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Budapest River Cruises

About Budapest

Hungary’s fascinating and culturally immersive capital is separated into its component ‘Buda’ and ‘Pest’ sides by the Danube River and is a mainstay of practically all river cruises which explore this iconic waterway. Buda’s home to the majority of the city’s historical attractions, while Pest is a more lively and cosmopolitan counterpart. Budapest is one of Europe’s largest cities, packed full of elegant attractions and iconic landmarks. Of course, there’s a wide choice of excursions available which are expertly tailored to take in all the absolute must-sees.

Exploring Budapest

 As you approach the city and catch sight of its iconic Parliament Building on the banks you’d be forgiven for thinking that it was built specifically with the delight of cruisers in mind. The Neo-Gothic masterpiece was inspired by London’s Houses of Parliament and, as well as functioning in a modern-day political capacity, it is also one of the city’s key landmarks. A guided tour will tell you all about its history and give you the chance to see more of its incredible architecture.

The Castle Hill area in Buda is another of the city’s most popular areas in the heart of the city’s medieval district. Cobbled streets, baroque architecture and scenic squares all contribute to the atmosphere and cultural delights. Fisherman’s Bastion is a must-see, a 19th-century folly which boasts fairy-tale turrets and towers, as well as exceptional views.

Matthias Church is the key attraction to be found on the area’s main square and is a beautiful piece of architecture, used as the venue for numerous coronations of Hungarian kings-past. Though it suffered intensive damage during the Second World War, its interiors were rebuilt with previously unseen medieval areas exposed and plenty more to see, making it a fantastic attraction.

The Hungarian State Opera House is another incredible landmark, dating back to 1884 and built in the style of perhaps the world’s most famous venue of its kind, the Vienna Opera House. Whether you’ve time to take in a performance or not, the building is a breath-taking piece of Neo-Renaissance architecture. It is possible to take a tour, but many visitors agree that a performance is the best way to appreciate the reason that this building was built for. Also built in the neo-Renaissance style, St Stephen’s Basilica is another incredible building, which took 14 years to complete. Its 300-foot dome is undoubtedly the most striking feature, with plenty more architectural wonders to witness, both inside and out.

Budapest tips

If a Budapest bargain is what you’re after, be sure to head for the Great Market Hall, where you’ll find such national exports as Hungarian pottery and lace. If you’re in search of some local fare, try goulash soup, with a Gundel pancake for dessert.

Suggested Read: Port in focus: Budapest

Budapest Itineraries

Passau

Gems of the Danube with Ljubljana & Zagreb

2 sailing dates May 2023 to July 2023
11 Nights From Nuremberg, Germany to , Zagreb
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Budapest

Gems of the Danube with Zagreb & Ljubljana

8 sailing dates April 2023 to September 2024
11 Nights From Zagreb, to Germany , Nuremberg
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £4199pp
Vienna

Danube Christmas Markets with Prague

2 sailing dates December 2023 to December 2024
10 Nights From Prague, to Hungary , Budapest
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £3289pp
Passau

Danube Delights & Oktoberfest

2 sailing dates September 2023
9 Nights From Budapest, Hungary to , Munich
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £3239pp
Passau

Oktoberfest & Danube Delights

1 sailing date September 2023
9 Nights From Munich, to Hungary , Budapest
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £3239pp
Bratislava

Grand Danube: Munich - Belgrade

2 sailing dates April 2023 to October 2023
10 Nights From Munich, to Belgrade

Flash Sale | Receive a FREE Premium drinks package PLUS NEW reduced prices - save up to £2,200 per couple. Book and pay in full to receive these price

Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2629pp
Linz

Grand Danube: Belgrade - Munich

2 sailing dates April 2023 to November 2023
10 Nights From Belgrade, to Passau

Flash Sale | Receive a FREE Premium drinks package PLUS NEW reduced prices - save up to £2,200 per couple. Book and pay in full to receive these price

Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2629pp
Budapest

Enchantment of Eastern Europe with Transylvania

3 sailing dates June 2023 to September 2023
12 Nights From Bucharest, Romania to Hungary , Budapest
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £3239pp
Prague

Prague & Danube Explorer: Budapest - Prague

9 sailing dates May 2023 to October 2024
10 Nights From Budapest, Hungary to , Prague
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2519pp
Vienna

Danube Delta Discovery - Istanbul to Vienna

2 sailing dates October 2023 to April 2024
22 Nights From Istanbul, to Austria , Vienna
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £5969pp
Bamberg

Christmas Markets Prague - Paris

1 sailing date November 2023
20 Nights From Prague, to Paris
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Bucharest

Danube Delta Discovery from Vienna - Istanbul

1 sailing date September 2024
22 Nights From Vienna, Austria to , Istanbul
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £5969pp
Regensburg

Jewels of Europe - Prague - Paris

14 sailing dates April 2023 to August 2024
20 Nights From Prague, to Paris
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £6849pp
Vienna

Jewels of Europe with Prague - Prague - Amsterdam

18 sailing dates April 2023 to October 2023
17 Nights From Prague, to Amsterdam
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £5699pp
Melk

Jewels of Europe - Paris - Prague

17 sailing dates May 2023 to October 2024
20 Nights From Paris, to Prague
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £6759pp
Vienna

Jewels of Europe - Paris to Budapest

21 sailing dates May 2023 to October 2024
17 Nights From Paris, to Hungary , Budapest
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £6099pp
Kalocsa

Enchantment of Eastern Europe with Transylvania

4 sailing dates April 2023 to September 2023
12 Nights From Bucharest, Romania to Hungary , Budapest
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2979pp
Budapest

Amsterdam & Splendours of Europe

3 sailing dates April 2023 to August 2023
16 Nights From Amsterdam, to Hungary , Budapest
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £4759pp
Nuremberg

Amsterdam & Splendours of Europe

2 sailing dates July 2023 to August 2023
16 Nights From Budapest, Hungary to , Amsterdam
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £4159pp
Bratislava

Amsterdam to Prague & Splendours of Europe

1 sailing date July 2023
19 Nights From Prague, to Amsterdam
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