Budapest: eclectic architecture bridging everything from Neo-Gothic to Neo-Baroque, a clutch of atmospheric spas showcasing the warming, therapeutic waters of the hundred odd thermal springs that rise around the city and dozens of suave cafes, bars and museums. However it is the River Danube, splitting the city in two, that really gives Budapest its beauty.
Along with Passau in Germany and Vienna in Austria, Budapest is a principal port for voyages along the Danube. Indeed, many trips start exclusively from here. For anyone wanting to explore the lower reaches of the Danube east of Budapest, it makes for a far more convenient place to embark on a river trip.
The variety of boat excursions from Budapest is huge. Visitors can choose from exploring key city sights, taking day trips to beautiful regional cities like Szentendre or travelling on to other European capitals like Bratislava, Vienna or even Belgrade.
Local Danube River Cruises - City of Budapest Trips
The width of the Danube here means that it can yield far superior views of river-hugging city highlights like the castle or the magnificent Parliament Building than are possible from dry land. BKV run boats up to ten times daily between main city docks including Obuda Island, Margaret Island and Batthyány tér (for Castle Hill).
Budapest—Szentendre—Budapest Cruise by Riverboat
The best sightseeing day trip from Budapest is to Szentendre, 17 km away, and there is no more magical way to reach this idyllic 18th-century town with its cobbled streets and renowned museums than by riverboat. Principal regional boat operator Mahart Passnave plies the route daily from April to October, giving five hours "ashore" in Szentendre. The website has detailed timetables, booking and embarkation information.
Budapest—Esztergom—Budapest, Hydrofoil and Riverboat to Danube Bend
Mahart Passnave also offer trips—by both riverboat and hydrofoil this time—to the towns of Visegrád and Esztergom. The faster Hydrofoil allows for the most time (six hours) in Esztergom but runs only from Fridays to Sundays in high season (May to August). The riverboat service to these towns has additional stops at Vác and Nagymaros. It gives visitors less time in Esztergom but has a more consistent service, operating every day except Mondays between May and August.
In order of distance from Budapest, Vác is a handsome Baroque town that rivals Szentendre for aesthetics while Visegrád is another charming town with a castle and a palace. Next up is Nagymaros, more famous for its contraversial Danube dam project with Slovakia but a pretty town in its ownright. As seat of the Roman Catholic Church in the country, Esztergom is known as the cradle of Hungary. It's a small historic town crowned by a basilica (cathedral).
Budapest—Bratislava—Vienna—Bratislava—Budapest Boat
Hydrofoil boats between Budapest and Vienna take six and a half hours upriver via Bratislava. For Bratislava boats only, advance notice should be given. In Budapest journeys can be booked via the Mahart Passnave website. The International Ferry Pier is south of Elizabeth Bridge on the Pest side of the Danube.
Budapest—Belgrade Boat
Cruises originating in Budapest and continuing east along the Danube into Serbia are far thinner on the ground. One company that do run cruises are Amadeus Waterways, as part of a 15-day package which ends in Istanbul. It is possible to take the cruise-only part of the holiday. Five cruises depart from Budapest annually (more depart for the reverse trip from Istanbul) between May and October. It's three days to Belgrade (with stopovers).
- Amadeus Waterways Address: 21625 Prairie Street, Chatsworth, CA 91311 USA
- Telephone: 001 800 626 0126
Exploring the Danube from Budapest really does allow visitors to see the most glorious parts of the river. The Danube Bend towns mentioned above are some of the most exquisite on the whole waterway. Meanwhile the trip upriver back west passes two of the finest scenic stretches of the Danube: the part around the border with Slovakia and, later, the castle-dotted run through Eastern Austria.
Luke Waterson - Author Luke Waterson writes, or has written, for various publications including Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Moon Guidebooks and The ...
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