Experience Art & Culture Tours in Budapest with Withlocals
Budapest is a treasure chest full of cultural gems! From art nouveau jewels to charming buildings, artsy cafes and more. Uncover the authentic side of Budapest on an arts & culture private tour with the local expert of your choice.
Budapest is a treasure chest full of cultural gems! From art nouveau jewels to charming buildings, artsy cafes and more. Uncover the authentic side of Budapest on an arts & culture private tour with the local expert of your choice.
Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
More you, less checklist
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Travel that feels good
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.
Top 3 art & culture tours in Budapest
Make your stay in Budapest complete with these things to do
1
With Andras
Treasures of Budapest: Art Nouveau Tour with a Local
46 reviews
2.5 hours | city highlight tours | Budapest
You’ve probably seen Budapest’s stunning Art Nouveau buildings — but do you know the stories behind their curves and colors? On this private tour, discover the origins of this eye-catching style and how it shaped the city’s character. Get ready for a cultural walk full of beauty, history, and local insights!
Discover Budapest’s oldest district through its flavors on this Óbuda Food Tour! Wander charming streets with a local guide while tasting traditional Hungarian specialties—from savory sausages to sweet pastries and refreshing craft drinks. Dive into history, culture, and authentic bites off the beaten path.
Zigzag across the city and learn how the Hungarian secret police (ÁVO) tried to honey trap, blackmail and compromise Western diplomats and their Hungarian contacts during the dark days of Communism.
"Highly recommend the tour with Ivan. Learned a lot about history and how the cold war has impacted contemporary Hungarian history. Ivan has also shared comprehensive research and privately-held pictures from the 1956 uprising. "
asimonlagoAbout local IvanBudapest, January 6, 2025
5.0
Cold War Tour with Ivan
"If you are fortunate enough to engage Ivan for the Budapest Cold War Tour you will certainly be delighted. Our intention during our visit to Budapest was to develop a better understanding of the life of the average Budapest resident through the changes of WWII, Soviet occupation, the 1956 uprising and the subsequent 'cold war'. Our guide, Ivan, brought so many insights that can only be brought by a local. He customized our tour to include the topics we were most interested in. The city's monuments and buildings took on a greater meaning as we added history to each site. We left the tour feeling truly educated. Highly recommended for anyone who would like to be transported to the not so distant past of Budapest's darker history as well as Hungary's relationship to the modern world."
"This tour with Ivan far exceeded our expectations for learning about the untold cold war history of Budapest. We came away with a far deeper understanding of not only the uprising but the previously unknown American involvement in it. Ivan was an engaging and highly informative host whose passion for this subject and for his city was evident. Highly recommend this tour."
"Ivan was absolutely wonderful and had so much information and answered all our questions. He showed us so many hidden gems in Budapest! Ivan is writing a book and so he has done an amazing amount of research so get ready to learn a lot. Thanks for everything, we highly recommend!"
"We had a really interesting trip with Ivan. He is very knowledgeable and has conducted extensive research into the history of Cold War espionage in Budapest. Our tour took in a number of easily overlooked but pivotal sites during the period from the end of WWII to the fall of communism in Europe. Our afternoon really couldn’t have been better. Thank you Ivan. "
"Ivan is not only an absolute expert on the subject.. he's also a great guy! Everything you ever wanted to know on the cold war and MORE! Pictures and personal stories make you live this from the inside. We highly recommend."
"My tour of Budapest with Ivan was the intellectual highlight of my two weeks in Central Europe. He was cordial, entertaining, smart and informative. The sights within the city were definitely among the hidden treasures, and as we stood on the Danube and looked at the former American Residence, others walked by not knowing the significance of that building, or observant of the still evident damage from Soviet tanks.
Ivan customized my tour to include Memento Park (well outside the city) and it exceeded my expectations. The remnants of the communist era are erie and evocative.
I highly recommend Ivan. He is extremely knowledge and admirably articulate: The Perfect Teacher!"
"Ivan is an astute and engaging host that weaves in historical facts and primary sources to enhance one’s experience and understanding of mid 20th century Hungary. As a gracious and friendly host, he’s keen to answer questions and it’s clear that he has put much thought and care into curating and refining an interesting, engaging tour. "
"If you are a history buff, especially interested in WW II and the Soviet occupation of Eastern Europe, then this tour is a must. Ivan was very knowledgeable of the time period and had many stories to tell with archival photos to share. He was also helpful with directions and how to maneuver local transportation. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with him. This is a most interesting tour, not to be missed!!!"
"We had such a great time with Ivan on the tour, it was so interesting to hear all the stories he had and look at the pictures from those years.
Definitely would recommend if you want to do something different and fun next time you're in Budapest! "
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
Tailored to your wishes
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Chat before you book
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Travel that supports locals
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
Feel good about where your money goes
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Trusted by millions
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Secure & flexible booking
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Private & Personal
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
Tailored to your wishes
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Chat before you book
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Travel that supports locals
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
Feel good about where your money goes
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Trusted by millions
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Secure & flexible booking
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Private & personalized art & culture tours in Budapest with a local
Immerse yourself in the rich art and culture of Budapest with a private art & culture tours crafted just for you. Your knowledgeable local guide will help you explore museums, galleries, historic sites, and cultural hotspots that reflect the city’s unique identity.
This personalized tour adapts to your interests, whether you’re passionate about contemporary art, traditional crafts, or local history. Enjoy insider stories, meet local artists, and discover cultural treasures away from the usual tourist routes.
Experience the soul of Budapest through its art and culture with a private guide who brings the city’s stories to life.