Find your cruise

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

Nuremberg

Gems Of The Danube with Zagreb & Ljubljana

4 sailing dates May 2024 to September 2024
11 Nights From Zagreb, to Germany , Nuremberg
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £4999pp
Melk

Danube Christmas Markets with Prague

2 sailing dates December 2023 to December 2024
10 Nights From Prague, to Hungary , Budapest, Hungary
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £3769pp
Vienna

Oktoberfest & Danube Delights

2 sailing dates September 2024 to October 2024
9 Nights From Munich, to Hungary , Budapest, Hungary
Emerald Cruises logo CALL
Bratislava

Grand Danube: Munich - Belgrade

1 sailing date October 2023
10 Nights From Munich, to Belgrade

New incredible savings on 2023 European River Cruises - available for a limited time only! Includes flights & overseas transfers!

Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2759pp
Passau

Grand Danube: Belgrade - Munich

1 sailing date November 2023
10 Nights From Belgrade, to Passau, Germany

Includes HUGE savings - book now to avoid disappointment

Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2759pp
Linz

Prague & Danube Explorer: Budapest - Prague

4 sailing dates October 2023 to October 2024
10 Nights From Budapest, Hungary, Hungary to , Prague
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2629pp
Budapest

Danube Delta Discovery - Istanbul to Vienna

1 sailing date April 2024
22 Nights From Istanbul, to Austria , Vienna, Austria
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £6639pp
Nuremberg

Christmas Markets Prague - Paris

1 sailing date November 2023
20 Nights From Prague, to Paris (Honfleur)
Scenic River Cruises logo CALL
Bratislava

Danube Delta Discovery from Vienna - Istanbul

1 sailing date September 2024
22 Nights From Vienna, Austria, Austria to , Istanbul
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £6639pp
Paris

Jewels of Europe - Prague - Paris

4 sailing dates April 2024 to August 2024
20 Nights From Prague, to Paris (Honfleur)
Scenic River Cruises logo CALL
Melk

Jewels of Europe with Prague - Prague - Amsterdam

1 sailing date October 2023
17 Nights From Prague, to Amsterdam
Scenic River Cruises logo CALL
Regensburg

Jewels of Europe - Paris - Prague

9 sailing dates October 2023 to October 2024
20 Nights From Paris (Honfleur), to Prague
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £6929pp
Koln

Jewels of Europe - Paris to Budapest

12 sailing dates October 2023 to October 2024
17 Nights From Paris (Honfleur), to Hungary , Budapest, Hungary
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £6269pp
Bucharest

Enchantment of Eastern Europe from Budapest

6 sailing dates April 2024 to September 2024
8 Nights From Budapest, Hungary, Hungary to Romania , Bucharest
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2569pp
Bratislava

Majestic Capitals Of The Danube

8 sailing dates December 2023 to December 2024
5 Nights From Budapest, Hungary, Hungary to Austria , Vienna, Austria
AmaWaterways logo FROM £1569pp
Budapest

Majestic Capitals Of The Danube

6 sailing dates December 2023 to December 2024
5 Nights From Vienna, Austria, Austria to Hungary , Budapest, Hungary
AmaWaterways logo FROM £1759pp
Melk

Celebration of Classical Music -Budapest to Vienna

4 sailing dates November 2023 to June 2024
7 Nights From Budapest, Hungary, Hungary to Austria , Vienna, Austria
AmaWaterways logo FROM £2199pp
Melk

Celebration of Classical Music -Vienna to Budapest

5 sailing dates November 2023 to November 2024
7 Nights From Vienna, Austria, Austria to Hungary , Budapest, Hungary
AmaWaterways logo FROM £2259pp
Passau

Christmas Markets of Europe-Amsterdam to Budapest

1 sailing date November 2024
14 Nights From Amsterdam, to Hungary , Budapest, Hungary
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £3999pp
Bamberg

Christmas Markets of Europe -Budapest to Amsterdam

1 sailing date December 2023
14 Nights From Budapest, Hungary, Hungary to , Amsterdam

Includes HUGE savings - book now to avoid disappointment

Emerald Cruises logo FROM £3669pp

General Enquiry

Title
First Name
Last Name
Phone Number
Email Address
Adult
Children
Infant
Cruise Destination
Departure Month
Duration
Cruise Line
Cabin Type
Call back time
Special
requirements
Airport
preference

By providing your email address and clicking the Submit button, you consent to us sending you cruise holiday deals by email. For further details, please see our Privacy Policy here .