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Sail through Budapest's iconic landmarks on a Danube River boat tour
Cruises in BudapestThings to see
Budapest River cruises allow you to explore the city’s highlights from a unique vantage point. These Danube River boats sail along the Buda and Pest sides of the city and offer scenic views of attractions like the Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, Szechenyi Bridge, and more. You can enjoy sparkling cocktails, live folklore shoes, and other amenities on board.
Top landmarks to spot on your Budapest River cruise
Hungarian Parliament Building
A masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture, the Hungarian Parliament Building is one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks. Situated on the banks of the Danube, the structure is renowned for its historicity, ornate facade, and towering stature. The interior is adorned with statues, paintings, and gold leaves.
Visit Hungarian Parliament
Buda Castle
Perched atop Buda Hill, the Buda Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important part of the city’s cultural heritage. Originally a royal palace, it showcases a blend of Gothic and Baroque architectural styles. When visiting the Buda Castle, look out for its museum and set aside some time to explore its majestic courtyards and gardens.
Visit Buda Castle
Rudas Thermal Baths
Dating back to the 16th century, the Rudas thermal baths offer a serene retreat. Its thermal pools, fed by natural hot springs, offer the perfect backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation. You can also admire its Ottoman-era architecture.
Visit Rudas Thermal Baths
Matthias Church
The Matthias Church, located in the Buda district, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, featuring intricate stone carvings and colorful tiled roofs. Inside, you will find stained glass windows and ornate frescoes depicting historical scenes.
Fisherman’s Bastion
Offering panoramic views of the city, the Fisherman’s Bastion was built to honor the fishermen who protected the city in medieval times. The structure features Neo-Gothic and Neo-Romanesque elements, with 7 towers representing the 7 Magyar tribes of the Carpathian Basin.
Erzsebet Bridge
Named after Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), the Erszebet Bridge connects Buda and Pest across the Danube River. With its elegant suspension design and ornate lanterns, it provides a picturesque backdrop for strolls along the riverbank and offers stunning views of the city’s landmarks.
Gellert Hill
Gellert Hill rises majestically above the Danube, offering panoramic views of the city. Atop the hill stands the Liberty Statue, commemorating Hungary’s liberation from Nazi occupation. Look out for its walking paths, caves, and the Citadel while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Gellert Thermal Baths
Situated at the foot of Gellert Hill, the Gellert Thermal Baths are renowned for their therapeutic waters and Art Nouveau architecture. Here, you can indulge in a range of spa treatments, saunas, and massages, and also admire the intricate tilework and stained glass windows.
Petofi Bridge
The Petofi Bridge spans the Danube River, connecting the city's central districts. Named after the renowned Hungarian poet Sandor Petofi, it features a sleek modern design with pedestrian walkways, making it a popular spot for leisurely walks and sunset views.
Mupa Budapest
The Mupa Budapest, also known as the Palace of Arts, is a cultural hub showcasing a diverse array of performances, including music, dance, theater, and visual arts. Its striking contemporary architecture and state-of-the-art facilities make it a premier destination for cultural enthusiasts.
National Theater
Situated along the Danube River, the National Theater is a modern architectural marvel hosting a wide range of theatrical performances, including dramas, operas, and ballets. Its sleek design and waterfront location make it a prominent landmark in the city’s cultural landscape.
Balna
The Balna, meaning ‘whale’ in Hungarian, is a contemporary cultural and commercial complex along the Danube waterfront. With its innovative design and diverse array of shops, restaurants, and exhibition spaces, Balna contributes immensely to the city’s cultural heritage.
Central Market Hall
The Central Market Hall, located at the Pest end of Liberty Bridge, is a bustling marketplace offering a variety of Hungarian delicacies, fresh produce, and handicrafts. Its grand Neo-Gothic architecture and vibrant atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and souvenir enthusiasts alike.
Szechenyi Chain Bridge
The Szechenyi Chain Bridge, spanning the Danube River, connects the Buda and Pest side of the city. Completed in 1849, it was the first permanent bridge across the Danube. When illuminated at night, the Chain Bridge is a majestic sight, making it a favorite among visitors and photographers alike.
Shoes on the Danube Bank
The Shoes on the Danube Bank are a somber reminder of the city’s tragic past. Thousands of Jews were executed by fascist Arrow Cross militiamen during World War II. The iron shoes represent those Jews, who were ordered to remove their shoes before being shot.
