A Guide to Boat Tours
Budapest, often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’, is best seen from the river itself. With many boat tour operators providing services, you’ll find a plethora of options to choose from. Here, we introduce two prominent ones: Legenda Tours and MAHART.
Experience Budapest with Legenda Tours
Legenda Tours: Founded in 1990, Legenda Tours provides several boat tours on the Danube using their two-story steamboats. They offer a daytime tour named “Duna Bella,” which departs daily at 2:30 pm all year round, with additional tours in the summer. This 2-hour trip includes a stop at Margaret Island for an island walk. The tickets for this tour cost 4,800-7,000 Ft / 13-19 EUR.
For those who prefer an evening excursion, Legenda Tours offers a nightly tour called the “Danube Legend,” departing daily at 8:15 pm. However, reviews of this tour have been mixed. The “Legend Dinner Cruises” tickets cost 24,050-31,500 Ft / 65-85 EUR. Whichever tour you opt for, your ticket entitles you to two free glasses of wine, beer, or soft drinks. There is also a shorter daytime tour option from mid-April to mid-October, excluding the stop on Margaret Island. All boats depart from Vigadó tér port, Pier 7.
You can book tickets through most major hotels, at the dock, or via the Legenda website. When booking two tickets online, you’ll also receive a complimentary CD. For inquiries, you can contact them at +3613172203.
Discover Budapest with MAHART
MAHART, the Hungarian state company, also operates a daily 2-hour daytime sightseeing cruise on the Danube using two-story steamboats. They offer regular departures from Vigadó tér on weekends and holidays in the spring and daily in the summer. During the low season (October 1 to November 4 and March 30 to April 29), their sailing schedule is less frequent.
MAHART also offers evening cruises, with and without dinner. These sail daily during the high season and on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in the low season. Both buffet dinner and cruise-only tickets are available. For cruising rates, reservations, and more information, contact them at +3613181704 or visit their website: Mahart Passnave.
Remember, Budapest is as beautiful by night as it is by day, and a boat tour offers an incredible vantage point to appreciate the city’s stunning architecture and lit-up bridges. Make sure to include a boat tour in your Budapest travel itinerary for a unique sightseeing experience.
Additional Notes: Our comprehensive guide aims to help you choose the best boat tour to explore Budapest’s breathtaking scenery. Safe travels, and enjoy your boat tour adventure in Budapest!