danube sunset cruise budapest

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Danube Evening Cruise

• 8.50 / 10 9,995 reviews | 124,863 travellers Just point out that we expected someone to be at the pier, waiting to give us the appropriate instructions and there was no one and they did not inform us that there would be no one. 10 Joaquín Vilar
• Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the service starts
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Budapest is magnificent when the sun disappears and its grandiose monuments are beautifully lit up. Take a 1-hour cruise along the legendary Danube River and enjoy panoramic views of its waterfront landmarks.

Embark at Pier 7, near Petőfi Bridge, and relax while the boat sails all the way to Margaret Island’s first bridge, exploring all of Budapest on the way.

You’ll float under some of the city’s most celebrated bridges like Chain Bridge , Elisabeth Bridge , and Liberty Bridge . You’ll also enjoy impressive 360 º panoramic views of numerous attractions on both sides of the river, Buda and Pest.  

Some of the highlights include the Hungarian Parliament Building , Gell ért Hotel , Buda Castle , Fisherman ’s Bastion , and Matthias Church .

During the one-hour cruise, you’ll also learn about this fascinating city with individual pre-recorded commentary in English . A drink is also included, to choose between a glass of champagne, wine, beer, soft drink, or mineral water.

More Information

The activity takes place with an audioguide in English.

1 hour cruise along the elegant Danube River.

Individual audio guide with prerecorded commentary in English.

One welcome drink: either champagne, wine, beer, soft drinks or mineral water.

When to book?

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

Legenda Sightseeing Boats Show more

Corporate name: LEGENDAKft

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Is it possible to buy additional drinks on board?

A - Unfortunately not, the boat doesn't have a bar.

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities .

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point.

Vigadó tér 7.

You may also be interested in

Danube River Cruise

Budapest Opera House Guided Tour

Free Walking Tour of Budapest

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Danube River Sunset Boat Cruise

A sunset boat cruise including three cocktails along Budapest's famous river

This experience will provide you with the opportunity to embark on a sunset cruise along the famous Danube River. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy three freshly-prepared cocktails as you appreciate the picturesque views of Budapest. During the tour, you'll be able to relax on the comfortable cruise terrace or in the lower air-conditioned deck.

• Chance to admire picturesque views of Budapest
• Three freshly-prepared cocktails while on board
• Opportunity to relax on two decks, inside and out

What's included

• Three cocktails
• Boat cruise

What's not included

• Additional drinks

Restrictions

• Visitors must be at least 18 years old.
• Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the activity starts.

Additional information

The minimum age for participating in this experience is 18 years.

Please note that cocktail options include the following:

- Cuba Libre

- Mojito, Aperol Spritz

- Piña colada

User ratings

What guests loved most, frequently asked questions, how do i book a ticket.

Select a date and time.

Choose the number of tickets.

Click through to the next page and enter your personal details.

After entering your personal details, select your payment method and enter your payment details.

Once you’ve entered your payment details successfully, you will be redirected to your ticket page, where you can check the status and details of your reservations.

You'll receive a confirmation email once the reservation is confirmed with the attraction operator. This could take some time based on the supplier.

You can view your tickets in your confirmation email, or in the Booking & Trips section of your account.

When do I pay?

Booking.com collects payment on behalf of the attraction operator when you book your ticket.

How do digital tickets work?

Each digital ticket contains a unique code. This is usually a QR or numerical code, but could be something else and can be found on your ticket or the PDF sent to you.

If your digital ticket contains a barcode or QR code, give it to the staff at the attraction's entrance or ticket collection point so they can scan it.

For those with numerical codes, just show your ticket to staff for verification.

Can I cancel or modify my tickets?

You’ll need to check the policy on the specific ticket you’re booking. Last minute bookings might no longer have free cancellation available.

When will I get my free cancellation refund?

After you cancel, we'll immediately issue a full refund. Depending on your bank or payment provider, it can take 3-10 days for you to be refunded to your original payment method.

Tickets and prices

• Sunset Cruises

Sunset Cruise in Budapest

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Sunset Cruises on the Danube: Enchanting Budapest Evenings

🌅 Discover Budapest's magic with a Danube sunset cruise. Famous landmarks light up the evening, enhancing your sail.

🛥️ Spend a serene evening on the Danube. Watch the sunset transform the sky and the city from day to night. Panoramic views and vibrant dusk colors await.

🍹 Enjoy unlimited drinks while passing architectural wonders. Every moment sparkles under the stars, with cocktails enhancing this tranquil journey.

🌉 From a bustling metropolis to a peaceful evening scene, witness Budapest's transformation on this tour. Ideal for both romantic escapes and lively parties, blending scenic views with the alluring Danube sunset. Remember to book your tickets for this unforgettable experience.

Sunset Times in Budapest, Hungary

Sunset times in Budapest shift significantly throughout the year, impacting optimal cruise times. Always check the latest schedules. Below, find a chart of monthly sunset times:

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best budapest sunset cruises.

Consider these top picks for a Budapest sunset cruise:

• Budapest Unlimited Prosecco Cruise
• Boat Party on the River Danube
• 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise with Welcome Refreshment

How long is a sunset cruise in Budapest?

Typical sunset cruises in Budapest span 1 to 2 hours, perfect for savoring the river’s panoramic views and nighttime city transformation.

Which Danube sunset cruises include drinks?

