Budapest, Hungary
Budapest was the grand finale of our March 2025 Danube river cruise — we sailed in from Vilshofen aboard AmaWaterways' AmaMora and then stayed on a few nights at an apart-hotel to soak it all in.
Our experience
We've been three times in 2025. Arriving by river is the right way to meet this city: the Parliament glowing over the water, the bridges linking hilly Buda and flat Pest, and the whole skyline lit at night.
We love the grand cafe culture, the thermal baths fed by natural hot springs, and the layered history at every turn. It felt like two cities in one, with a river running between them and steam rising from the bathhouses.
Budapest sits on more than 100 natural thermal springs and is famous for its historic bath culture, with grand bathhouses like the neo-Baroque Széchenyi drawing visitors for well over a century.
Must-sees and must-dos
- Hungarian Parliament Building — the riverfront landmark, dazzling after dark. The Parliament Visitor Centre lists the official ticket seller for visits.
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath — the vast neo-Baroque spa complex in City Park. Klook currently offers full-day entry options.
- Buda Castle & Fisherman's Bastion — hilltop views over the Danube and Pest.
- Chain Bridge — the iconic span linking Buda and Pest.
- Danube embankment — the river views we first saw from the cruise. Klook's evening sightseeing cruise passes landmarks including Parliament, Chain Bridge and Buda Castle.
- Grand cafes & ruin bars — historic coffee houses and the famous Jewish-quarter bars.
Our pro tip
Arriving by river cruise spoiled us — but however you come, give Budapest at least two or three nights; the bathhouses and the Buda hills deserve unhurried time.
Spring and fall are ideal. Buy a transit pass and use the historic metro line, and get to Széchenyi before the afternoon crowds arrive.
Book Széchenyi Thermal Bath tickets on Klook before the afternoon crowds arrive.
For another view of the city from the water, book an evening Danube sightseeing cruise on Klook.