A boat tour in Budapest - everything you need to know
In the heart of the European continent lies the city of Budapest, a breathtakingly picturesque city that boasts a rich history and magnificent architectural buildings. The beautiful city is crossed by the raging Danube River, the second largest river in Europe that passes through no less than ten countries on the continent. One of the magical ways to see the beauty of the city is on a cruise tour between its iconic sites, aboard a panoramic ship that will reveal to you the beauty of the city from a slightly different point of view.
So let's get on board and take a short cruise on the Danube together:
Breathtaking panoramic view:
It is impossible not to start talking about the visual spectacle you will see during the cruise. From the moment you board one of the river docks, and sit down in your comfortable chair on the top floor of the ship, you will begin to see the iconic sites of the city, as the urban landmarks are revealed in a completely new light, from a unique point of view. And when the day turns to night, the buildings change in an instant and become masterpieces illuminated by glowing lanterns against the starry sky of the city.
Which sites will you get to see on the cruise tour?
Most cruise tours focus on the Budapest city sector itself, and will take you within the boundaries of the sector between the city's Great Market and the green Margaret Island. Let's discover the sites you can discover on the cruise tour:
Margaret Bridge (Margaret Bridge)- Margaret Bridge, or Margaret Hand in Hungarian, is considered one of the most important and beautiful bridges in the city. The ancient bridge connects the parts of the city - Buda and Pest, and in addition serves as an entrance gate to Margaret Island, the urban oasis of Budapest. The bridge is designed in a unique architectural way that creates a Y shape, and it offers a wonderful panoramic view of the city's skyline, especially at sunset.
Margaret Island - In the heart of the Danube River, between Buda and Pest, Margit Island is located, which offers a peaceful retreat in the bustling city. The island, which covers an area of 2.5 km, boasts abundant parks, well-kept gardens and a variety of unique attractions. In the summer months, the island hosts the famous Ziget Festival, a music festival that attracts thousands of young people and music lovers from all over the world.
The Hungarian Parliament Building- The highlight of your cruise tour. The Hungarian Parliament building, located on the banks of the Danube on the Pest side of the city, is considered a symbol of magnificent Hungarian architecture. The breathtaking building boasts a beautiful facade that consists of 90 statues of Hungarian historical figures. The building is an amazing example of neo-Gothic architecture with a touch of Renaissance and Baroque styles, and is an inspiring sight, no matter what time of day you visit it. At night, the building is illuminated by dozens of lanterns that give it warm tones and enhance its impressive facade, creating a spectacle that you simply must not miss.
Buda Castle - On top of a hill on the side of the Buda neighborhood, you will find the Buda Castle, also known as the Royal Palace, a historical icon that has dominated the city's skyline for centuries. The magical complex is a gateway to Budapest's past, and in the complex you will find the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum and the famous Széchenyi Library.
Vigadó Concert Hall - Returning to the side of Pest, this time to the famous concert hall located on the banks of the river. This magnificent hall is an architectural masterpiece and serves as the center of the city's musical life. Although on the cruise tour you will not be able to discover its elegant interiors, but you will be able to view the impressive front of the hall.
Gellert Hill - Gellert Hill is one of the green lungs of the vibrant city, and it is actually a wooded hill that rises high and overlooks the city of Budapest from above. The hill is named after St. Gerard who was thrown to his death from it, and today you will find hiking trails in the heart of urban nature. At the top of the hill stands the Statue of Liberty, a magnificent monument that can be seen from almost all parts of the city. On the boat tour you will be able to spot the amazing monument and get a new angle from the pastoral waters of the Danube.
The Great Market of Budapest (Central Market Hall)- Inside a beautiful neo-Gothic building you will find the city's Great Market, one of the popular visiting sites in Budapest, where you will find dozens of stalls selling everything from fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses to paprika stalls or Hungarian foods. On the upper floor of the market you will find local souvenir and handicraft stalls, which will leave you with a wonderful souvenir. On the cruise tour, of course, you will not be able to walk around the stalls, but you will be able to get an impression of the huge structure of the market.
Besides these magical sites, you will get to see the churches, residential buildings and the Danube Promenade located on the banks of the beautiful river.
