Discovering Budapest: Horse archers, hot pools and Hero's Square

Budapest, a city of captivating contrasts, tells a story spanning millennia at every turn. On this walking tour, you'll discover the grand Heroes' Square and delightful City Park, exploring the unexpected connections between medieval horse archers, thermal waters, and Hungary's complex history. From magnificent monuments celebrating a thousand years of Magyar presence to the elaborate fake castle built for the Millennium Exhibition, this journey reveals Budapest beyond its well-known bridges and parliament.

Starting at Heroes' Square metro station, you'll explore the magnificent Millennium Monument with its towering column topped by Archangel Gabriel. The seven chieftains who led ancient Hungarian nomads into Europe in 896 are immortalized in bronze, recalling a time when their feared horse archers prompted European prayers: Lord save us from the arrows of Hungarians. You'll learn about Hungary's most beloved rulers, from St. Stephen, who established Christianity in the kingdom, to King Matthias, who made Hungary prosper during the Renaissance.

You'll discover Vajdahunyad Castle, a remarkable architectural collage that showcases different Hungarian building styles throughout the centuries, and meet the mysterious Anonymus, whose hidden face represents Hungary's first chronicler. The tour ends at the stunning Szechenyi Thermal Baths, where mineral-rich waters reach 74°C (165°F) and feed 18 pools in a magnificent Neo-Baroque palace. Here, you can follow your cultural exploration with a relaxing soak in waters that have drawn visitors for over a century.

On this 60-minute tour, you'll have a chance to:

• Discover why church bells ring at noon across Europe, a tradition dating back to a crucial 1456 battle
• Touch the pen of the mysterious Anonymus statue for good luck
• Learn how King Coloman the Booklover banned witch burning in the 12th century, centuries ahead of his time
• Explore City Park, Budapest's largest green space, home to 6,500 trees and numerous festivals
• See where ancient Hungarians' nomadic roots are celebrated in striking equestrian statues
• Understand how Budapest developed from three separate towns—Buda, Old-Buda, and Pest—that united in 1873
• Marvel at the ornate mosaic depicting the Sun God Helios inside the Szechenyi Bath's cupola
• Discover why Hungary is considered a medicinal water superpower with thermal springs throughout the country

Whether you're a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique perspective on Budapest, this tour offers insights that will transform how you see this magnificent city—concluding with the perfect opportunity to soak in its famous thermal waters.