Choose from these popular options for a drink-inclusive sunset experience:

• Evening Sightseeing Cruise with Unlimited Prosecco
• Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music

Similar categories

Harju maakond, Tallinn, Kesklinna linnaosa, Tornimäe tn 3 // 5 // 7, 10145

[email protected]

+37255617605

OÜ Travel Nerd, Registry code 16388532

Budapest: Sightseeing Cruise on the Danube

About the activity

See Budapest's most famous sights from the comfort of the Gróf Széchényi ship on this Danube River cruise. Enjoy live music, stop at the on-board bar, and visit the ship's unique engine room.

• Free cancellation Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Instant confirmation & Mobile tickets Receive your ticket right away. Use your phone or print your voucher.
• Non-guided activity Live and audio guiding is not available.
• Host or greeter English
• Start times - Available today 12:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 10:00 PM
• Duration 1.5 hours
• Ticket to the Gróf Széchényi ship
• Food and drinks
• Head up to the open balconies of the boat to experience Budapest
• Discover the city and six bridges of Budapest
• Listen to live music on board the cruise ship
• Purchase drinks at the boat's on-board bar

Description

Discover why Budapest is called the Pearl of the Danube aboard the exclusive Gróf Széchényi ship. The boat takes you beneath six bridges of Budapest while introducing you to Budapest's most famous sights. Hop on board and set out to see sights like the mighty House of Parliament, the Chain Bridge, the Buda Castle, the Fisherman’s Bastion up on the Hill of Buda, and the Gellért mountain, crowned by the majestic Citadella. The ship's wooden interior, designer carpets, and on-board bar add a sense of comfort and luxury to your cruise. Don't forget to explore the lower floor for the engine room during your time on board. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the riverbank of the Danube as you cruise past the city's beautiful historical buildings.

• Cruise at 19:00 and 22:00 are 90 minutes long and 60 minutes at 12:00

Reviews & Ratings

Top 5 similar night cruises & boat tours in budapest.

Budapest: Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music

Marvel at the illuminated beauty of Budapest and enjoy a lovely candle-lit dinner accompanied by relaxing live music. Experience a magical evening on the Danube River aboard an elegant cruise.

• 2.5 hours • Available from July 4, 2024

Budapest: Premium Daytime Cruise with Tokaj Frizzante

Discover Budapest on an elegant Danube daytime cruise. Enjoy the views from the open deck or closed cabin, savor a welcome drink, and listen to the online audio guide with your phone.

• 1 hour • Available today

Budapest: Evening Sightseeing Cruise with Unlimited Prosecco

Soak in the unmatchable panorama of Budapest on a nighttime boat ride along the Danube. Witness the most important landmarks of the city as you sip on unlimited glasses of high-quality Prosecco.

• 75 minutes • Guiding available • Available today

Budapest: Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise

Enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of Budapest on a Danube River cruise, taking in the landmarks and monuments on both shores. Hear about the attractions you pass from a multilingual audio guide and sip your favorite beverage along the way.

• 70 minutes • Guiding available • Available today

Budapest: Sunset Cruise with 3 Cocktails

Sail along the Danube at sunset on a scenic river cruise and admire views of the lighted-up city. Enjoy 3 freshly prepared cocktails and click photographs from the upper deck.

• 80 minutes • Available today

Frequently Asked Questions

Prices & booking.

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Cocktail Cruise Budapest

Cocktail cruise Budapest to enjoy a relaxing boat ride in the city.

Budapest City Cocktail Cruise

After all that walking and shopping, it is time to wind down, without missing the best part of Budapest: the Danube river cruises. You can carry on sightseeing with some nice cocktails in your hand. Lean back and enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage site, the castles and church es of Budapest lined up along the massive river Danube, which divides the city of Budapest into Buda with gentle hills and Pest with clubs, bars and business life.

The Cocktail Cruise in Budapest offers a wide range of refreshing cocktails and ice cold beers.

BOOKING E-Ticket

Cocktail Cruise on the Danube

Your cruise fee includes the following:

• 2 h Danube program with top attractions
• Actual cruising: 1.5h

• 2 Cocktails or 3 Beers
• Further drinks can be purchased a the ship bar.
• Live Gypsy Music on 7 pm Cruise
• E-Ticket via email (no printing needed)
• Note: no guide is included

Prices of Budapest Cocktail Cruise

The price of the Budapest Cocktail Cruise is very reasonable as the guests say:

7 pm Cocktail Cruise :

• 37 Euro for Adults
• 35 Euro for Students (alcohol only served to over 18 guests)

– on board of one of the boats on the river Danube in Budapest, cruising to the north and to the south, under all the famous bridges, and floating by all those beautiful attractions (many of them UNESCO world heritage sites, like the Buda Castle Royal Palace, the Hungarian Parliament, etc.). The Budapest Cocktail Cruise can be booked online.

Booking Cruise Cocktail in Budapest

Is it sweltering hot in Budapest? No problem, we have AC on the ship , and cold drinks for the cool sights ! No worries if you are not into alcoholic drinks, you do not have to booze cruise, there are plenty of soft drinks, juices, mineral water etc. And what if you get hungry? We offer tortilla chips on the boat tour.

Cocktail Menu on Cruise

You can choose 2 cocktails from the following cocktails on your Budapest Cocktail Cruise or get 3 beers instead.

