In this half-day tour I will show you a less known charming district of Budapest which was once the royal residence of Hungarian kings.
We will explore the main square of Óbuda (Old Buda) with its Mediterranean atmosphere given by its beautiful 19th-century-buildings and cobblestone streets, Roman ruins incorporated in an underpass, the ruins of a former Roman amphitheatre - the floor area of which was even bigger than that of the Colosseum in Rome -, and two great thermal baths of Budapest.
I will show you two nice churches, beautiful public sculptures and typical blocks of flats built in the Communist era in Budapest telling you the reason for the construction of these concrete flats in a high number in Hungary in the second half of the 20th century.
I will take you to a unique spot on the slopes of the Rose Hill where you can admire a splendid garden related to the 'Father of Roses' and from where you can have special views on Budapest from bird's eye view.
We will have a walk on the lovely Margaret Island to admire its famous musical fountain, Japanese garden, little zoo and the ruins of the monastery related to a Hungarian saint while breathing in crystal-clear air among its centuries-old trees and beautiful flowers. I will also show you the magnificent rose garden in the middle of this beautiful island.
In this special tour you will get deep insight into the history of Budapest and Hungary through legends related to Hungarian kings and saints and through interesting stories about famous citizens of the former capital. I will talk about a golden era of Hungarian history, the 'happy peaceful times' during which Budapest became a new, modern capital of Central Europe boasting a great number of eye-catching monuments. You will also hear about the famous bath culture which evolved here in Budapest in this era while we pass by two prominent thermal baths of the city.
I will talk about the special products of Hungary, the so-called Hungaricum products, and let you have deep insight into Hungarian folk traditions and culture through talking about national festivities in Hungary.
At the end of the tour I will sing you beautiful Hungarian folk songs and I will show you traditional Hungarian folk dance steps to let you get a 'taste' of Hungarian culture.