Top Things To See Along The Danube River

The Danube River, approximately 350m wide and running through 10 countries from the Black Forest in Germany to the Black Sea of Romania and Ukraine, is a must-see. Dividing Budapest into Buda and Pest, it is in the heart of the city’s beauty, surrounded by some of the area’s most striking sights.

Relaxing on a Danube river cruiseis by far the best way to discover all that the city has to offer, enabling explorers to take in the surrounding scenery and truly get to grips with the fascinating history of Budapest.

The Great Market Hall

The oldest indoor market of Budapest, and arguably one of the largest and most stunning marketplaces in Europe, The Great Market Hall is not to be missed. Built in 1879 in an eye-catching Neo-Gothic style, its vast 10,000 square metres makes for a charming stroll around. Explore what’s on offer, from fresh food and clothes to souvenirs and handmade trinkets.

Margaret Island

Connected to the heart of Budapest by the Arpad and Margaret Bridges, Margaret Island is a striking destination home to parks, music fountains, pools, running tracks and hotels. Not only is the Island historically significant, named after the daughter of Hungarian King Bela IV who lived in the convent, but there are also numerous spaces and attractions to explore. The Japanese Garden and the Art Nouveau Water Tower are just a couple of favourites. The Island is a stop on most Danube river cruiseexperiences, making it hard to miss.

Buda Castle Hill

Notorious for its medieval and nineteenth-century homes, churches and streets, the Castle District located upon the Buda Castle Hill is a must-visit. A visit to Buda Castle, which was built in the thirteenth century, takes explorers back in time to delve in the curious history of Budapest. Fascinatingly, the hill on which it stands holds many secrets – from a spy museum to nuclear bomb shelters, there is so much to discover.

Shoes on the Danube

A vital place to see on your getaway is the sculpture of bronze shoes on the side of the Danube. A Holocaust memorial made to honour the Jews killed in Budapest during the Second World War, the shoes on the Danube can be an overcoming space to visit, yet one that is entirely necessary.

Elsbeth Bridge

Rebuilt in a modern style after its destruction in the Second World War, this long suspension bridge connecting Buda and Pest is an impressive sight. Although eye-catching, it’s more than justa bridge to the people of Budapest – the astonishing night lighting signifies a 140-year-long relationship between Japan and Hungary.

Get Ready to Go

Budapest is an impressive city with so much on show, and to truly get the most out of this incredible destination, it is recommended to book with a specialist company offering Danube river cruiseexperiences.

From castles to bridges to islands, there is an abundance of history and culture to discover here. Hopping on a Danube river cruise takes travellers right through the centre of the city, showing all of Budapest’s glory in its entirety.

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Perry Mahoney is the Director of GN Holidays, a holiday company specialising in adult weekend breaks, cruises and other excursions for the over 40s. If you're looking to enjoy a Danube river cruise, a getaway with non-stop 60s and 70s sounds or a just an opportunity to bond with some like-minded travellers, GN Holidays will be sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.

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