Budapest , Hungary

Budapest Highlights Sightseeing Cruise

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(2367 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Enjoy a beautiful and relaxing introduction to Budapest on this 1-hour, evening sightseeing cruise. See the many famous buildings along the river (the Banks of the Danube is a UNESCO World Heritage Site) with a beverage in your hand. Not guided tour. Experience the city more like a local - the boat functions as a floating coffee house or pub experience with its own bar available during the cruise.
The city floats in the floodlight when the time of the day allows that. (As Budapest uses the illumination to commemorate certain events(, like Earth Hour, Fight Against Breast Cancer, national events, etc.) therefore they might appear in different colours or can be dimmed at certain times.)

Available options

24w

Departure time

What's included

Onboard Wi-Fi

A glass of welcome drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic welcome drink)

take your best shots of Budapest's unbeatable panorama

fast check-in with mobile voucher

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Margaret Bridge

Stop 2 Pass by

Buda Castle

Stop 3 Pass by

Probably the nicest and the oldest bridge of Budapest, that was actually the first permanent bridge between the 2 sides of the city.

Castle Garden

Stop 5 Pass by

Citadel

Stop 6 Pass by

St. Gellert bath and Hotel

Stop 7 Pass by

Gellert Hill

Budapest Technical University

The Whale

The first economics university of Budapest.

Stop 11 Pass by

Pesti Vigado - concert hall

Stop 12 Pass by

Hungarian Academy of Sciences

Stop 13 Pass by

Hungarian Parliament Building

Stop 14 Pass by

Margaret Bridge

What's not included

Tour guide or audio guide

Food and drink (beyond what's mentioned)

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.2

1,092 reviews

5★

599

4★

254

3★

118

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.1

1,275 reviews

5★

640

4★

364

3★

144

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

children under age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult

Seats are taken in the order of arrival; there are no assigned seats. Seating options available, you are free to change seats at any time.

pets are not allowed, service animals excluded

drinks or food can not be brought on board - a bar is available

wheelchair hoist not available, though wheelchair users able to walk short distance may access

electric wheelchairs are not allowed

no phone customer service

Meeting point

DOCK 42 (Carl Lutz rakpart) - Portum Lines - vessels Neptun or Klara
Use your phone's map for by searching for 'Portum Lines', here:
goo.gl/maps/sS4sVvXaR6H85BNV8/
Please note that taxi scams are regular at Budapest. Suggest BOLT to and back from our port or other providers where app is available.

Important notes

• Your voucher contains the exact departure time, please respect that. We are not in the position to wait. THE BOAT WILL LEAVE ON TIME nothing helps delaying that. No phone support! Please arrive min. 15 m. before departure, avoid arriving 5 m. before departure. Once the departure has started the gate will not be reopened and the boat will not return.
• The port, Dock42 is located here: surl.li/bsqtpz please use your phone's navigation app incl. offline navigation and search for 'DOCK 42', you are 1 click away. DO NOT RELY ON the zip code or address only!
• Beware of the taxi scams in Budapest (see hajoznijo.hu/taxis), we recommend to use bigger companies with apps, specifically recommend Bolt. There might be a taxi shortage in case of special event and even in rain.
• There are plenty of rideshare applications also at Budapest, see hajoznijo.hu/rideshare.
• Please try our TelegramBot, Anna on t.me/portum_bot, she knows most of the good answers.
• When you happen to miss the cruise, then as a gesture of goodwill you can use the same voucher on other departure times of the same day or the next for a fee of EUR 8 / person payable on the boat. The same rule applies if you wish to have an earlier departure on the same day. You pay on the boat, card is also accepted.
• Seats are taken in the order of arrival; no assigned (good/better) seats, though seating options are available. The whole boat goes the same way.
• Toilets on board are available, though not usable from about 5 minutes to arrival of the boat
• Be prepared, the weather might change - rain, wind, etc. Likely there will be certain extent of wind on the ride
• Seats, tables may not be reordered or moved due to safety
• Do not block the enterance, the previous passengers need to leave, also the boat needs to be quickly cleaned
• Respect other passengers while waiting in the line: no smoking, shouting, skipping the line etc.
• Smoking is on the designated places only, violation will result in a fine!

About Budapest

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and thermal baths. Straddling the Danube River, it offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western European cultures, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Budapest Parliament Building

The Hungarian Parliament Building is a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture and a symbol of Hungary.

Architecture 1-2 hours €20-30

Buda Castle

Buda Castle is a historical castle and palace complex that offers panoramic views of the city.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore, €3-5 for museums

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Széchenyi Thermal Bath is one of the largest thermal baths in Europe, offering a relaxing experience in historic surroundings.

Relaxation 2-3 hours €15-20

Fisherman's Bastion

Fisherman's Bastion is a neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque structure offering panoramic views of the Danube and Pest.

Architecture 1 hour Free (€3 for the tower)

Heroes' Square

Heroes' Square is a significant monument and a major landmark in Budapest, commemorating the heroes of Hungary's history.

Historical 1 hour Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Goulash

A traditional Hungarian soup made with beef, vegetables, and paprika.

Dinner Contains beef, gluten (from bread or flour)

Lángos

A deep-fried dough topped with sour cream, cheese, and garlic.

Snack Contains dairy, can be made gluten-free

Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács)

A sweet, cylindrical pastry cooked over an open fire and coated with sugar and cinnamon.

Dessert Contains wheat, sugar, can be made gluten-free

Töltött Káposzta

Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced pork and rice, cooked in a tomato sauce.

Dinner Contains pork, gluten (from tomato sauce)

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Buda Hills Cycling along the Danube Kayaking on the Danube Visiting thermal baths Strolling along Andrássy Avenue Relaxing in City Park Visiting museums and galleries Attending classical music concerts

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Budapest for warm weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and tourists.

18°C to 30°C 64°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Hungarian
Widely spoken: English, German
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Hungarian Forint (HUF)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Budapest is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious with valuables in crowded areas
• Use official taxis or app-based services
• Check bills carefully at restaurants and bars

Getting there

By air

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport • 16 km from city center

By train

Budapest-Keleti Railway Station, Budapest-Nyugati Railway Station

By bus

Népliget Bus Station, Árpád Bridge Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and easy to use, with four lines connecting major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, Főtaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

District V (Belváros) District VII (Jewish Quarter) District VIII (Józsefváros) District IX (Ferencváros)

Day trips

Szentendre

20 km from Budapest • Half day

A charming town known for its museums, galleries, and colorful houses.

Esztergom

50 km from Budapest • Full day

A historic town with a stunning basilica and a rich history.

Visegrád

40 km from Budapest • Full day

A historic town with a royal palace and scenic views of the Danube Bend.

Festivals

Budapest Christmas Market • Late November to early January Budapest Spring Festival • March Sziget Festival • August

Pro tips

Use the Budapest Card for free public transport and discounts on attractions
Take a Danube River cruise for stunning views of the city
Visit the thermal baths early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds
Explore the Jewish Quarter for its vibrant nightlife and historic sites
Try local street food, such as lángos and kürtőskalács, for an authentic taste of Budapest