Taking Yourself on a Budapest Bike Tour

Budapest, the enchanting capital of Hungary, is a city brimming with historical charm, architectural wonders, and vibrant culture. While there are many ways to explore this beautiful city, one of the most exhilarating and eco-friendly options is embarking on a self-guided bike tour.

With the emergence of more bike lanes, Budapest invites you to pedal your way through its historic streets. We’ve crafted the ultimate self guided bike tour route to add to your Budapest itinerary as well as info on where to rent a traditional bike or a more modern e-scooter for an unforgettable two-wheeled adventure!

Budapest as a Bike-Friendly City

Budapest has accumulated over 200 km of cycling pathways with plans to increase the length of cycling paths to 300 km. The designated cycle paths are painted red and have two yellow stripes on the sides. In some places, a yellow bicycle is painted in the middle of the route.

While there are more spacious bike paths by the riverside and nearer to the outskirts of town, the city center is still comfortable to navigate by bike.

Where to Rent a Bike in Budapest

Budapest provides numerous options for renting bikes and catering to different preferences (e-bike anyone?) and budgets. Let the day take you where it may with a self-guided tour around Buda and Pest with the help of these bike rental options.

Mol Bubi

As Budapest's bespoke public bike-sharing system, Mol Bubi provides an affordable and accessible option for a self-guided cycling tour. Look for Mol Bubi stations scattered throughout the city, where you can pick up one of these lime green bikes and return it at any other station when you're done.

Mol Bubi uses a pay-as-you-go structure, charging 40 HUF (~0,10 Euro)/minute. There's a Mol Bubi station right in front of Gellért Tér, on the right of the green Liberty Bridge. And you don't need to return to this original station to finish your ride! You can dock your bike at any of the 112 stations around the city.

iBikeBudapest

Want a more comfortable ride? Get a bike with electric assistance! Relax and enjoy the ride on an e-bike with iBikeBudapest. They're just like regular bikes but with an extra boost. The bike rental and tour office is in the heart of Budapest, right next to the famous food destination, the Great Market Hall.

These bikes have long-lasting batteries that can go over 100 kilometers. Prices range from around €15 for up to 8 hours to discounted rates for multiple day rentals.

BikeBase

Located in the city center, near Nyugati Railway Station, BikeBase offers a wide range of rental bikes, including city, e-bikes, and tandem bikes. They even offer kid's bikes (although they must be reserved in advance)! Payment is accepted in cash only.

Prices for City & Hybrid Bikes start at €9 for up to 5 hours with discounted rates for multiple day rentals.

The Ultimate Bike Route in Budapest

The Historical Buda Castle District

Let's start close to your vacation home at BudaHome Apartments. For history enthusiasts, the Buda Castle District presents a captivating route, and it's just beyond the Gellért Hill area.

Once you've made your way up through the winding back roads of the hill, you can stop to marvel at the grandeur of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Buda Castle, Matthias Church, and Fisherman's Bastion. As you navigate the cobblestone streets, pause for breathtaking panoramic views of Pest, the eastern side of the city.

You'll likely be stopping and starting quite a bit as you catch sight of the Baroque-style mansions, romantic villas, and elaborate gardens of Castle Hill. Stop to admire some statues that decorate the city, including those of Hungarian poets and musicians. As you wind your way back down the hill, you'll find yourself back at the river, this time to explore the Danube Promenade.

Danube Promenade (Buda Side)

Perhaps one of the most bike-friendly areas in the city, there's a wide bike lane running the length of the Danube on the Buda side. Walking the Danube is a popular activity but if you want to cover more ground, doing it by bike is the way to go.

Ride north up the river and pass the red-bricked Szilágyi Dezső temple before you stop off at Batthyány Tér for a postcard-perfect, unrestricted view of Parliament. The square is also just in front of cute restaurants if you want to stop for a healthy snack at Edeni Vegan with its plant-based menu or the colorful House of Franziska. After your refreshments, continue northwards towards Margaret Island.

Margaret Island (Margitsziget)

The picturesque Margaret Island is located in the heart of the Danube River, sometimes called the "Green Lung" of Budapest. This peaceful oasis offers a car-free environment, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely bike ride.

