Budapest by night Boat Tour: Guide and Video on the Danube River

You are in the right place if you are looking for:

• A written guide to a nighttime boat tour of Budapest and sights on the Danube River
• Video on the boat tour – inside and out
• Tour options you can book for a River Cruise on the Danube

I took a 12 day guided tour of Eastern Europe, and Budapest was one of the stops.

We booked a dinner night time boat cruise for some sightseeing on the Danube.

360 VR travel video of Budapest by night by boat

If on mobile, open Budapest video in Youtube app for best experience.
There is a short regular video at end of the article if you prefer.

Hungarian Parliament Building

My video opens up with a up close majestic view of the Hungarian Parliament Building lit up at night.

• With 691 rooms, the Hungarian Parliament is the largest building in Hungary and the third largest parliament building in the entire world.
• The Hungarian Crown Jewels are kept inside the Parliament Building in a highly secured room, which is equipped with a two-ton gate and an alarm system connected directly to the police.
• The building’s height is 96 meters, which is symbolic for the year 896 AD when the Hungarian people settled in the Carpathian Basin.
• The interior and exterior of the Hungarian Parliament Building are decorated with a total of 242 sculptures, including nine 6-meter-tall statues of Hungarian rulers and military commanders located on the building’s facade.

Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church

In my video, Fishermans Bastion and Matthias Church sits atop a hill with bright lights in the distance. I have another better close up video of Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church during the daytime.

• The Fisherman’s Bastion was built in 1905 and takes its name from the medieval fish market, which was nearby.
• neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque structure located on Castle Hill in Budapest that offers sweeping views of the Danube River and Pest side of the city.
• The Bastion consists of seven towers – representing the seven Magyar tribes that settled in the Carpathian Basin in 896 AD – and is adorned with elaborate archways and staircases.
• Matthias Church, also known as the Church of Our Lady, is a Catholic church located adjacent to the Fisherman’s Bastion.
• Several Hungarian kings were crowned in Matthias Church, including Charles IV, who was crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 1346, and Franz Joseph I, who was crowned king of Hungary in 1867.
• Matthias Church has a vibrantly colorful tiled roof, which features intricate geometric patterns and depictions of historical figures and coat of arms.

Inside Budapest dinner boat night tour

Take a look and the interior of the boat for our dinner night cruise in the video.

We had a pleasant experience on the boat thanks to the comfortable seating, delicious buffet, and a delightful bottle of wine.

The boat had a second level which provided better views of the surrounding scenery.

I have a guide for first time to Budapest if you want to learn more about what else to see there in the daytime.

Széchenyi Chain Bridge

We soon crossed under the Széchenyi Chain Bridge.

• The bridge was completed in 1849, making it the first permanent bridge to span the Danube River in Hungary
• The bridge was named after Count István Széchenyi, who recognized the need for a bridge across the Danube to connect the two parts of the city of Budapest and commissioned the project.
• The bridge’s design featured innovative suspension systems, which used huge chains to hold the structure steady
• The bridge spans 880 meters and offers stunning views of both Buda and Pest sides of the city.

Buda Castle

After crossing under the Széchenyi Chain Bridge on the cruise, you can see the majestic Buda Castle lit up on the hilltop.

• The Buda Castle is located in Budapest’s Castle District, on the Buda side of the Danube River.
• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• The castle’s Labyrinth was once home to the famous Dracula, Vlad the Impaler, who was imprisoned there between 1462 and 1474.
• Buda Castle houses several museums, including the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
• The castle’s construction began in the 14th century, and it was expanded and rebuilt many times over the centuries, resulting in an impressive blend of architectural styles that can be seen today.

Gellert Hill and Citadella

Further down the river, we see Gellert Hill, with Citadella fort on top, and Gellert Spa at its base, and Liberty Bridge in front.

I also have a daytime land video tour of this area.

• Gellért Hill is named after St. Gerard, who was thrown to death from the hill in the 11th century.
• The Citadella was built by the Habsburgs in 1849-1856 as a fortress to defend against Hungary’s attempted revolution from Vienna.
• The hill is home to the Gellért Hill Cave, which was once used by hermits as a place of worship and meditation, and later used as a hospital during World War II.
• The hill’s Liberation Monument, which features a statue of a woman holding a palm leaf, commemorates Hungary’s liberation from Nazi occupation at the end of World War II.
• Gellért Hotel and Thermal Bath, a beautiful Art Nouveau building that dates back to the early 20th century.
• The Liberty Bridge features art nouveau design, mythological sculptures and the country’s coat of arms adorned on its side.

Margaret Island

I didn’t visit the island on my Danube River night time boat tour but here are some facts and things to do on the island if you go in daytime.

Visit the Margaret Island Water Tower

The tower was built in 1911 and is one of the few remaining water towers in the city. The tower offers stunning views of the Danube River and the city of Budapest.

 Explore the Ruins of the 13th-Century Dominican Church

The ruins of the 13th-century Dominican church are another popular tourist attraction on Margaret Island. The church was destroyed during the Mongol invasion of Hungary in 1241 but was later rebuilt.

 Visit the Thermal Baths

Margaret Island is home to several thermal baths, including Palatinus Strandfürdő baths , which are popular among both locals and tourists. The thermal baths are said to have healing properties and are a great way to relax after a long day of sightseeing.

Stroll Through the Japanese Garden

The garden was created in 1992 and features a variety of Japanese plants and trees.

Watch a Performance at the Open-Air Theater

The open-air theater on Margaret Island is a popular venue for concerts, plays, and other performances. The theater has a capacity of 3,000 people and hosts a variety of events throughout the year.

 Rent a Bike or Pedal Boat

Margaret Island is a great place to rent a bike or pedal boat and explore at your own pace. There are several rental shops on the island, so you’ll have no problem finding one that suits your needs.

Visit the Musical Fountain

The fountain was built in 1949 and features over 1,000 nozzles that shoot water up to 30 meters (100 feet) into the air. The fountain is illuminated with colored lights and plays classical music, making it a truly unique experience.

 Stroll Through János Hegy Park

The park features hiking trails, a playground, and a variety of flowers and plants. It is also home to several restaurants and cafes, making it the perfect place to grab a bite to eat after a day of exploring the island.