This article reviews the bike tours offered by a super fun company called Yellow Zebra! Read on!
My husband wasn’t convinced when I told him I wanted to do a bike tour in Budapest.
He reminded me of the time we biked around the beach and I wasn’t able to walk right the following three days. I replied that was a different circumstance. That time we rode 12 miles with barely any stops. I explained this time was going to be different.
As I expected, things in Budapest were way dissimilar. We had a blast exploring the city with Yellow Zebra Bike Tours (isn’t that a cool name or what?).
We arrived at the meeting location 15 minutes prior to the tour start. During that time, we adjusted our bikes and were given a short description of the route for the day. Adrenaline levels started to get high since we were about to bike around a good part of Budapest’s main attractions.
I am referring to this activity as a tour but, in all honesty, it felt like we were riding bikes with old friends. All participants shared a loved for travel, history, and culture. On top of that, our guide Vicki encouraged us to not rush things and ask questions.
In no time, we were biking to our first stop, the Opera House. That is where we got an introduction to Hungary’s history and the role the Opera House has played in the cultural and social aspects of the city.
Table of Contents
Dohany Street Synagogue
Our next stop was the Dohany Street Synagogue (also known as The Great Synagogue). This is the largest synagogue in Europe and the second-largest in the world. Also, the building houses the Hungarian Jewish Museum and a memorial to Holocaust victims.
The building survived World War 2 because it was used as a radio transmitting station by the Nazis.
Andrassy Avenue
We proceeded to bike along Andrassy Avenue which connects the city center to the City Park. This is one of Budapest’s most famous boulevards since it is lined with Neo-Renaissance palaces and houses (and by the way, it is classified as a UNESCO site). A delicious breeze accompanied us while we were moving along the pale yellow and ochre structures.
Heroes Square
We arrived at the largest square in the city where we learned more about the people who founded the country. The monuments in the square commemorate the thousand anniversary of Hungary, the seven leaders who directed the first settlers and the lives of famous Hungarian personalities.
Vajdahunyad Castle
After spending a good chunk of time in Heroes Square and after the mandatory photos, we rode around the shaded areas of City Park. That is when a beautiful castle came into view.
Turns out the castle was built in 1986 to commemorate the Hungarian millennium. It mimics the castles in the Carpathian Basin (located in what is known as Transylvania). This was the area where the kingdom was settled around 895. Hungary lost this land to Romania after World War 1.
Széchenyi Thermal Baths
We were able to take a look at the most famous baths in the city (Budapest has around 125 thermal springs). Vicki showed us how to take a look at the inside from one of the windows located in the ticket area.
Liberty Bridge
After the park, we rode a large trajectory to reach the Liberty Bridge. We stopped in the middle of the bridge to enjoy the views of the Danube and to learn more about the different buildings and monuments are seen from there. After that, it was time to cross to the Buda side.
Buda Castle
We stopped in front of the imposing Buda Castle to learn about more about this place which was first completed in 1265. It is made of fortifications and a palace complex used by the Hungarian kings. It was built in what is known as Castle Hill (Matthias Church and Fishermen Bastion are also located here).
We took a good look at the infamous Chain Bridge from this stop too.
A Look at the Parliament
Our second stop on the Buda side was in front of the Parliament (which is on the Pest side). And let me tell you, if you visit Budapest, you need to find a nice place to observe this beautiful Gothic Revival building. This is a notable landmark of Hungary, the country’s largest building and the house of the Holy Crown.
Do not leave the city without taking a good amount of time to admire this place!
Liberty Square
We returned to the Pest side by crossing the Margaret Bridge. On Liberty Square, we discussed the current socio-economic situation of Hungary. Vicki gave us a very honest account of how Hungarians see their country and described living and work conditions.
Time to Savor Some Strudel
After biking around the city on a very hot day, it was time to eat some delicious strudel! I tried the apple and cottage cheese/ apricot flavors. My husband had the poppy seed/ cherry and cabbage ones.
We had an excellent time learning more about each other. In addition, Vicki answered all our questions about the country and the city.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
Our last stop was St. Stephen’s Basilica and the large square in front of it. It was exciting to know that we bike about 10 miles around the city. What an accomplishment!
