One of the best memories of my first trip to Europe was the boat ride down the Danube River while the sun was setting. Seeing Budapest’s most iconic landmarks against the twilight sky and then watching them light up is truly a memorable moment.
My cruise down the Danube River was organized by my tour with Rick Steves’ Europe, and it was via Legenda City Cruises. The trip lasted approximately one hour and included a beverage – I got champagne to celebrate the moment! Our boat consisted of two levels: the first was indoors with ceiling-to-floor windows, allowing for great views, and the second was uncovered. The second level had a few seats towards the front and standing room only in the back. The boat did offer an audio tour headset for those who were interested.
A Danube River cruise is a quintessential Hungarian experience and one that cannot be missed if you are in Budapest. I highly recommend purchasing a ticket for a cruise that departs shortly before sunset, as the views are just beautiful!! If you have limited time, the standard one-hour tour is the perfect option. For those with more time, there are cruises that offer dinner, live music, and a traditional Hungarian show.
If you are prone to motion sickness, the first level is the better option. While seated on the first level, I barely noticed any swaying. When standing on the top deck, I could sense the boat’s movement much more.
I suggest arriving early for your cruise to ensure a great seat, especially if you are interested in sitting on the top deck. As I shared, our boat had just a few seats available on top, with the rest of the outer deck being standing room only.
Most cruises are accessible for those with mobility-related disabilities. Our cruise ship had an accessible first floor; however, one had to climb a spiral staircase to get to the second floor.
Resources
Visit Legenda City Cruises for more information and to book a trip.
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