A visual spectacle alongside an enriching tutorial:
Almost all cruise companies offer in-depth guides along with the cruise that will tell you about the landmarks you will see during the cruise, while sharing stories from Hungary's past and present. Listening to the fascinating stories while sailing along the river will make you an immersive experience that you simply won't want to end.
Some of the cruises offer an attached guide who unfolds the story of the city in English, and most of them offer audio guides in different languages (including Hebrew), which will tell you the secrets of the iconic city.
Important tip: Please note that some of the cruise companies do not hand out headphones, so you will have to stock up in advance.
Dine in front of the magical views of the city:
Some of the cruise companies offer a cruise and meal deal, and there is nothing more fun than admiring the beauty of the historic city alongside a fine Hungarian meal. To sip Hungarian Golash soup, enjoy a gourmet meal or get drunk on fine wine, all this is possible on the cruise tours. For those of you who are looking for a particularly romantic experience, it is recommended to choose a candlelit dinner under the twinkling stars of the city.
Envious photos:
We didn't come to talk about Instagram or TikTok, but, for photography lovers, a cruise on the Danube River is nothing less than heaven. Throughout the cruise you will have opportunities to catch the city's iconic landmarks alongside hidden gems from a unique vantage point, away from the crowds that throng the sites during the day. So equip yourself with a camera or smartphone and get ready to take some enviable photos for your Instagram page or family WhatsApp group.
When to get to the cruise tour?
Up until now we have enjoyed writing the article, and honestly, now we are having a little trouble. The question of when to arrive on the cruise tour is one of the most difficult questions to ask, because the obvious answer is - always.
Every hour of the day has advantages and disadvantages, but one hour is extraordinary and surpasses all - sunset time.
A sunset cruise will take you to see the city of Budapest change color, as the sun sets on the side of the beautiful Gellert Hill and orange-purple hues light up the streets of the city. Shortly after sunset, the sites of the city are illuminated with white and yellow lanterns, and the city becomes even more romantic and spectacular. It should be taken into account that sunset time is the most requested time, so tickets must be ordered in advance or you will have to stand in long lines.
Even at night, the spectacle is breathtaking, when the peace of darkness adds a unique light to the city, and suddenly you will discover new sides of the city's famous sites, when they are illuminated by dozens of lanterns. If you chose to arrive in the evening after sunset, you can combine the experience with a pampering dinner by candlelight.
Winning tips
- Choose the cruise that suits you: The cruises are considered the most popular attraction in the city, so you will find many companies that offer different cruises - from standard one-hour cruises to cruises that include a meal, a music show or themed cruises such as historical cruises or cruises with wine tasting. It is important to choose the option that suits you, so that you can enjoy the best possible experience.
- Time it Right: Although a daytime cruise offers stunning views, an evening or night cruise will give you an unforgettable view of the city when it is lit up in all its glory. If you succeed, try to schedule the cruise for sunset, then you will get to experience the best of both worlds.
- Equip yourself with warm clothing: The breeze of the Danube River, especially in the evening, can be cool even in the evening, so it is important to have a light sweater or a warming scarf even in the hot summer months, especially in the evening.
- Arrived early!: Perhaps the most important tip, it is recommended to arrive about 30 minutes before the cruise starts, and be among the first in line. The ships consist of rows of chairs or rows of benches, and the earlier you arrive, the better seats you can choose with a better viewing angle.
- Pre-order: To avoid disappointment, especially in the peak season, it is recommended to book the cruise tour in advance, which ensures that you can schedule the cruise time and the desired cruise tour.
- Listen to the guide, equip yourself with headphones- The vast majority of the cruise tours offer audio guidance in a variety of languages, including Hebrew, which deal with the history of the city and provide information on the important sites you will see during the tour. Don't miss the fascinating guide, which will shed additional light on the city you are visiting. Please note that some rental companies do not provide headphones for the audio guides, so it is recommended to have personal headphones.
Despite the charm of the city of Budapest, the crowds of tourists and the hustle and bustle in its center can sometimes be intense. The Danube cruise offers a light respite from the lively city, and takes you to a relaxing and beautiful experience in the heart of the pastoral river that crosses the city. Whether you are a solo traveler looking for a breathtaking experience, a honeymoon couple who wants to enjoy a romantic evening or a family looking for an outing full of beauty and fun, you simply have to add the cruise tour to your list.
