The Ultimate Guide to Budapest: The Perfect Starting Port for Your Danube River Cruise

Budapest is my favorite city in all of Europe and one of the most mesmerizing capitals. I have personally explored this incredible destination before embarking on multiple Danube River cruises. It is the ultimate starting point for a milestone celebration or romantic European vacation.

Divided by the sparkling Danube River, the city is a gorgeous merger of two distinct sides: the historic, hilly "Buda" and the vibrant, flat "Pest." Budapest is known for its architecture, healing springs, and history.  While the official language of Hungary is Hungarian, you can easily converse in English in most tourist areas. Whether you are extending your vacation with a customized pre or post river cruise stay, or exploring the region on a private land tour, these are the essential experiences you cannot afford to miss.

Historical landmarks

Philosopher's Garden

At the top of the western slopes of Gellert Hill is the Philosopher's Garden. In addition to a fantastic view of the city and Danube River, it is where you can find the statue of Prince of Buda and Princess of Pest. The two figures are reaching for each other symbolizing the unification of Buda and Pest forming Budapest.

While you can certainly hike the hill on your own like I did the second time I visited, the easiest way to experience this viewpoint is to utilize a private city tour or one of the dedicated shore excursions provided by your river cruise line. I personally experienced this beautiful overlook during my sailing with Emerald Cruises, and loved how our guides pointed our nuances that we simply would have overlooked.

The Hungarian Parliament Building

Travel Advisor, Lindsey Markwood onboard Emerald Luna with the Parliament Building in the background.

On the Pest side of the city, you will find The Parliament Building. It is home to the National Assembly of Hungary, which is the legislative branch of Hungary. Pro tip: While the stonework is impressive in person during the day, the absolute best way to view the Parliament Building is not from the street, but at night fully illuminated from the top deck of your river cruise ship as you sail. This view

is a moment that leaves you breathless. It is hard to put into words just how pretty it is cruising by. If you want to visit the inside of the Parliament, get tickets in advance as they do sell out. Visiting the Parliament was one of the excursion options on our Riverside River cruise.

The Shoes on the Danube Bank

Just a short walk south of Parliament, you will find this deeply moving bronze shoe memorial. It serves as a solemn reminder of the Hungarian Jews who were tragically killed by the Arrow Cross militia at the river's edge during World War II. Spend a few moments here in silence and remember all those we tragically lost.

Buda Castle

On the Buda side of the city is Buda Castle. Buda Castle is located on Castle Hill which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is perfect for an afternoon stroll. The castle was home to the Hungarian Kings and Queens. Today it is home to the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum (which showcases the city's history from the Middle Ages to today), and the National Széchényi Library. Fun fact: the Buda Castle is connected to the Szechenyi Chain Bridge.

Dohany Street Synagogue

Dohany Street Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe. I cannot stress enough how important it is to tour here. It was deeply moving and something every visitor to Budapest should experience. The synagogue can seat almost 3000 congregants. The Hero’s Temple is a smaller synagogue that was built to honor Jewish soldiers who died during World War I. Just outside in the courtyard is a solemn graveyard which serves as the final resting place to over 2000 people who died in the Budapest Ghetto during World War II. Take a close look at the leaves on the weeping willow sculpture. It has the names of Hungarian Jews who were murdered during World War II.

The names of Hungarian Jews who were murdered during World War II are engraved on the leaves.

Szechenyi Chain Bridge

The Szchenyi Chain Bridge is an iconic symbol of Budapest. It connects Buda and Pest and was built in 1849. William Clark designed this famous bridge. Pro tip: take a picture with the lions engravings on the bridge. The lions guard the city.

The Hungarian State Opera House

Just a short stroll from the Danube riverbank near the Szechenyi Chain Bridge is the beautiful Hungarian State Opera House. Whether you want to attend a world class evening performance or simply take an exclusive afternoon guided tour I promise that it is an absolute must see during your time in the city. Read my complete insider guide to the Hungarian State Opera House to discover exactly how to secure tickets and experience this magnificent venue before your ship sets sail.

Thermal Springs

After a long day of travel you can shake off the jet lag before boarding your ship in a few days. There are 123 thermal water springs in Budapest which are natural sources of hot water that are warmed by geothermal energy. It is a big reason that the wellness and spa culture is deeply ingrained in the local lifestyle, making a visit to the popular Szechenyi Bath and Pool the perfect couples' retreat before your cruise begins. Hungary calls Budapest the Queen of bathing cities. Each thermal water spring has its own distinctive properties (temperature, mineral composition, etc.) As a result of having so many thermal springs, the wellness and spa culture are engrained into the Hungarian lifestyle. Szechenyi Bath and Pool is Budapest’s most popular thermal bath complex. Bonus: It is opened year-round.

Taste the Local Hungarian Culture

Food tours are a great way to explore what is offered in Budapest. And the food here is fantastic. When you book with Markwood Magic I will share which restaurants cannot be missed! You must try Lángos, a wildly popular street food consisting of a deep fried flat dough topped with sour cream, garlic, and cheese. For something more filling, try goulash. Goulash is a stew of beef, carrots, onions, peppers, potatoes and is cooked in a spicy sauce. It can be eaten as an appetizer or main meal. If you prefer dumplings, try Nokedli. They are often served alongside goulash.

Pro Tip for Souvenirs: Hungary is famous for its freshly ground paprika. Picking up a beautiful tin of authentic Hungarian paprika makes the absolute perfect, easy-to-pack gift for friends, family, and neighbors back home. You can get it at the local grocery stores around the city. The cruise ships typically dock near the Central Market Hall. This he neo Gothic building has a plethora of vendors selling paprika, linen and other goods.

When to visit

The Magic of the Festive Season

If you want the ultimate bucket list experience, book a late November Danube river cruise. The Budapest Christmas markets are fantastic and there is nothing like sipping hot mulled wine while wandering the illuminated stalls before walking right onto your festive ship. Did you know there are also Christmas themed river cruises and that some ships go all out on decorating for the holidays?

For Warm Weather and Culture

If you prefer warmer weather and outdoor cafe culture, plan your vacation between May and September for sunny skies, or plan for April to catch the vibrant Spring Festival, which showcases Hungarian art, music, and gastronomy.

Ready to Plan Your Masterpiece?

You can easily spend a full week exploring Budapest, which is why it is the perfect city for a pre- or post-cruise extension. As a travel advisor, I know exactly how to stitch together the perfect hotel stay, private tours, and river cruise itinerary so you can simply pack your bags and enjoy the journey. Click below to schedule a consultation.

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