• Cuba Libre Cocktail
• Old Fashioned Cocktail
• Mojito Cocktail
• Pina Colada Cocktail
• Sex on the Beach Cocktail
• Tequilla Sunrise Cocktail
• Gin Fizz Cocktail

Dates of Cocktail Cruise Budapest

Budapest Buda Castle BRC

Days & Hours : Every day from 7pm to 9 pm.

The program is available from 7pm (the starting hours are subject to change. If there is a new starting hour, Guests will be contacted possibly 48 hours before the cruise date).

The live music and dinner starts at 7pm but guests can take seats on the boat from 6.30pm.

The Cocktail Cruises are air-conditioned on warmer summer days. You can also enjoy the views and your cocktails from the open-air deck of the cruise ship. Cocktail in hand, ship on the river, wonderful attractions passing by, bridges, historical buildings, the Buda Castle, the Hungarian Parliament, the Great Market Hall of Budapest, the Margaret Island and many more beautiful, simply amazing attractions.

Snacks on Budapest Cocktail Cruise

If you get hungry you might order snacks from the below list (pay as you go):

Strudel Selection (3pcs) HUF 1,690

Nachos (Salsa, Guacamole, Cheese) HUF 2,500

Pick Up Pier Budapest Cocktail Cruise

The pick up point of the Cocktail and Beer Budapest river cruise is close to the Chain Bridge, in the city center of Budapest. Meeting time: 30 minutes before the cruise starts. If you book your seats online, please print out your online tickets as proof of payment (a confirmation email is only sent after payment).

Cruise guests are kindly asked to arrive 20 min before the cruise ship leaves the pier. We will send the cruise and boarding details in your confirmation email.

Secure your seat on the Drink Boat river cruise now. In the main season (June, July, August, September), the Budapest river cruises get choke-full.

Budapest Danube Cruise Cocktail

Last updated Jan 15, 2024

68 Responses to Cocktail Cruise Budapest

Is there an indoor heated section on the boat?

Hello Emily, Thank you for your comment. Cruises are heated during the winter months. Hope we can welcome you on board of the Budapest Cocktail Cruises.

Hi there, can you order wine or Vodka/soda on the cocktail cruise?

Hello Kaitlin, if you prefer Wines, let me recommend to you the 7pm Wine Tasting Cruise (it takes place on the same boat as the 7pm Cocktail Cruise) and you can freely choose your seats on board. If a part of your group prefers Wine Tasting you can book the 7pm cruise for all of you. Vodka soda can be also ordered on the Cocktail Cruise. Please let me know if I can help more.

Can the group mix and match?  Two of us don’t drink wine and prefer vodka soda.  The others would love wine.  Is this possible?

Hello Kaitlin, yes, it is possible. Please book wine tickets and add 2 cocktail tickets separately. You can make the booking under the same name. Seats are chosen by the guests upon arrival, so you can enjoy the cruise program together.

Thank you for all of your help! <3

Hello, I am interested in booking 12-15 tickets for a ladies night on Tuesday, 31st May for the 7.00pm Cocktail Cruise. Is there food available for purchase on the boat or just drinks? Is there live music on the boat?

Hello Vanessa, we will soon contact you via email. Hope we can welcome you on board!

Hi, we have mistakenly booked the cruise for the 19th of November when we want to do it on the 20th of November.

Please can we change the booking

Hello Jamie, your reservation has been updated. Have a nice time on board!

Hi , I’m looking to book this cocktail cruise but cannot see a meeting point, could you let me no the meeting location?

Thanks, Saoirse

Hello Saoirse, The meeting point is slightly north of the Chain Bridge on the Pest side of Budapest, in line with the Hungarian Academy building, which is in the city centre.

GPS specifics and more details on the exact dock location are sent in the e-Ticket after the payment for the river cruise. Hope we can welcome you on board!

Hello, I have booked the 7pm cocktail cruise for this afternoon. I have received the PayPal confirmation but not a ticket/location confirmation. I have checked the junk mail as well. Please let me know if anything went wrong.

Hello, I have booked the 2pm cocktail cruise for tomorrow march 11. I have received the PayPal confirmation but not a ticket/location confirmation. I have checked the junk mail as well. Please let me know what further steps I need to take so we know where to meet.

Dear Sakhee, We have contacted you via email, please check the spam folder as well. Enjoy the Cocktail Cruise!

I would like to book the cocktail cruise for the 15th March 2020 for a hen party of 9. Could you let me know whether this is available please and how much it would cost to make this a private event if possible?

Many Thanks

Hello Vicky, we will soon contact you via email.

I am trying to book 3 seats for a Cocktail Cruise on Sunday 9th Feb for 7pm.

It’s taking me to the payment screen without the option of reserving seats.

We would like window seats and are happy to pay extra for this if you could please help with this?

Thanks Steffi

Dear Steffi, I am afraid, window seats are not guaranteed on any date. You can request window tables in the comment/inquiry field of the booking. In most cases, special requests can be completed (about 90%) but we cannot guarantee 100% window seating. Seats are allocated on the best arrangement basis when most reservations have been already submitted so that groups, families and couples can most ideally be seated. Thank you for your understanding. Hope we can welcome you on board!

Are your cruises wheelchair accessible?

