embark on an adventure up Gellért Hill for some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of both Buda and Pest. The Liberty Statue and the Citadel are perched at the summit, providing a perfect backdrop for photos that capture the essence of Budapest.
It’s quite the hike to the top of Gellért Hill, but our Guided Budapest Citadel Tour makes light work of the incline. This tour not only helps you avoid tired legs and feet, but it also immerses you in local legends and history thanks to the expertise of our local guides.
Buda Hills
The Buda Hills is a low mountain range consisting of multiple hills. Gellért Hill and Castle Hill are both part of it, with other famous names including Eagle Hill, Rózsadomb, Sváb Hill, and Széchenyi Hill.
The range extends further west beyond the city limits, allowing locals and travellers alike to retreat into greenery and breathe in fresh air.
You can also ride the Children’s Railway here. As the name suggests, this is a railway operated by children aged between 10 and 14 — under adult supervision of course!
Thermal Baths in Buda
Indulge in the soothing waters of the Gellért Baths or the Rudas Baths. These historic thermal baths, with their Ottoman and Art Nouveau influences, provide a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle, not to mention some rejuvenation after a day or two of exploring.
Exploring Pest: Monuments, Avenues, and Squares
Pest, on the eastern side of the Danube, is the vibrant heart of our city. With its wide boulevards, grand architecture, and lively atmosphere, Pest is a modern, commercial contrast to the historical charm of Buda.
Parliament Building
Marvel at the iconic Parliament Building, an architectural masterpiece that dominates the Pest skyline. This is truly one of the most beautiful, and most important, buildings in all of Hungary.
Among its many accolades, the Parliament Building holds the record for the heaviest building in the world! It weighs a staggering 4,098,500,000 kilograms. That’s equivalent to 4.10 million tonnes and 9.04 billion pounds.
Our Budapest All In Tour covers the best of Buda and Pest (including Margaret Island), so it’s a fantastic option for visiting the Parliament Building along with our city’s many other highlights.
However, we recommend taking a guided tour during your visit too as it allows you to delve even deeper into the history and significance of this imposing structure.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
Budapest’s largest church, St. Stephen’s Basilica, is named in honour of Hungary’s first king. In fact, St. Stephen’s mummified right hand is among one of the most famous attractions at the basilica!
One of the other highlights here is the climb to the top — or rather, the panoramic views over the city you can enjoy when you get there!
Standing at 96m high, St. Stephen’s Basilica is among our city’s tallest structures, along with the Parliament Building. In fact, both of these famous buildings have a height of 96m in reference to the year 896, when honfoglalás (or “Hungarian conquest of the Carpathian basin”) occurred.
The Christmas market in St. Stephen’s Square is one of the best things to do in Budapest at Christmas, so be sure to check it out if you’re visiting during the festive season.
Andrássy Avenue
The grand, elegant Andrássy Avenue is a 2.5 km-long boulevard lined with shops, cafes, and cultural landmarks. That’s over 1.5 miles! It connects City Park and Heroes’ Square at one end with the city centre (around St. Stephen’s Basilica) at the other. Oktogon, an octagonal square, splits Andrássy Avenue into two sections.
Some of the most famous buildings on this remarkable street include the Hungarian State Opera House, the Ballet Institute, and the Liszt Ferenc Music Academy.
Heroes’ Square
Located at the northern end of Andrássy Avenue, Heroes’ Square is one of Budapest’s main and most important squares. Here, you can find the famous Millennium Memorial with its statues of the seven chieftains of the Magyar tribes, the founders of Hungary.
Other important heads of state stand alongside the chieftains, and between them, perched on a towering column, is a statue of Archangel Gabriel.
On either side of Heroes’ Square are the impressive buildings that house the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hall of Art (the Kunsthalle).
Curious to learn more? Our Budapest Heroes’ Square Tour is exactly what you’re looking for!
Liberty Square and Elizabeth Square
In addition to Heroes’ Square, Pest is also home to Liberty and Elizabeth squares. Today, monuments to freedom adorn Liberty Square, but in the late 19th century this was a site for some of the most brutal repression in Budapest’s history.
Elizabeth Square is a few steps from St. Stephen’s Basilica and offers a green oasis in the heart of the city. If you’ve got a head for heights, consider a ride on the Budapest Eye Ferris wheel! With its open green expanses and exquisite fountain, this is a popular hangout spot, especially in the warmer months.
Both Liberty Square and Elizabeth Square feature in our comprehensive Eat, Ride, & Love Budapest Private Tour, along with many of the other attractions covered above.
Navigating Budapest: General Tips and Hidden Gems
Margaret Island
Escape to Margaret Island, a tranquil, beautiful oasis in the middle of the Danube. This traffic-restricted area is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a ride on a MonsteRoller e-scooter. Enjoy the musical fountain and the medieval ruins scattered throughout the island.
When the weather is right, this spot is popular for lounging in the sun, picnics, and simply spending time with friends, giving it a calm, family-friendly atmosphere.
If this sounds like the kind of place you’d love to visit, check out our Budapest Margaret Island Fairy Garden Tour to find out more!
Chain Bridge
The iconic Chain Bridge connects Buda and Pest across the Danube. This was the first permanent stone bridge across the river in Hungary. In fact, it was only the second such structure along the entire length of the Danube.
With its striking appearance, the Chain Bridge has become an icon of Budapest and is the perfect place to cross between the joint delights of Buda and Pest.
The bridge has recently undergone renovations which were completed in December 2022. As a result, the Chain Bridge is now permanently traffic-restricted with pedestrian walkways on both sides. This means that only buses, taxis, motorcycles, bikes, and scooters can cross here. Now, our e-scooter rides over the bridge are more enjoyable than ever!
MonsteRoller E-Scooters
At E-Magine, we have a huge fleet of modern MonsteRoller e-scooters. Strong, sturdy, and safe, these electric vehicles are eco-friendly and a pleasure to ride. Effortlessly zip along bike lanes and low-traffic roads, as well as through parks, directly to your destination.
And best of all, you don’t need a driver’s license to ride a MonsteRoller!
Cover more ground and avoid exhaustion with our guided e-scooter tours in Budapest or Budapest e-scooter rentals.
Public Transport
The efficient public transportation system allows you to navigate the city along set routes. You can choose between the four-line metro, the tram network, or buses. The Budapest Card offers unlimited travel and discounted entry to many attractions.
The only downside to public transport is that you can’t always head directly to your chosen destination, so there will still be some walking involved. You can avoid this by using our MonsteRoller e-scooters!
Danube River Cruise
Take in the city from a whole new perspective on a Danube River Cruise. Seeing the cityscape illuminated at night from the water is an especially magical experience.
There are numerous cruise companies to choose from, with outings ranging from basic sightseeing to three-course meals with drinks.
Culinary Delights
Whichever side of the city you explore the most, savour the flavours of Hungarian cuisine, from hearty goulash to sweet chimney cakes. Our city has a vibrant culinary scene, so don’t miss a chance to taste our traditional dishes and treats whenever you can!
Get the Complete Experience with Our Budapest E-Scooter Tours
Now you know our top tips for getting around both sides of Budapest, it’s time to start planning your visit! Your holiday time is precious and you rightly don’t want to waste it. But you don’t need to exhaust yourself trying to see all the best things our city has to offer.
Browse our guided e-scooter tours in Budapest and secure your spot on the excursions that appeal most to you. Discover our city in comfort on two wheels!
Do you have any questions for us? Please get in touch for all the answers you need!
