More about: 5 Best Danube Night Cruises
The Danube River is the soul of this European city, as well as being the point from which travellers locate themselves in the Hungarian capital, as the river separates Buda and Pest, the city's two iconic buildings.
Taking a cruise in Budapest, either during the day or at night, is the perfect opportunity to see the city and enjoy its beautiful views. Here are my favourite options for enjoying the river and the city's landscapes when night falls.
1. Danube cruise with dinner included
Booking a Danube cruise with dinner and music is one of my favourite options, as I consider it very comprehensive. Gastronomy is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of getting to know the history and tradition of a destination, and with this activity you can discover it while viewing the beautiful city from the water.
Many of the Danube cruises offer dinner included, with a haute cuisine experience, as the perfect complement to the panoramic view of the river. This is considered one of the best tours of Budapest.
If you fancy sharing an evening full of flavours while enjoying a cruise through this UNESCO World Heritage city, don't miss out on this option.
Useful information
- Duration: between 1 and 2 hours.
- Price: from £70 per person.
2. Quick evening cruise on the Danube at sunset
When night falls in Budapest, some of the city's landmarks come to life and offer a different perspective on this captivating destination. That's why booking a night cruise on the Danube can be an excellent way to welcome the evening, which you can then continue with a delicious dinner in the surrounding area.
On this quick cruise option, you'll take a night-time sightseeing tour and witness the magic that awaits you in Budapest at night. You will also enjoy the colours of the sunset and appreciate the night-time lighting of the Parliament and all the magic that the night exudes.
Places you will see during the tour
- The famous buildings along the river. The beautiful banks of the Danube are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Margaret Bridge.
- Buda Castle.
- Hungarian Parliament Building.
- Pesti Vigado.
- Castle Garden.
- Gellert Hill.
- Citadel
- The Whale.
Useful information
- Duration: 1 hour.
- Price: from £21 per person.
- What's included: audio guide in different languages and welcome drink.
3. A day at the spa and a night cruise with dinner and live music in Budapest
Budapest's thermal waters are undoubtedly one of its main attractions, particularly those at the Széchenyi Thermal Baths. This public bath is the largest in Budapest, with 18 indoor and outdoor pools, as well as steam baths and saunas under Baroque-style domes.
Although you can visit it on your own, I suggest something even better: book a day at the Széchenyi Thermal Baths with a night cruise and dinner in Budapest as a package deal.
This is undoubtedly a complete and relaxing option that you can enjoy on your last day in Budapest, after touring the city and exploring all its corners. The best part is that in many cases it includes a massage service.
Useful information
- Duration: the cruise lasts 2 hours and the massage 20 minutes, but you can stay at the spa for longer.
- Price: £101 per person.
4. Evening cruise with an exquisite selection of wine and other drinks
During your stay in Budapest, you will probably want to visit some of the city's best ruin bars, but how about doing so on board a cruise accompanied by incredible night views of Budapest?
This type of cruise is an option for those looking for a livelier night out and, of course, for lovers of wine and other drinks such as beer.
Useful information
- Price: from £12 per person
- Duration: approximately 2 hours.
- Capacity: maximum of approximately 200 passengers.
- What's included: wine tasting, 5 different specialty beers, signature cocktails and other drinks.
5. Night tour of Budapest and closing cruise on the Danube
If you like walking, this could be a good option and very comprehensive. This type of cruise begins with a walking tour of Budapest and ends with a cruise along the majestic Danube.
In most cases, it includes an English-speaking guide who will show you the best of the city. This is a convenient alternative organised for groups of no more than 15 people, guaranteeing you quality time and the chance to get to know the city in greater depth with an expert guide.
I think this is a tempting option if you are visiting Budapest for a day or two, as you will have the opportunity to get to know the city on a private guided tour and end your day marvelling at the city at night.
Useful information
- Duration: approximately 2 hours for the walking tour and 1 hour for the cruise.
- Price: from £35 per person.
Why take a night cruise in Budapest?
Without a doubt, booking a night cruise on the Danube allows you to see the city's main sights from a unique perspective and appreciate places that may come to life at night. With so much to see and do in Budapest, a night cruise is an excellent alternative.
If you plan to visit the Budapest Parliament, you won't want to miss its beautiful night-time illumination. A night cruise on the Danube offers you this, as well as delicious dinners, wines, live music and the company of other travellers who, like you, want to explore one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
What is the route taken by the Danube cruises?
It depends on which cruise you choose. In addition, the night route may change depending on the day. Generally, cruises take you on a tour of the city's most famous bridges, such as:
- The Chain Bridge
- The Liberty Bridge
- And the Elizabeth Bridge.
What I can guarantee is that from any boat you will be able to enjoy the night-time illumination of the Budapest Parliament. The panoramic view also includes Buda and Pest, the two ends of the river with their two landmarks, Buda Castle in Buda and the Hungarian Parliament on the Pest side.
Where to catch a night cruise in Budapest
It will also depend on which option you choose, as in some cases you will have the option of being picked up at your accommodation and not having to travel to the cruise departure point.
In many cases, the departure point is between the Széchenyi Chain Bridge and the Parliament (near the Shoes Monument). When you make your reservation, you will receive all the information you need in case you have to make your own way to the departure point.
In any case, don't worry, getting around and the distances in Budapest are not a problem.
Night cruise timetable in Budapest
If you choose the option with dinner, the night cruise times in Budapest start at 7 p.m. The last night cruise through the city is usually scheduled for no later than 10:30 pm.
Keep the timetables in mind when booking a night cruise on the Danube so that you can coordinate your itinerary for the day and avoid any problems getting to the designated place and time for departure.
Tips for your night cruise on the Danube
- Book in advance and check the departure times of your chosen cruise. This will allow you to plan your itinerary better so that you arrive at the departure point on time.
The Budapest Parliament is not usually illuminated on Sundays, so it may be best to book a night cruise on the Danube on a different day so you don't miss out on the wonderful views.
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If you have time and feel like it, book the Danube cruise during the day as well, so you can see the city from both perspectives.
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Enjoy the views instead of spending your time taking photos. You can always go to places like viewpoints to capture those images you want to take home with you.
There are many Danube cruise options available to you. Choose the one that best suits your tastes and the type of entertainment and activities you want on board. This tour is sure to leave you with incredible memories of your trip that you can relive time and time again.