Dear Robert, unfortunately the Cocktail Cruise is on a partially accessible boat. Please find dinner or drinks only cruises on completely accessible boats on the link below: https://budapestrivercruise.com/wheelchair-accessible-boat-danube-budapest

Hi, is the coctail cruise (7pm) available for the 11th of January 2020?

Hello Xanthe, Yes, the Cocktail Cruise is available every day in January. Please follow the link below to make a booking: https://budapestrivercruise.com/cocktail-cruise-budapest Hope we can welcome you on board!

Hi, I have booked for spa ticket and would like to book discounted cruise ticket but when I am unable to get the discounted price after entering the promotional code.

Hello Sze San, we have contacted you via email about the cruise discount. If you provide the promotional code (as sent in your bath ticket), your ticket price will be shown as a student price (-€2).

Hi I would like to book for a hen party for 12 people on Saturday 5th October for the cocktail cruise. Can you please contact me regarding a quote if it was to be a private event or an increased drinks package? Thanks

Hello Stacey,

we have contacted you via email.

Hi, I don’t have access to a printer and was just wondering if we book places can we use our mobile phones to show the confirmation email? Thank you.

Hello Conor, thank you for your inquiry. No problem, it is not necessary to print out the tickets. It’s enough if you can show the confirmation email on your mobile phone.

Hello. I want to book for 14 girls for a hen party for the 4-5.30pm cruise ln Saturday 29th June 2018. Is there any facility to make this a private cruise, at an extra cost? If not, are we able to book specific seats so we can all enjoy the view and each other’s company? We have the money and are ready to go however from reading reviews, it can be quite busy so we want to make sure we can see! Thanks

Dear Rebecca, we will contact you tomorrow with an offer.

Hi, I’ve booked 2 tickets for the 14th May. I’ve received my paypal receipt but I have not had the confirmation email for my booking. Can you resend the confirmation email to me please? Thanks

Dear Hannah, thank you for contacting us. I would like to confirm that we have received your booking, and the confirmation email has automatically been sent to your given email address. I have now forwarded it from our backup email address. Please check the junk/spam folder of your mailbox too.

Can we book a cocktail cruise for today at 2pm for 17 people please? We are happy to pay a deposit.

thank you for contacting us.

Booking is on: https://budapestrivercruise.com/cocktail-cruise-budapest

Have a great time in Budapest on board.

Hi, I’ve booked tickets for 8 Adults for the 5th July. I’ve received my paypal receipt but no confirmation email for my booking. Please can you resend the confirmation to me.

Dear Louise, thank you for contacting us. I would like to confirm that we have received your booking, and the confirmation email has automatically been sent to your given email address. I have now forwarded it from our backup email address. Please check the junk/spam folder of your mailbox too.

Hello! I booked tickets for 5 for April 16th – I’ve received my paypal receipt but not any actual tickets (I have checked my spam folder). I see that this has happened to others as well, so I just want to make certain that my booking went through and would ask that you please resend the confirmation to me.

Dear Carin Ann, thank you for contacting us. I would like to confirm that we have received your booking, and the confirmation email has automatically been sent to your given email address. I have now forwarded it from our backup email address. Please check the junk/spam folder of your mailbox too.

Hi how many people does this boat take at a time? We have 26 coming 19/22 September, also are studs allowed on rear pockets of jeans or will they puncture the boat? Thanks, si wood kinnerton farm

Hello, we will contact you tomorrow via email.

[…] are other kinds of sightseeing cruises too, such as the Wine Cruise, Cocktail Cruise, Craft Beer Cruise or a popular Dinner Cruise on the […]

Hi, I just booked a cruise for tomorrow night (Sunday 24 Feb) but I just received the PayPal receipt and no confirmation e-mail at all. Is this normal? Should I contact someone? If yes, who?

Dear Agostino, thank you for contacting us.

I would like to confirm that we have received your booking, and the confirmation email has automatically been sent to your given email address.

I have now forwarded it from our backup email address. Please check the junk/spam folder of your mailbox too. Could you please let us know if you have received it?

Thank you for your kind cooperation.

Is there a cruise on December 24th?

Hello Anastasija, yes, the Christmas Cruises are available on Dec 24. Please find more details on the link below: https://budapestrivercruise.com/budapest-river-cruise-on-christmas-eve

I would like to book a Cocktail Cruise for my husband and me. It is his birthday, so it is very special. I do not find information about your address or a map. For that reason i am scared to pay in advanced,could zou please tell me exactly where to search for you once we are in Budapest? I will send an email too

I am looking forward to your answer

Thanks in advance

Dear Karla, thank you, we have already replied to you via email.

Hi can you do a discount for 17 people for the cocktail cruise on Friday 8th of June 2018 at 4pm please. Thanks

Hello Karen,

thank you for your email.

Would you please contact us on [email protected] ?

Thank you for your cooperation.

Is the 7pm cocktail cruise available during February?

Hello Hayley, yes, the 7 pm cocktail cruise is available all year round. Enjoy your stay in Budapest!

Hi, I have paid using PayPal but haven’t received my confirmation email with my ticket? Can you please rectify this

Your booking is valid and complete.

We have forwarded the confirmation email to your given email address again. Please check the junk/spam folder of your mailbox too.

Have a great time on board.

Than you very much, everything is now sent, regards.

Hi there. I would like to use this service. And, can i buy this ticket at the deperture place?

Hello Osada,

thank you for your comment.