A lady on the tour told me she does a bike tour every time she visits a new city. Well, I will need to follow her need. Yellow Zebra made me a convert.
Hope you have enjoyed this recount!
Details
- For more information about the bike tour I took with Yellow Zebra, click here
- The company offers other tours in Budapest and Prague
- The bike tours had a 3.5 hours duration
- This tour is appropriate for all ages. It is done in flat terrain and there are multiple stops. Believe me, I am not the fittest person in the world and I did more than fine
- Budapest has tons of dedicated bike lanes. It feels secure to ride around the city. In addition, your guide will explain everything you need to know to enjoy the tour
- You are not rushed during the tour. The pace is easy to follow.
- Come ready to enjoy!
What bike tours have you done in the past?
Pin it for later?
Disclosure: Yellow Zebra Bike Tours offered me a complimentary spot on their tour. In addition, it provided my husband with a discount on his tour. As always, my opinions are mine.
MP UPPAL says
Fabulous images of your country!
Ruth says
Hello, thanks for stopping by. Actually, I was visiting Budapest for several days. I am not from Hungary.
Lolo says
It’s amazing to see how much more vibrant Budapest is during summer! We went for NYE a few years ago and it was cold, gloomy and foggy. I’m dying to go back in the summer! And taking a bike ride looks just perfect! #CityTripping
Ruth says
I think you will find it completely different during summer. The streets were full of life, there was music everywhere and we even bumped into a couple of festivals. You have to visit late spring or late summer.
facile et beau - Gusta says
We were there too this year. My cousin lives there, but we didn’t rent a bike. I feel the traffic is horrible 🙂 Great pics!
Ruth says
Wow! It helps having family in the city. The tour took place from 11:00 to 2:30. The traffic is less during those times.
image-in-ing: weekly photo linky says
Lovely photos. What a beautiful city!
Thank you for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2016/09/los-viejos.html
Ruth says
Thanks a lot. I am glad you liked it.
Photo Cache says
What a fun way to explore a city. Definitely a bike tour will not work in San Fran, but if the terrain is pretty flat, I might consider this.
RUth says
Right, I that will not work on the hilly areas. But, you can rent bikes in the Embarcadero area. They give you a route where you can cross the Golden Gate Bridge, ride around Sausalito, take the bike into the ferry to Angel Island, bike in Angel Island and take the ferry back to the mainland. Of course, those bikes are electric.
Marcella ~ WhatAWonderfulWorld says
What a great way to see the city!! I love biking as you get to see so much, and great views on the way too 🙂
Ruth says
I think I am hooked on biking now. I have to take some practice runs on my own bike ;0)
Sharon Wagner says
Cabbage. Ga! I’d stick with the cream cheese. Yum.
Ruth says
The cabbage one tasted like an egg roll (less greasy). It was actually good.
Van @ Snow in Tromso says
I’ve never done a bike tour but I guess it’s a much better alternative to bus tours and also walking tours in a big city where walking would be too exhausting! I know Berlin is such a city for me and I’ll definitely consider biking if I ever get to Budapest 😉
Ruth says
I found the bike tour less challenging than a walking tour. On a walking tour, you are all the time n your feet. You move often but a lot of walking can be involved. I din’t feel tired after the bike tour. Plus, we were able to see a lot.
Merlinda Little (Glimmer of Hope) says
Amazing architecture and what an gorgeous place to visit =) #photofriday
Ruth says
Thanks Merlinda! The city is great!
bettyl - NZ says
What fabulous old architecture! You had perfect weather for your tour. How great that it was so much fun for your! Thanks for taking us along!
Ruth says
We were very lucky with the weather. I think that has a lot to do with the way we enjoyed the city. The architecture is beautiful because the city was part of the Hapsburg Empire.
ladyfi says
What a great way to see a city. Your shots are lovely!
Ruth says
Oh, thanks a lot! Glad you enjoyed this beautiful city.
Ava @ My Meena Life says
My husband went to Budapest for work and I remember him calling and saying he was so worn out because he walked 15 miles or so around the city to see everything. I think a bike tour makes it much easier to see things in a large city! Thanks for sharing! #FlyAwayFriday
Ruth says
I bet I walked a similar distance some days. You think the city is compact but you feel the burn after a couple of hours. The bike works well in order to save some energy.
