Experience Our Hungary

Our customized, private insider tours of Hungary feature our favorite places and experiences in the country

One of the world’s most beautiful hotels...

The Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace is a masterpiece of Budapest’s Art Nouveau period. Natural light floods through the vaulted glass skylights of the atrium lobby, illuminating Zsolnay tile, wrought iron and stained glass details.

Decorative arts...

For travelers interested in the decorative arts, we can arrange tours of the interiors of some of Budapest’s most impressive buildings, such as the Hungarian Parliament, the Gellert Thermal Bath and the Museum of Applied Arts.

Favorite pastime...

Budapest has a strong cafe culture, supported by good coffee and delicious pastries. We recommend visiting one of Budapest’s famed cafes to enjoy a snack, see the beautiful interiors and take in the local lifestyle.

Something sweet...

Pastries are a specialty of Hungary. Some of our favorites are flaky strudel with fillings like sour cherry and sweet poppy seed paste; dobos torte, a multi-layered sponge cake with chocolate buttercream; and kurtoskalacs, the cylindrical “chimney cake” that’s cooked on a wooden spindle over coals.

A night at the opera...

The Hungarian State Opera House in Budapest is one of the most celebrated opera houses in the world for its architecture, acoustics and productions. Artisans of Leisure can arrange tours of the beautiful neo-Renaissance building, as well as tickets to performances.

Did you know...

Palinka, a traditional Hungarian fruit brandy, was originally consumed by farmers to help digest a hearty breakfast before a day of hard work in the fields? Today, it is enjoyed as both an aperitif and digestive by connoisseurs.

Hot springs...

Budapest has more than 100 thermal springs. We can take you to the best places to relax in the hot springs, including open-air pools and baths inside atmospheric historic building. Artisans of Leisure can also arrange a visit to Lake Heviz, one of the largest thermal lakes in the world.

Markets...

Food, art and antiques enthusiasts will enjoy the colorful and diverse goods at Budapest’s top markets.

If you love food...

Have us arrange a private cooking class to learn to make Hungarian culinary specialties such as goulash, paprikash and cheese dumplings.

A special view...

In Buda (the hilly side of Budapest), stroll along Fisherman’s Bastion, a walkway with stunning views over the Danube River to Pest (the flat part of the city) and beyond.

One-of-a-kind museum...

The Museum of Ethnography in Budapest displays an extensive array of traditional crafts, clothing and folk art from Hungary and other countries around the world. The museum is located in the former Ministry of Justice building, a grand palace dating from 1872.

Porcelain...

For porcelain enthusiasts, Artisans of Leisure can arrange a visit to the Herend Porcelain Minimanufactory and Porcelain Museum.

Musical traditions...

Experience a tanchaz, a friendly gathering focused on traditional Hungarian folk music and dancing.

Best-kept secret...

Hungary has 22 designated wine regions, though little of the wonderful wine produced in the country is exported. Artisans of Leisure can arrange visits to some of Hungary’s most renowned restaurants and wineries to enjoy top Hungarian wines such as Tokaji, a typically sweet wine with a golden color, and Egri Bikaver red wine.

Best shopping...

Budapest has a great antiques district and a large flea market where we’ve found beautiful antique Zsolnay and Herend ceramics, Art Nouveau pieces, colorful embroidery, painted woodcarvings, crystal glassware and fashions by contemporary Hungarian designers.

Family history...

We can arrange private genealogy tours to help you research your family history.

Great for kids...

The Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden is in the heart of the city and close to many interesting cultural attractions. A longtime favorite destination for children and parents, it was established in 1866 and is one of the oldest zoos in the world.

Insider tour...

Have us arrange an in-depth private tour of the Margit Kovacs Museum in Szentendre to learn about the fascinating life of the celebrated Hungarian ceramic artist.

Nearby...

A tour of Hungary can easily be extended with time in Vienna, Prague and/or Krakow.