The Cocktail Cruise is very popular, tickets are very often sold out in advance, therefore I cannot guarantee that you will be able to buy any on the spot before departure.

Meeting for the program is 30 min before cruise at the Ticket Office inside the Danube Palace (Duna Palota), 5 min walk from the river Danube in Budapest city centre.

To make your online reservation, please follow:

https://budapestrivercruise.com/cocktail-cruise-budapest

Looking forward to your reservation.

I had planned this with for my sisters hen do, but after 1/2 hour of searching we couldn’t find the boat or any information. No one knew what we were talking about either. This was very disappointing. You need better information on your website as to where you are and where you need to go, a map would be useful.

Hello Jess,

The Cocktail Cruise is very popular, tickets are almost always sold out before. We always encourage guests to buy the tickets online.

Unfortunately, we could not find any booking under your name, as we send all the necessary information (such as the dock of departure) via email after a successful booking.

The actual dock of this cruise depends on the river traffic, and the available piers for the cruise. The Danube River Authority of Budapest reserves the right to allocate the docks on the same day as the cruise takes place. As the Cocktail Cruise has no set dock, we ask the guests to arrive at the meeting point of the cruise, which is the Danube Palace.

Let me please apologize for any confusion, I hope you still had a good time in Budapest.

Hi, I am interested in booking Cocktail cruise tomorrow evening (5.7.2016.) at 7pm for two adults, but I can only pay in cash. Is it possible to pay for it today or tomorrow before the cruise? Thanks, Tamara

Dear Tamara, thank you for your inquiry. You can buy your tickets in the Cruise Office in the Danube Palace (Zrinyi str. 5, Budapest 1051). Please note that without online booking we cannot guarantee your seats.

Hi, I would like to book for a group of 9 for the 4pm cruise on Saturday 28th May. Is this possible?

Dear Sara, thank you for your inquiry. Yes, you can make your booking by filling out the booking form on the left side of this page.

How do I get a quote for a group of 9 for the 7pm sat cocktail cruise on 4th june please?

Dear Carys, thank you for your inquiry. Our reply has been sent to you by email.

Hi, May I book Cocktail Cruise Budapest on February 2016 ?

Dear Crea, the Cocktail Cruise runs until Jan 10, and the next season start on March 25, 2016. Thank you for your understanding.

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The most beautiful Danube cities and towns to visit

From grand European capitals to enchanting villages with intriguing histories, these are the places to visit along one of the continent's longest rivers

It flows through Vienna, known as the home of Mozart; Budapest , a historic gem where grand buildings contrast with more ramshackle, bohemian neighbourhoods; Bratislava, where you'll find neo-Gothic architecture and a diverse culinary scene; and Belgrade, with its vibrant nightlife and tumultuous history.

A great way to discover the cities along the Danube is on a river cruise . River cruises are a great way to embark on grand adventures, allowing you to visit several towns and cities on one trip, without the hassle of navigating local transport yourself.

A Danube river cruise is not just about capital cities. As well as bustling metropolises, you'll also be able to explore old towns, historic landmarks and pretty villages set amid glorious rural scenery, like Passau and Linz, the venerable 900-year-old abbey at Melk, and the breathtaking natural landscapes of the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley.

Good Housekeeping has a boutique river cruise which will take you through several of these locations and cities along the Danube. In Vienna, you'll enjoy an exclusive visit to the Royal Lippizaner Stables with historian Lucy Worsley, to see the city's beautiful Lipizzaner horses in training.

Or, you might choose to join our festive five-night sailing with Saturday Kitchen presenter Matt Tebbutt, who'll prepare a special gala dinner for you on board one evening. Enjoy the magical atmosphere along the Danube and sip warming glühwein as you explore some of the region's finest Christmas markets.

We've rounded up some of our favourite destinations to help you feel inspired and visit the loveliest Danube cities, whether on a river cruise or a city break.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is one of Europe's grandest cities, boasting Baroque palaces, beautifully-tended gardens and chic coffee houses where you'll feel as if you've stepped back in time. It's also a city synonymous with music, being the home of Mozart for much of his life, and still draws lovers of classical music who come to hear accomplished musicians play in the city's many magnificent concert halls. You can visit the house Mozart once lived in, which is now a fascinating museum dedicated the composer.

Vienna is also home to the the Royal Lipizzaner Stables at the Spanish Riding School, where grand Lipizzan horses are trained to perform a mesmerising type of equine ballet.

You can visit the Royal Lipizzaner Stables with Lucy Worsley as part of Good Housekeeping's Danube River cruise. You'll enjoy an aperitif and an introductory talk before watching the training of the young stallions in the imperial atmosphere of the Baroque winter riding school, accompanied by classical Viennese music.

VISIT VIENNA WITH GH

Alternatively, see Vienna at its festive best on our Christmas sailing in December. You'll have the chance to visit the beautifully decorated Rathaus Christmas Market, Vienna's largest, and discover several smaller markets around the city.

VISIT VIENNA AT CHRISTMAS

Esztergom, Hungary

Esztergom is a historically important city perched on a picturesque curve in the Danube River which marks the boundary between Hungary and Slovakia. This Danube city has been the seat of Catholicism in Hungary for over 1,000 years, and the first thing you'll see as you approach is the remarkable church that crowns the historic town.