Flo @ Yoga, Wine & Travel says
What an amazing way to explore the city – I can’t believe how much ground you guys covered in just 3.5 hours! Absolutely love the vibrancy of your photos, I will definitely add this to our to-do list when we make it to Budapest!
Ruth says
Yes, 10 miles is no joke. I didn’t it and don’t know how that happened. I didn’t feel it at all. It was lots of fun. Hope you can do something similar in the future.
Sadie says
Yours photos made me miss Budapest so much! Such a beautiful city!
Ruth says
Gosh! I think it is a city easy to miss. I want to go back already!
Paul and Carole says
This sounds and looks like a fabulous tour. Budapest is definitely on our to do list so have pinned this for future reference. Thanks for sharing!
Ruth says
You have to visit Budapest! I think you are going to be pleasantly surprised once you are there.
Anda says
This looks really interesting, Ruth. I love Budapest a lot, in fact my husband and I have an apartment there (he is Hungarian) and we visit the city quite often, but I’ve never heard of the Yellow Zebra bike tours. I guess you can cover a lot of territory on a bike, but I’d rather walk in a big city like that. Somehow it feels safer.
Ruth says
Anda, that is great! I wouldn’t mind having a place to stay while visiting the city. I am very interesting in discovering more of Hungary in the future. I didn’t mention I fell from the bike. At least, it wasn’t on the street. So walking may be safer ;0)
Ahila says
Sounds like a lovely bike tour and covering several of the key sites in Budapest and a stop for strudel! Thanks for sharing, Ruth.
Ruth says
The stop for strudel was great! Actually, everything on the tour was good. My favorite part was pedaling next to the river.
Paula McInerney says
Well done you. I can’t ride a bike, well I can but i was traumatised after a hairy ride in Vietnam and have totally lost my nerve. Lovely photos too.
Ruth says
Thanks Paula. I fell during the tour (it was my fault). I hope I do not get traumatized. But, riding a bike in Vietnam? I do not know about that.
Rhonda Albom says
The tour looks fabulous. Hubby and a daughter did a bike tour in Berlin and it was great. I’d like to go back to Budapest someday.
Ruth says
I have not been to Berlin but I think a bike tour there will work nicely. Hope you can return to Budapest.
Jeanna says
I was going to ask about the bike lanes, especially in unfamiliar terrain. Even though we’re supposed to be one of the best places to bike in the country I’ve got run into by a bike more than one and grazed by a car. Good for you, the photos are wonderful, it’s not easy to bike and carry a camera.So many great photos, I was struck most by the second pic of the baths.
Ruth says
The bike lanes were good. You have to be careful though since there is a lot of movement around you. Let me mention I only took photos during stops (we had plenty). I do not suggest taking pictures while in movement.
Lyndall @ SeizeThe Day Project says
What a great way to explore Budapest! I haven’t done a bike tour, but I have done a Segway tour which was awesome 🙂
Ruth says
Yellow Zebra has Segway tours too. Check them out if you are in Budapest.
Allison says
Biking around the city would give such an interesting perspective! I’m going to look into this the next time I travel. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Ruth says
Yes, try a bike tour in the next city you visit! I am sure you will learn a lot while having fun.
Anna says
Looks like a great idea! Will definitely try this bike tour when in Budapest #FlyAwayFriday
Ruth says
Oh nice! I am sure you will enjoy the activity.
Shobha says
It’s good to know that the bike tour is on flat terrain. I remember Budapest being quite hilly and I would have found it quite hard to bike. #theweeklypostcard
Ruth says
The majority of the tour takes place on the Pest side which is the flat area. Buda has the hills but we only biked next to the river there (we didn’t get tot he top of the hill).
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields says
As avid cyclists, this sounds like our kind of tour.
Ruth says
Oh yes, this would be a thing you will enjoy.
Ruth Daly says
I’ve never done a bike tour although I’ve seen them in some of the cities I’ve visited. You have convinced me to give it a try! Fabulous photos, as always.
Ruth says
I was a bit hesitant to do the bike tour but it ended up being great. You should give it a try.
Vlad says
Beautiful photos, I love Budapest and I’ve been thinking about returning for a while. I visited in winter and it was great, but I’d love to experience it during summer as well.