Margaret Island
Nestled in the Danube River, Margaret Island is a tranquil oasis offering lush gardens, recreational facilities, and cultural attractions. It is a popular recreational outdoor destination, famous for its scenic paths, thermal baths, medieval ruins, and musical fountains.
A visual guide to Budapest River cruises | Scenic views, Hungarian wines, and folklore shows
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Types of Budapest River cruises
Sightseeing cruises
These cruises operate throughout the day and offer splendid views of the city’s iconic attractions. Enjoy multilingual audio guides and unlimited drinks on your sightseeing cruises, depending on the option you choose.
Recommended tours:
Evening cruises
These cruises operate after sunset hours and are ideal for visitors looking to experience a slice of the city’s nightlife. From unlimited drinks to live music to elaborate candlelight dinners, there is something for everyone on board.
Recommended tours:
Dinner cruises
These cruises are perfect for music aficionados and wine lovers. Visitors who want to know more about the Hungarian way of life, their culture, and cuisine must book these tickets. These sightseeing cruises include a 3 or 6-course candlelight dinner and live folklore shows.
Recommended tours:
Cocktail cruises
These cruises offer the best of what Budapest has to offer, from scenic views of the city’s landmarks, live music, unlimited drinks, and golden hour photo opportunities. You must be above 17 years of age to enjoy drinks in sightseeing cruises.
Recommended tours:
Party Boat cruises
These cruises operate from 5 PM to 9 PM and offer the best of the city’s nightlife. You can savor a pizza and enjoy unlimited drinks as you cruise along the Danube and watch the illuminated landmarks at night. These cruises also offer non-alcoholic beverages.
Recommended tours:
Cruise combos
If you have a full day to spend in the city, these cruises are perfect for you. These cruise combos allow you to explore the city’s historic attractions from up close. You can spend a day at the Szechenyi thermal baths or take a 45-minute guided tour of the Hungarian Parliament as well as enjoy a sightseeing cruise along the Danube.
Recommended tours:
Book Budapest River cruises
Full-Day Access to Széchenyi Spa + Danube River Sightseeing Cruise
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Combo (Save 5%): Hungarian Parliament Guided Tour + Danube River Sightseeing Cruise Tickets
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Frequently asked questions about Budapest River cruises
What are some popular sights to see on a Budapest River cruise?
The Budapest River cruises offer gorgeous views of the city’s iconic landmarks situated on the Danube River bank. You can spot attractions like the Szechenyi Chain Bridge, Shoes along the Danube, Buda Castle, the Hungarian Parliament building, and more.
Do Budapest River cruises offer audio guides?
Yes, most Budapest River day or evening sightseeing cruises include complimentary multilingual audio guides to acquaint you with the historicity of its landmarks.
Where do Budapest River cruises depart from?
Your boarding points will vary depending on the kind of cruises you choose. Most Budapest sightseeing cruises depart from Jane Haining rakpart, Dock no. 11, or the Vigado Square.
Can I book Budapest River cruises online?
Yes, we recommend you purchase Budapest River cruises online to reserve your spot in advance and avoid waiting in long lines. Online ticket bookings are convenient and save time and money. When booking tickets online, you can browse from a variety of options.
What is the best month to go on a Budapest River cruise?
March to May offers pleasant temperatures, so even if you book daytime sightseeing cruises, you can lounge on the deck for as long as you want. If you are interested in sunset cruises, you can plan a visit between April to August. The longer daylight hours help you to make the most of your visit. If you are visiting during the Christmas season, book a Danube River Christmas cruise to watch the festive decorations and illuminated landmarks.
How long are Budapest River cruises?
Most Budapest sightseeing and evening cruises are around 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. Budapest dinner cruises, accompanied by live folklore shows, last around 3 hours.
Are food and drinks served on Budapest River cruises?
Yes, most Budapest sightseeing cruises offer cocktails on board. Budapest dinner cruises offer a 3 or 6-course candlelight dinner. Some Budapest Party Boat cruises and evening cocktail cruises also offer unlimited drinks during your journey.
Can I bring my camera on Budapest River cruises?
Yes, we recommend you bring a camera and mobile phone on Budapest River cruises. You can click stunning pictures of the Danube River and spot the city’s landmarks as you cruise along. Sunset cruises offer the best golden hour photo opportunities.
Can I cancel my Budapest River cruise tickets?
Yes, except for cruise combos, you can avail of flexible cancellation policies on all Budapest sightseeing, evening, and dinner cruises. If you book these cruises online and cannot make it on the day of your departure, you can cancel them up to 24 hours before the experience begins, and get a full refund on your purchase.