This is Hungary's largest church and has an impressive history stretching back to the reign of the nation's first king, St Stephen. You're sure to be impressed by the scale of the Basilica up close, with its monumental 118-metre dome.

Elegant Esztergom is a port of call on Good Housekeeping's Danube cruise with Lucy Worsley, where you'll have time to visit the exquisite Basilica before sailing onwards for Budapest.

VISIT ESZTERGOM WITH GH

Linz, Austria

The Austrian port city of Linz enchants visitors with its Baroque facades, fairytale churches, and charming squares. The city has transformed from an industrial hub to a vibrant European cultural stronghold in recent years. Whether it's theatre, cinema, art, or music, you'll find plenty of thriving culture to enjoy. Of course, no visit to Linz is truly complete without indulging in its sweet culinary delights, including the famous Linzer Torte.

As well as having plenty of culture of its own to offer, Linz also makes a great base from which to explore nearby Salzburg. While not located on the Danube itself, Salzburg often makes an appearance on Danube river cruise itineraries due to its unmissable landmarks, including Mozart's birthplace and the exquisite Mirabell Palace and Gardens.

Good Housekeeping has a special right-day Danube cruise with no single supplement, perfect for solo travellers. You'll sail into Linz on the ultra-luxurious SS Maria Theresa and can either spend the day here or head to nearby Salzburg.

VISIT LINZ WITH GH

Krems, Austria

Krems might not be among the better-known locations on the Danube, but it certainly has a lot to offer in terms of culture and scenery. In this small Austrian town, you'll find story-book churches and museums and plenty of spectacular vistas to enjoy on a meandering walk along the Danube's banks.

It's also a great destination for wine lovers, who can sample vintages from the surrounding Krems Valley wine region. Vineyards have flourished in this valley for centuries, thanks to the region's fertile soils, and are particularly known for their Rieslings and spicy Grüne Veltliners.

You'll make a stop in lovely Krems on Good Housekeeping's Danube cruise, where you can join an optional tour to discover Krems and parts of the surrounding Wachau Valley.

VISIT KREMS WITH GH

Bratislava, Slovakia

Slovakia's capital sits snugly between Hungary and Austria along the banks of the Danube. Bratislava may be compact, but it packs a punch in terms of history and culture. The city's location has made it a melting pot of cultures since ancient times, and you can expect to see these influences play out in every corner.

There's a medieval and Gothic old town that buzzes with the sound of different languages around grand Baroque palaces built by Hungarian nobility alongside communist-era blocks and a unique futuristic bridge that reflect its more recent past. A highlight is the imposing Bratislava Castle, which dominates the skyline with its four turrets, standing on a rocky hill in the Little Carpathians and looking out across the Danube.

You can visit Bratislava on Good Housekeeping's Danube cruise, where you'll have time to visit the castle and wander the cobbled streets of the Old Town and along the promenade of the Danube riverbank, stopping for a coffee and admiring the views.

VISIT BRATISLAVA WITH GH

Durnstein, Austria

If you're compiling a list of smaller towns and villages to visit along the Danube, you'll want to add Durnstein in Austria's Wachau Valley. This village is home to around 900 residents and looks like something straight out of a storybook, with its crumbling hilltop castle and pretty blue-white church overlooking the river.

Durnstein is also a must-visit location for wine lovers. This sleepy little town is well-known for its wineries and is surrounded by lush vineyards producing quality Rieslings and other wines. The surrounding countryside is also known for its sweet and plump apricots, whose trees transform the valley's orchards into a fragrant pink-white ocean of blossoms each spring.

You'll visit Durnstein on Good Housekeeping's eight-day cruise of the Danube. This cruise is ideal if you're looking to explore the Danube as a solo traveller, with no single supplement.

VISIT DURNSTEIN WITH GH

Passau, Germany

Another small but mighty location along the Danube is the enchanting town of Passau. The town is located at the meeting point of the Danube with two other rivers, the Ilz and the Inn, and is known for its colourful Baroque buildings and winding alleyways. Having been partially destroyed by a fire in 1662, parts of the town were rebuilt by Italian architects, giving the city a Mediterranean Baroque flair.

Nestled among the charming cobbled streets of Passau is St. Stephen's Cathedral, home to one of the world's largest church organs with more than 17,000 pipes and one of the buildings which was rebuilt in the Italian Baroque style. It's well worth paying a visit to the cathedral to see this spectacular instrument.

Passau is another stop on our eight-say Danube cruise with no single supplement. You'll visit St. Stephen's Cathedral with its impressive organ and the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress.

VISIT PASSAU WITH GH

Budapest, Hungary

Hungary's enigmatic capital, nicknamed 'the Pearl of the Danube,' is a city of contrasts. For much of history, the city didn't exist. Rather than Budapest, there was Buda and Pest, two distinct settlements on opposite sides of the river. Around 150 years ago, the two sides became one, forming the city we know today. You can still note the differences on either side of the Danube, with historic Buda being slightly more upmarket and elegant than the lively, bohemian Pest across the river.

Visitors love wandering around admiring Budapest's mix of architectural styles, from Art Nouveau to Baroque and Bauhaus. Highlights include the Gothic Hungarian Parliament building standing proudly on the eastern bank of the Danube and the famous Szechenyi Baths - one of the largest thermal spas in Europe.

