Budapest Danube River
Budapest, Hungary
Flowing through the city of Budapest, the Danube River is the lifeline of the Hungarian capital. It’s also the geographic center separating the hilly Buda district on the west bank (Buda side) from the bustling east bank (Pest side). As the second longest river in Europe, it has been an important trade route for centuries. It even served as the northern boundary of the Roman Empire. While the Romans are long gone, you’ll still find ruins, or what remains of their fortresses, along the river banks.The striking waterfront is also part of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage site–home to landmarks such as the Central Market Hall, Szechenyi Chain Bridge, the Liberty Bridge, the Hungarian Parliament Building, Margaret Island, and the Buda Castle District. Two of the city’s top sites, Matthias Church and Buda Castle, both of which are on Buda Castle Hill, provide amazing views of the Danube River and of the Pest side of the city.
The basics
A Danube River cruise is a highlight of many Budapest sightseeing tours. Options include lunch or dinner cruises, wine-tasting cruises, and moonlight cocktail cruises with drinks like Hungarian sparkling wine. Or if a water tour isn’t enticing, head out of the city to explore the scenic towns of the Danube Bend, a popular day trip from Budapest. Learn about the history of the countryside with stops in Esztergom, Visegrad, and Szentendre, before enjoying the scenic journey back to Budapest along the river.
Things to know before you go
Boat tours operating on the river include panoramic cruise ships, amphibious coaches, and private small boats.
Cruises typically last 1-2 hours.
Bring warm clothing if traveling on an open-air boat—this part of Eastern Europe gets chilly, especially at night.
Wear comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestone streets.
Please note that most boat cruises are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check in advance.
How to get there
Wherever you are in the city, it’s easy to get to the riverside. The Big Bus Budapest Hop-On Hop-Off Tour makes several stops along the river. The most popular stretch of the river runs between the Green Bridge and Margaret Island. Cruises leave from both sides of the river, with most piers located close to the Chain Bridge.
When to get there
Budapest Danube River tours run regularly year-round, but the ideal months to visit are March to May before the summer heat and the flood of summer tourists arrive. To enjoy the most atmospheric views, opt for a sunset sightseeing cruise or a night cruise. For an unforgettable experience, book a Christmas cruise and admire the waterfront illuminations as they reflect off the water while you enjoy a festive onboard lunch or dinner.
Cruising along the Danube
The Danube is Europe’s second longest river. It runs for 1,785 miles (2,872 kilometers) from the Black Forest region in Germany to the Black Sea on the east coast of Romania and passes through 10 countries and four capital cities making it a sought after river cruise with picturesque sights.
A multi-day cruise on the river to and from Budapest is a popular choice, particularly in the summer and holiday seasons, with destinations such as Vienna and Salzburg in Austria, Passau and the Wachau Valley in Germany, and Bratislava in Slovakia.
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