How much time is needed to explore the architecture of Budapest? What should be showcased to a professional group from the built heritage of a historic city? What can be achieved with 50,000 steps?

During the last weekend of April 2024, we led a three-day urban tour for a group organised by the Austrian Architektur Zentrum Wien. Following their inquiry, we prepared a detailed programme back in November last year, condensing the visit to nearly 50 buildings into three packed days. The tour was crafted with the input and initial ideas from Maria Welzig, an art historian and member of AzW, while János Klaniczay, an architect and curator at KÉK, organised the routes and undertook the marathon leading of the tours from the KÉK Urban Walks team.

On the first day, the focus was on Inner-Erzsébetváros, Budapest metros, and the modern architecture of Újbuda. The second day was dedicated to exploring the built heritage of Margaret Island, the fantastic structures of Víziváros, and the history of Millenáris. On the third day, we managed to include Vizafogó Park, Nyugati Railway Station, City Park, the Salgótarjáni Road Jewish cemetery, and even the Art Nouveau architecture of Herminamező.

At several locations, the participants were guided by the designers themselves, who provided authentic information firsthand. The renovation history of the Rumbach Street synagogue was outlined by Tamás Kőnig. We learned about the transformation of the new office of Bánáti+Hartvig from Bánáti Bodo. Bence Dobos from the Archikon office presented the renovation of the Palatinus baths, while Bianka Varga shared the story of the creation of Vizafogó Park. The architecture of the Kapás Street condominium in Víziváros was explained by Gergely Fernezelyi and Imre Szűcs, architects at FBIS. The history of Millenáris Park was narrated by Dominika Tihanyi, founder of the Újirány group, and we even gained access to the enormous space of the Ganz hall. Furthermore, we managed to enter the fantastic staircase of the Dugattyús house, thanks to the remarkable initiative of the condominium, allowing us in anytime for a 10,000 HUF contribution. During the guided tour at the House of Music Hungary, the group got acquainted with Fujimoto's building in Budapest. We also visited the KÉK project gallery on Bartók Béla Street, where we attended a brief presentation on KÉK's work and the current developments in Budapest.

Even writing it down is lengthy.

The undeniably intense three-day programme included opportunities to indulge in fantastic meals at Mazel Tov, KEG Sörművház, Mandragóra, and Szaletly restaurants, providing the group with exciting tastes from the gastronomic scene of the capital.

We are grateful for this challenging invitation; it was very exciting for us as well. Special thanks to the many contributors who enriched the tours with their presentations of buildings and designs.

Of course, it is impossible to explore this city in such a short time. But as a start, it's not bad.