Good Housekeeping's Danube river cruise with Matt Tebbutt, will take you to Budapest, where you'll dock overnight, giving you plenty of time to get to know this central European gem.

VISIT BUDAPEST WITH GH

Belgrade, Serbia

Another Danube city is Belgrade. While it might not be considered the prettiest city along the Danube, Belgrade has a long and fascinating history and is thought to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, stretching back over 7,000 years.

You'll see reminders of this long history as you explore, especially at the impressive Belgrade Fortress, standing at the confluence of the Sava and the Danube, first built by the Romans in the 2nd century and later destroyed, rebuilt and expanded many times.

But Belgrade has a modern flair too and is gaining a reputation for buzzy nightlife, with a whole host of excellent bars and restaurants to discover as well as a lively street art scene, with various intriguing murals adorning the walls of its buildings throughout the city.

Melk, Austria

Known as 'the gateway to the Wachau,' Melk is another exquisite Austrian city with an important religious history. Its crowning glory is its Baroque Abbey, perched high above the Danube and offering incredible views across the region's beautiful valleys and Melk's cobbled streets.

Melk Abbey is packed full of fascinating artefacts and includes a stunning library with an intricately frescoed ceiling, a spiral staircase and thousands upon thousands of books. The Abbey is also the final resting place of several members of the House of Babenberg, Austria's first ruling dynasty.

You can visit Melk on Good Housekeeping's cruise of the Danube. You'll get the chance to visit the city's famous abbey and wander around the city's delightful streets, enjoying views across the Danube as you go.

VISIT MELK WITH GH

Visit Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava and Melk on a Danube cruise with Good Housekeeping. This exclusive seven-night cruise includes a special visit to the Royal Lipizzaner Stables with Lucy Worsley who'll give a special talk and Q&A.

FIND OUT MORE

Or join a five-day Christmas cruise along the Danube which will take you to some of the region's finest festive markets. Joining you for part of the cruise is Matt Tebbutt, who'll craft a delicious gala dinner.

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Budapest Tips For First Timers: What You Need To Know Before Visiting The Pearl Of The Danube

O h man, Caleb and I  remember our first visit to Budapest. We were so overwhelmed because the language and culture were so different than our own! But we made it through and loved it so much that we went back and lived there for a while!

We want your first trip to Budapest to be stress-free so you can spend less time worrying and more time stretching your pants with creamy chicken paprikash and epic Hungarian wine. Today, we’re here to make that happen with our first-timers guide to essential Budapest tips!

You’ll learn all our Budapest insider tips that we wish we knew when we first visited because whether you’re a foodie couple like us or not, Budapest has something you’re going to fall in love with. Let’s get into it, starting with a sneak peek video of some of the top spots you’ll see in the city!

Quick Navigation: ❗ General Tips // 🤤 Foodie Tips // 🚌 Transportation Tips

General Tips

1. stay in pest, in district 5 or 7.

Budapest is divided into 2 parts – Buda and Pest – (shocking, we know. 😅) Buda is where the castle is, but it’s much quieter and has fewer restaurants, cafes, nightlife, etc. We strongly recommend that you stay on the Pest side in District 5 or 7 for a central location, especially if you’re a couple like us who wants close proximity to wine and cocktail bars.

READ NEXT:  BEST DISTRICTS TO STAY FOR FIRST TIMERS

Then, you can walk or use public transport to get over to Buda when you wanna wander through a castle. If you get lost, you know what district you’re in by looking at the street signs. They have the district number on them!

We always recommend staying in 7Seasons hotel. The location is amazing, the rooms are huge, cheap and the staff is nice and helpful.

>> click here to look at photos, review and check availability <<

2. Buy parliament tours online in advance.

We tried to buy tickets for the parliament tour at the ticket office twice, and both times, they were sold out. So, we recommend buying them in advance on their website to ensure you get a spot.

Here is their website.

3. the best time for a river cruise is when the sun is setting.

We did 3 river cruises so we could test out the best tour operator and the best time of day for you. The most beautiful cruise time is right at sunset as you start to see the gorgeous buildings light up with the purple and pink sky.

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After sunset, it is pretty, too, as the buildings lit up are more prominent, but you don’t see the architecture as much. The daytime is the worst.

INSIDER TIP: this is the best boat cruise in Budapest by far. Beautiful, all-glass boat and free wine!

4. Skip the Ruin Bars at night and go for the Farmer’s Market.

We found the ruin bars to be loaded with people in their twenties getting drunk on cheap highballs, and we’re more about the cozy, romantic cocktail vibe. If that’s you too, visit the ruin bars on Sunday mornings instead.

They have a lovely local farmers market inside, and we bought the best-smoked cheese of our life. Great for unique gifts to take home!

5. Learn some basic words.

This will help you respect the culture and communicate. Just don’t do what I did and keep saying hi instead of thanks.

*waiter brings me a cocktail*  Me: “HI.”  Embarrassing.

Words to know: 

• Cheers – egészségedre (egg-ees-sheeg-ed-re)
• Hi – Szia! (see-ah) 
• Bye – Viszlát (vees-laht)
• Thanks – Kösz (kuhs)

6. Bring flip-flops, a swimsuit, and a beach towel in any season.

You will need them if you want to go to any thermal bath (and you should.) You can buy them there, as Caleb had to, but they are expensive and unflattering.

