Explore Budapest’s VIII district: from Keleti station to the gypsy ghetto. Uncover urban history, migration, and vibrant culture on this unique tour.
- Keleti pályaudvar - Discover the rich history of this iconic train station.
Explore the renowned arrival hall built for Princess Sissi.
Travel back in time 100 years. While it may not be as stunning as the frescoed Lotz Hall, which serves as the treasury, the eclectic style of the ballroom remains surprising and impressive. Despite signs of neglect, the Greek-style supporting columns, large window frames, marble coverings, and carved wooden details evoke a sense of its former glory.
- Fiumei Road Cemetery - Understand the history of this former Communist Cemetery.
Learn about local death customs.
Admire the beautiful tombs and architecture that make this outdoor museum unique.
Climb to the top of Kossuth’s tomb, who was the governor of Hungary during the revolution, for the best views of the 8th district.
Discover the fate of the martyred Prime Minister Batthyány.
- Természet Fitotéka Kkt. - Visit the refurbished László tér, learn about the history of the carbon market that was once located here, and understand why it is named after the famous Hungarian writer.
- Sorsok Háza - Európai Oktatási Központ - The House of Fates is a highly debated, unfinished museum in Budapest, Hungary, designed to convey the government’s message about the Holocaust of Hungarian Jews. The memory of the Holocaust has sparked intense debates since the end of communist control in Hungary. Over the past 30 years, no other issue has provoked such strong emotions in public life.
Observe the unique building, designed by Attila F. Kovács, featuring a giant star and railway carriage towers, which remind us of the tragic events that began at this location.
- Kínai Piac (China Market) - Józsefváros market, also known as Four Tigers Market, is situated in an old industrial estate and is one of the largest wholesale markets. Guests should note that the market is closed on holidays such as Christmas and Easter.
- Orczy tér - Orczy tér in Józsefváros is often seen as a symbol of traffic disorder. Its renewal has been planned for decades, but implementation is frequently delayed. Many view it as a confusing, disreputable area with an opaque set of tram tracks and sidewalk islands. Over the years, the region has faced numerous social challenges, exacerbated by the influx of commuters.
Visitors have the opportunity to explore the heart of this area. The Csobánc Társasház, designed by the award-winning György Kévés, is a striking “complex architectural work” with characteristic brick architecture and numerous arches that strongly evoke the early modern architectural world of 1910. See the unique Kokárda Catacomb, memorial, and underground chapel at the center of this project, which commemorates the failed revolutions of 1848 and 1956. Learn how this new housing complex marked the beginning of significant gentrification for the area.
- Certified guide
The outer part of the viii district was considered as a no-go area, deemed the gypsy ghetto, the district is often still considered one of the most undesirable, run-down, poor, and depressing parts of the city.
Despite this, the area has inspired urban rappers from Animal Cannables, Arnold to Mr.Joint & Ferke. The district has inspired movies from Pál utca fiúk (Paul Street Boys), Nyolcker (The Eight District), and A Good Day to Die Hard.
The tour is very suitable for those interested in migration, and urban and architectural history. It enables participants the chance to explore the issues surrounding the district and its unique culture and vibrant history. Józsefváros is a heterogeneous and dynamically changing area and an ideal site to examine the effects of urban diversity.
On this tour you will explore…
-Keleti train station.
-The cemetery.
-Orczy Ter Cross
-The gypsy ghetto.
-Discover the fate of the house of fates museum.
-Chinese market and former Ganz factory.
- The Chinesse market is closed on Christmas and Easter holidays.
- Must be able to walk 4kms in 2.5 hours.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.