Controversial Budapest: Exploring the Infamous 8th District
Budapest, Hungary
From USD 95.71
Office phone number: +36 30 714 2551
Controversial Budapest: Exploring the Infamous 8th District
Budapest, Hungary





Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.

Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
-
Tour snapshot
Get ready to go off the beaten path in Budapest! The 8th District is having quite a moment; once a no-go zone, this eclectic area has seen a serious resurgence in recent years and is well worth a visit. Learn all about the 8th's rich history from your expert local guide, while exploring some of the district’s most distinct sights and sampling some traditional street food along the way. Not only will you get to know a new and trendy local neighbourhood but you’ll also be supporting two great local charities and giving something back to the local community. We thinks that’s called a win / win situation!
-
Highlights
- Visit Rákóczi Square Market Hall, one of six original markets in Budapest from the late 19th century and try our favourite local street food
- Give something back to the local community; a proportion of the proceeds from your tour fee will be donated to two inspirational local charities
- Look up in wonder at a remarkable 18th-century Roman catholic church
- Get the lowdown on the history of the ‘gypsy musicians’ of Budapest and see the memorial erected for them
- Enjoy a drink with your friendly guide at an authentic, local bar
Local Impact: How you will help the local community by joining this tour:
A portion of the proceeds from your tour goes towards actively supporting two NGOs: Nem Adom Fel (meaning ‘Never Give Up’), which helps and employs people with disabilities; as well as Oltalom Charity Society, which helps the homeless, elderly, children in danger and refugees.
Your tour also explores an off-the-beaten-track neighbourhood, which gives you a great opportunity to learn more about local life and culture.
-
Schedule details
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Meeting point:
In front of the Rákóczi tér Market Hall
View on Google Maps
- Starting time: 9.30 AM
- Ending point:
Corvin Quarter
Language: English
Inclusions: Local, English-speaking guide, tasting of an authentic Hungarian street food, a small gift of a local artist from the neighbourhood, one drink (coffee, tea or soft drink) in a responsible café that employs people with disabilities, one drink (spritzer, soda water with fruit syrup or plain) in a small bar at the end of the tour.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide
Our tour starts at Rákóczi Square, the heart of the once- neglected 8th District – now one of the most unique areas in Budapest. Our first stop will be Rákóczi Square Market Hall where your local guide will delve into the history of the neighbourhood and the reasons why it’s so wonderful and unique. You’ll also be able to get a sense of the district’s truly local vibe, as you wander around snacking on traditional street food.
From the market, we’ll meander down the small streets of this fascinating neighbourhood and walk amongst the hauntingly beautiful, crumbling facades on route to Horváth Mihály Square, which is the starting point of the whole story of the 8th District. Here we’ll get to see one of the oldest and most remarkable Baroque churches in the city with a stunning interior that we’ll explore together.
As we walk towards our next stop we’ll see how old and new exist shoulder to shoulder, forming the identity of the neighbourhood, and telling the story of Budapest itself.
Mátyás Square is next on the agenda, a small square on the brink of regaining its original charm without losing all the wacky personality it’s always been known for. The square’s whimsical vibe is mainly due to the so-called ‘gypsy musicians’ whose presence is as normal here as it is in any classic restaurants you’ll find in the city centre. We’ll visit their memorial to get to know the most iconic members of this community, and learn about their historic role in Hungarian society. Then we will have the opportunity to stop for a drink at a very special café with a charitable mission.
Towards the end of the tour we’ll see two completely different but equally important parts of the district: the communist-era prefabricated housing of Szigony Street, and the relatively new Corvin Alley. The former dramatically changed the face of the whole country, and the story of the latter is just as exciting. Before we part ways, we’ll stop by a small bar for a drink among locals to cap off our tour of one of Budapest’s coolest and most interesting ‘hoods.
In Focus: By booking this tour, you will be directly helping the operation and existence of two great local organizations; the Oltalom Charity Society is one of the oldest organisations that exist in Hungary, with a focus on helping the homeless, elderly, children in danger and refugees. The charity, amongst other things provides shelter, health services, and food or clothing for those who are in need.
The other association is Nem Adom Fel (meaning ‘Never Give Up’), which operates one of the cafés that we will visit. Their goal is much more direct: helping and employing people with disabilities and raising awareness about their situation.
A proportion of money from each tour will help both of these organizations to continue doing their good work in the city and beyond.
-
Additional information
Inclusions: Local, English-speaking guide, tasting of an authentic Hungarian street food, a small gift of a local artist from the neighbourhood, one drink (coffee, tea or soft drink) in a responsible café that employs people with disabilities, one drink (spritzer, soda water with fruit syrup or plain) in a small bar at the end of the tour.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide
Dress standard: Casual, comfortable shoes recommended
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Closure of sites: The tour is mostly focusing on the whole atmosphere of the neighbourhood rather than a few main sites so it won’t be any problem. In case of the cafés, there are several alternatives in the area.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.
-
Local contact
Office phone number: +36 30 714 2551
Email address: info@budapesturbanadventures.com
BACK TO TOP