PRO TIP: the store called “Pepco” in Budapest (it’s a chain) sells cheap flip-flops or slippers you can buy to use, as we did.

7. Bring Forints, not Euros.

The locals will give you a horrible exchange rate if you try to pay in Euros , so pay in the local currency: Forints.

Better yet, pay by credit card and choose the local currency when you have the option on how to pay to get the best exchange rate.

8. Get the Budapest Card.

It will allow you to get unlimited rides on public transport and save you some money on the most common attractions.

Get the details about it here.

9. Many things aren’t open on Sundays. 

When we lived there, we found many things that were closed on Sundays or opened late and closed early. This is especially true for supermarkets and many restaurants.   You’ll definitely be able to find some things open. Just know this before you go.

10. If you want to go to New York Cafe, just get a coffee.  

The New York Cafe is one of the main tourist attractions because it’s called one of the most beautiful cafes in the world. We went and had a 24k gold cappuccino to see if it was worth the hype and expense.

Honestly? It’s not. The food is lackluster and overpriced, BUT the cafe is beautiful. So, just go and get the cheapest thing on the menu to be able to see it.

PRO TIP: don’t go on the weekend. The line will be down the sidewalk. If you must, go right at opening time in the morning. We only waited 10 minutes.

Foodie Tips

11. eat food besides goulash and langos..

The most common Hungarian foods you probably think of are Langos, Chimney cake, and Goulash. While they are super delicious and you should eat them, please venture out to try some of the local cuisines.

They’re hearty, paprika-heavy, and super tasty. Make sure to bring stretchy pants, okay? Calories don’t count on vacay. We all know that.

12. Don’t get chimney cakes from street stalls…

… and definitely not from metro stations.

We know they smell so good as you walk by, and they’re so cheap. But we’ve had the worst ones at these stalls. They’re pre-made and hard, not crispy-yet-soft as they should be.

Go to the tiny blue store called Kiraly Kalacs kurtokalacs instead. Thank us later.

13. Check out the central market hall, but don’t eat upstairs.

It’s a cool place to see the local artisans and farmers sell their food and produce, and the inside is BEAUTIFUL!

However, a local guide told us that the souvenir/food stalls upstairs are really just for tourists . The quality is not great, and it’s overpriced. So, give that a miss.

14. Drink.all.the.wine.

You probably haven’t heard of Hungarian wine because, as our friend who is a wine judge told us, they don’t export it.  But, it’s SO GOOD (especially if you like white wine) that it ruined us from drinking anything else.  Also, it’s cheap.

PRO TIP: do this wine tasting in Budapest. It’s been one of our favorite experiences all across Europe!

Another fun spirit to try is Unicum, which is a traditional Hungarian aperitif.

15. Don’t clink beer glasses.

The legend is that when Hungary’s revolution in 1848 was defeated, Austrians celebrated by toasting/clinking with beer.  So, now it’s rude to cheers with beer!

Any other alcohol is fair game, though!

16. Check your bill for pre-added tipping.

We recommend tipping 10-12% in restaurants, as this is the standard in Budapest. However, we found that many nicer restaurants had already added a service charge to the bill.

So, our best Budapest restaurant tip is to double-check your bill before paying so you don’t double tip!

17. Eat at bakeries.

Honestly, we love the bakery scene in Budapest. There are so many delicious buttery options to choose from, and it’s a cheap way to eat.

We recommend opting for a bakery and coffee situation to start the day and save more money for a nicer dinner and drinks!

Tips for Navigating The City

18. walk or use public transportation..

The best way to get around Budapest is by walking – it’s gorgeous and super walkable. However, if you have limited days and you need to get from Buda to Pest, you may want to consider a bus or tram.

If you’re going with public transport, try to stick to trams (our fav) over buses because they’re beautiful and you won’t run into car traffic as you will on a bus.

19. Download The Budapest Go App

If you’re going to use public transport, this app is going to save you so much time!

You can plan routes, get timetables, and even buy transport tickets right in the app.  Download it here before you go so you don’t forget, and then you can’t because there is no Wi-Fi.

Good thing there’s always a McDonalds nearby in Europe with free wifi.

20. Don’t hail a taxi.

Most taxis/rideshares in Budapest have standardized pricing, BUT there are some “freelancers” who drive around and will totally rip you off.

It’s best to call the taxi company or, our favorite, just use the Bolt or Uber app. They’re both official taxis and follow the same pricing system all around.

21. Validate your public transport ticket.

Once you buy your ticket, MAKE SURE to validate it by scanning the barcode on the bus/tram doors or at the driver’s area. If you’re at the metro, the validation box is at the top of the escalator before going down to the platform. Or else you might get fined.

You don’t want to end up in a Hungarian jail, right? ←I’m exaggerating, but you get it. 😏

22. Use the bus to get into the city center from the airport.

The best option is to get the 100E right from the airport – it’s right outside the arrival area, and it’s only about $6 USD per person ! Way cheaper than a taxi, it’s super easy to use, and we found it to be super punctual!

We hope you find our Budapest travel tips helpful and that you have a magical, romantic time in the pearl of the Danube. If you have ANY questions about planning your trip, just let us know in the comments!

Now that you have some practical tips, you need to know how much to budget. Check out our detailed guide on how much we spent to visit as a couple!

Or, here is our guide on the best districts to stay in Budapest if you need help there!