Ruth says
I think the city is nice in all seasons but I am happy I visited during summer. You can beat those views under sunny skies.
Mimi Rose says
I’m a huge fan of bike tours as well when I’m in a new city! It’s a great way to stay active and see a city from the eyes of a local. I loved Budapest when I went for a visit back in 2011, but I didn’t get a chance to do a bike tour. I’ll have to check out Yellow Zebra Bike Tours next time I’m in town! #FlyAwayFriday
Ruth says
Great to know you enjoy bike tours! Yes, check out the company during your next visit.
David says
When I visited Budapest I saw many of these spots by foot and tram, but I think cycling would be another pleasant way to sightsee. I am a little worried I would get distracted looking up at the buildings and not watch where I was going, but still. Such a beautiful city.
Ruth says
I saw a lot by foot too. And,you are right. It is not easy to pay attention when you want to see your surroundings ;0)
Cathy (Mummytravels) says
I would love to do this – I’ve done a couple of bike tours including Ljubljana and they were great. We saw so much more than on foot and as they’re normally a smaller group, it’s easy to chat about the country. This sounds a perfect intro to Budapest. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
Ruth says
I saw trains going to Ljubljana from Budapest. I need to go back to the city and travel south.
Corinne says
Ruth, I think bike tours are great as well. It’s a little more independent and it’s certainly better exercise than climbing those four bus steps! Love Budapest, too.
Thanks for linking up with #wkendtravelinspiration!
Ruth says
Yes, I get your feeling. I have tried bus tours but there is something that doesn’t click. I prefer walking and bike tours.
Elizabeth (Wander Mum) says
A really great way to see a city. I went to Budapest quite a long time ago so really great to refresh my memory a bit with your fantastic photos and facts that I wasn’t aware of. #citytripping
Ruth says
I feel the same. Every time I see photos of a city I visited a long time ago, I feel excited because of the memories they bring. Plus, I feel like visiting again.
Chloe says
Beautiful!! I’ll have to keep this in mind for my trip to Europe over the holidays!! We’ll be in Budapest around Xmas & NYE and have never been! This got me soooo excited for it! Thanks for sharing on #FlyAwayFriday!
Ruth says
Wow! I am sure that trip is going to be awesome! Would like to visit the city at the end of the year.
Kana says
I’ve never been to Budapest but now I really want to! Thanks for sharing and joining #FlyAwayFriday!
Ruth says
Oh! You would love the city. You need to visit one day.
Upeksha says
The bike ride looks great fun. I’ve not done any Bike Tours, but would like to go on one.I think it must be a great was to see a city with lots going on! Thanks for sharing. #citytripping
Ruth says
Thanks for stopping by. Bike tours are fun! Not only I want to repeat the adventure but want to use my own bike more often.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says
I like that the tour is not too long and not too fast. Plus, it included strudel! My 11 year old daughter is a little late at just now learning how to ride a bike. One of my motivations to get her to do it is that we’ve had to avoid city bike tours, and I really want do one some day. My husband has been to Budapest many times and will be back next month. He’s seen many of these sites, but never by bike. I will suggest this to him.
Ruth says
I am glad your daughter is learning to bike. This should be a fun activity to do with the entire family.
Johanna Bradley says
I’m all for city tours with like minded people. Much easier than trying to do it with your nose in a book (or App, I suppose 🙂 ). I can’t ride to save my life but I do think it’s a great idea, and always nice to see something different.
Ruth says
You are too funny! In other cities I did walking tours and they were really good.
Trekking with Becky says
WOW! What a great tour! I think I would’ve gone nuts not being able to go inside, especially the castle, but you clearly had enough time to take wonderful shots. 😀
Ruth says
Well, the thing is that we went back to check more of the castle. It was one of out favorite places in the city.
Mandy says
What a fantastic tour! I took a bike tour in Soweto, Johannesburg and it was a lot of fun. This tour looks great and a really good way to discover the city. Definitely pinning this!
Ruth says
Thanks Mandy! I am glad you discovered the good side of biking!
Travis says
Budapest is beautiful! In my opinion, taking a bike tour is the best way to see any city — unless you prefer walking, that is!
Ruth says
Agree! You can cover way more territory on a bike.
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