Tested all major free walking tour companies around Parliament and Chain Bridge:

Free Budapest Tours: Best guides, 2.5 hours, Parliament to Fisherman's Bastion via funicular. Suggested tip 2000-3000 HUF for Castle Hill route.

Strawberry Tours: Shorter (2 hours), entertaining guides, communist history focus around Heroes' Square. Tip range 1500-2500 HUF.

Discovery Tours: Biggest groups, less personal, reliable daily schedule from Vörösmarty tér. Standard tip 2000 HUF for Pest side only.

Total with tips: 1500-3000 HUF vs paid Széchenyi thermal bath tours 8000-12000 HUF. Most meet Vörösmarty Square. Book online for peak season.