Access the island from the iconic Margaret Bridge and follow the cycling path that encircles the island. Take care to stay on the paved paths--there is a 5k running path along the island's perimeter, and it's unspoken etiquette to keep that path clear for the runners. There's a network of sidewalks closer to the inside of the island that are suitable for bikes.

As you cruise along, you'll encounter beautifully landscaped gardens (like the only Japanese garden in Budapest!), medieval ruins, thermal baths, and the musical fountain. Enjoy the calming atmosphere and take breaks to savor the island's many attractions.

Danube Promenade (Pest Side)

Once you leave Margaret Island, continue across the bridge into Pest, where you can enjoy a straight shot down the Danube Promenade. Stop off for a picture of the iconic Hungarian Parliament Building or to take a somber moment at the Shoes on the Danube memorial.

For a summer weekend bonus Budapest has created a way to make the streets even more bike-friendly! Most of the length of the Danube Promenade is pedestrianized, so you're able to bike directly along the riverside from Margaret Bridge all the way down to Elizabeth Bridge.

Join fellow cyclists, rollerbladers, casual strollers, and others as you get up close and personal with the Danube River! Take note, this only occurs on the Pest side of the river.

Andrassy Avenue and City Park (Városliget)

If you're ready to return home to Gellért Hill, you can close the loop by crossing either the Szechényi Chain Bridge (newly renovated and resplendent with its carved stone lions), or go a bit further down the river and cross the Danube under the striking green spires of Liberty Bridge.

For more sightseeing, head deeper into Pest, toward Andrássy Avenue. This tree-lined boulevard is known for its stunning architecture and high-end boutiques.

On one end you'll find Deák Ference Tér, a bustling transport hub; on the other end you'll find Heroes' Square, a monumental plaza showcasing statues of Hungarian historical figures.

On the way, you’ll pass by the State Opera House (recently renovated and returned to its cultural splendor) and the House of Terror Museum, where you can learn about Budapest's dark past during World War II and the Communist era.

Once you reach Heroes' Square, you can ride further into City Park (Városliget), one of the largest green spaces in the city. Here you will be able to pedal around Vajdahunyad Castle, visit the renowned Széchenyi Thermal Bath or House of Music and unwind by the picturesque lake.

E-bike Alternatives in Budapest

MonsteRoller

MonseRoller offers an extra large e-bike rental that will certainly catch your eye. A few years ago, it was even named the #1 Outdoor Activity in Budapest on TripAdvisor. This giant-wheeled e-scooter offers more mobility, as guests can be fully seated as they cruise through the city on an e-bike tour.

In addition, some may find the MonsteRoller scooters easier to maneuver than classic bikes. Aside from private rental, MonsteRoller also offers guided tours of the city.

Prices start at around €22 for the first hour and €10 there after.

Lime Scooter

Like the Mol Bubi bike scheme, these lime green electric scooters and bikes have taken the city by storm. As one of the largest E-transport services in the world, Lime has a reliable network and an easy to use app for rental. Pick up a Lime Scooter from the nearest port and ride around until you're ready to hop off! Prices vary but can be confirmed on the map.

Guided Budapest Bike Tours

If you’re not ready to go at it alone or want to go with a knowledgeable guide in a small group, look at some of the city's best guided bike tours. These are a few of our favorites:

• iBikeBudapest: A private 3 to 3.5 hour tour of the Budapest Riverside and Margaret Island.
• Budapest Bike Breeze: Offers a weekly bike tour schedule with themed rides that include “Wheels and Meals.”
• Yellow Zebra Tours: A four hour small group bike tour with a cafe stop.

Hungary Biking Beyond Budapest

Hungarians love cycling--did you know there's a Tour de Hongrie (based on the Tour de France) here every year? Advanced or pleasure-cyclers even do a day trip biking up north to the medieval village of Szentendre or take their bikes down to Lake Balaton (one of the biggest lakes in Central Europe) and spend days cycling around, stopping for wine and lángos along the way.

A Biking Tour of Budapest

Whether you're a cycling enthusiast or simply looking for a unique sightseeing tour in Budapest, these bike routes will bring you closer to the city's vibrant culture and stunning scenery.

Taking a bike tour around Budapest is a wonderful way to explore the city while getting some exercise. You can take many routes, from traditional tourist spots to more off-the-beaten-path locales.

Ready to book your Budapest adventure? You’ll need the perfect place to base your adventure. Let BudaHome Apartments be your home away from home!