Port guide: Budapest, Hungary

Grand architecture, a rich history, and a stylish and confident present make Budapest one of Europe’s most beautiful, fascinating and lively capitals.

Who goes there

Budapest is the start and end point of many river cruises on the Rhine-Danube, as well as those on the Lower Danube into Eastern Europe. All major companies dock there, including AmaWaterways, APT, Avalon, Emerald, Scenic, Uniworld and Viking. If you’re looking for something alternative then CroisiEurope runs itineraries along the Tisza and Sava rivers.

Grand arrival … Budapest.

Sail on in

Get yourself on deck: this is one of the best sail-ins anywhere. Budapest rises like an operetta set, all battlemented hillsides and spires, cupolas and elegant iron bridges. Its huge neo-Gothic parliament building, right on the Pest waterfront, is magnificent. Across the river in Buda, hills are topped by a cathedral and palace. Most cruise ships make a short evening journey up and down the river so you can admire it all over again, illuminated.

Berth rites

River ships dock at several quays on either side of the river in the heart of downtown Budapest. The grandiosely named Budapest International Cruise Terminal is on the Buda side beneath the castle, the Mahart-Drava Dock on the Pest side, or you might tie up at another location. It hardly matters: you’ll be within walking distance of several bridges and most sights.

Before and after

Don’t rush Budapest: it’s worth an extra night or two. The Pest side has more options and is the most convenient base. Sofitel Budapest Chain Bridge is well located for an easy transfer; so is the sumptuous Four Seasons Gresham Palace.

Going ashore

Hilly old-town Buda provides splendid river views, a charming little baroque quarter, and the Hungarian National Gallery. More modern Pest has stunning, mostly 19th-century and art deco architecture that will crick your neck. Take in a concert or opera at the gorgeous red-velvet and gilt Hungarian State Opera House if you get the chance.

Don’t miss

Dohany Square for one of the world’s largest and most beautiful synagogues. Built in 1859, the Great Synagogue has a stunning rose window, organ and silverware. It houses the Hungarian Jewish Museum, documenting the long history of Jews in Hungary and the once-large surrounding Jewish district that thrived before World War II.

Get active

Margaret Island and the Margaret Bridge.Credit: Getty

Pest is flat and great for cycling or jogging and Margaret Island in the middle of the Danube has leaf-shaded paths and a dedicated five-kilometre running track. You can use bikes from the public system’s 180 stations. You’re charged per minute with an extra fee for returning the bike to a different station, but the cost is low.

Retail therapy

You’ll find everything from fancy malls to traditional stores selling Hungarian foodstuffs or folk art. Good buys include arts and crafts, Herend porcelain and local foods such as salami, paprika and marzipan. Hungarian wines and spirits include palinka fruit brandy and Tokaji (Tokay) sweet wine. Budapest has lots of great markets, including Victorian-era Central Market with three floors of fresh produce, and suburban Ecseri Market flea market, one of Central Europe’s largest.

Further afield

Arty, cobblestoned Szentendre is 20 kilometres away and crammed with churches, little museums and artists’ workshops. Under an hour north-west, former Hungarian capital Esztergom is the seat of Catholicism in Hungary. The huge cathedral and its gold-laden treasury are impressive and the pleasant town has lovely views over the Danube. Lake Balaton, Central Europe’s largest lake and a popular holiday destination, combines lovely scenery with historic towns, castles and vineyards. It is however an almost two-hour drive, so prepare for a long day.