Matthias Church

Culture & history

Cruise under all 6 of the main bridges of Budapest and explore many historically and culturally important sites on this city cruise. Customize your experience with your favorite drinks by choosing the option that suits you, including wine, beer, cocktails, and soft drinks. The unforgettable atmosphere will be guaranteed by live salon music performed by three musicians from the award-winning Rajkó Folk ensemble. Often cited as one of Europe's most beautiful cities, Budapest is even more stunning from the river. The Buda side is made of a string of World Heritage sites stretching from the Chain Bridge to the Technical University, and includes the Gellért Bath, Mt. Gellért with its Freedom Monument and the Citadella, the Buda Castle and the Fisherman’s Bastion. On the opposite side of the river, you can marvel at iconic buildings such as the House of Parliament and the St. Stephen’s Basilica. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy drinks in the air-conditioned cabin and then head to the open-air upper deck to admire the panorama of Budapest by night. The performance also features a marvelous original Hungarian instrument, the famous “cimbalom”. The combination of string instruments and the cimbalom provides a uniquely Hungarian, unforgettable harmony and an outstanding atmosphere on-board. Wish to hear your favorite popular song in a whole new adaptation? During the performance, guests will have a chance to request their favorite songs.

Join your Gothic-attired guide on a one-of-a-kind walking tour of Budapest at night. Stroll beneath the stars of the Buda Castle District and slip into a world of legends, vampires, and chilling tales of dark times. Far from the crowds of Pest, meet your actor guide and embark on your nighttime adventure. Explore Budapest's enchanting history and admire the spectacular Buda Castle, where Hungarian rulers once toiled deep into the night. Hear stories of cruelty and learn about the despicable actions of Elizabeth Bathory, the bloody countess. Discover how the Romanian prince Vlad Dracula ended up in the prison of Buda Castle and journey into Hungary's dark past, where, according to legend, vampires roamed the streets and villages.

Explore, visit, and taste the best of Budapest with the official city pass! Enjoy unlimited public transportation and free entry to more than 30 attractions. Join guided sightseeing tours in Buda and Pest, freshen up at the St. Lukács Thermal Bath, explore the city from a boat on the Danube, and enjoy discounts up to 50% at cafes, restaurants, and attractions. Museums that can be visited free of charge with the Budapest Card: • Hungarian National Museum • Hungarian National Gallery • Budapest History Museum - Castle Museum • Saint Stephen's Hall • Museum Of Fine Arts • Kunsthalle Budapest (Műcsarnok) • Budapest History Museum - Aquincum Museum • Budapest History Museum - Kiscell Museum • Budapest History Museum - Budapest Gallery • Budapest History Museum - Medieval Jewish Prayer House • Ludwig Museum – Museum Of Contemporary Art • Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center • Hungarian House Of Photography - Mai Manó House • Vasarely Museum Budapest • Memento Park - The Statue Park • Hungarian Museum Of Trade And Tourism • Ferenc Hopp Museum Of Asiatic Arts • Underground Railway Museum • Museum Of Óbuda • Goldberger Textile Industry Collection • Budatower - The Mary Magdalene Tower • Margaret Island Open-Air Theatre Water Tower And Panoramic Lookout Tower Other free services included with the Budapest Card: • Free public transportation • Choose from 4 sightseeing boat trips, but you only get one free trip with the Budapest Card • Free guided tours in Pest and Buda • Free ride on the Official Budapest Castle Bus • Free visit to the Pálvölgyi Cave • Free entry to the St. Lukács Thermal Bath and Swimming Pool • Free ride on the Zugliget Chairlift Discounted experiences with the Budapest Card: • 10-25% off on sightseeing tours • Up to 50% off at museums • 20-25% off at Budapest baths and beaches • 10-50% off at restaurants and cafes Budapest Card 72 Plus With the Budapest Card 72h Plus, you get access to additional services beyond those included in the regular Budapest Card: • Free door-to-door airport transfer with MiniBUD airport shuttle • Free ride on the Buda Castle Funicular • Free entry to Matthias Church • Free chimney cake dessert at Molnár’s Kürtőskalács

Welcome aboard the Sightseeing Cruise Budapest, the perfect way to discover the beauty and history of Budapest from the Danube River. Our 60-minute tour departs from Batthyány Square, giving you a unique perspective of the city’s stunning architecture and landmarks from the water. You’ll pass by some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Matthias Church. One of the highlights of the Sightseeing Cruise Budapest is the opportunity to see the stunning Chain Bridge from the water, which connects Buda and Pest, the two sides of the city. As you sail under the bridge, you’ll be mesmerized by the beautiful views of the city’s skyline.

Follow your guide through the history and sights of the Buda Castle District on this walking tour in Budapest. Hear stories from Hungarian history as you see sights like the President's Palace, the Royal Palace, and Fishermen's Bastion. Begin your tour at the Baroque Holy Trinity Statue and walk around the 15th century, Gothic Matthias Church. Admire the fairy-tale like Fishermen's Bastion and take in views of the Danube river and the Parliament building from the Neo-Romanesque terraces. Stroll along the old cobble-stone streets to get to the President's Palace and the Royal Palace complexes. Walk around the courtyards and fountains, and look at the proud guards outside the palace.  Marvel at stunning views of the other side of the city across the majestic Danube River from the royal terraces. Capture pictures of views of the Margaret Bridge, the Chain Bridge, the Elizabeth Bridge, and the Liberty Bridge. Visit the other side of the castle and enjoy an excellent view towards the forested Buda Hills from the medieval walls. End your tour near the Holy Trinity Statue where it began.  The tour does not include an inside visit of the church and royal palace museums. Your tour guide will give you all the instructions on purchasing entry tickets to these sights and their opening times. (Matthias church is closing at 5pm and is often periodically closed in the daytime due to weddings. The castle royal palace museums are always closed on Mondays.)

Take a cruise on the majestic Danube River and explore Budapest from a different perspective. Enjoy a traditional Hungarian dinner, and live folk music as you take in the city's sights and lights. Depart from the city center, board the Gróf (Count) Széchényi, the biggest vintage ship currently on the Danube. Marvel at its elegant wooden interior and designer carpets, the perfect setting for your travel photos. Make life-long memories as you sail along the river, taking in the sights. Admire the Parliament, Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle and Citadel from the water. Relax and enjoy Hungarian specialties. Listen to live music performed by 4 members of the award-winning Rajkó Folk Orchestra. Listen to local and international favorites, and make sure to make a request for your party. The buffet dinner includes all the Hungarian must haves: Alföld style Goulash soupTraditional beef paprikash with homemade dumplingsHungarian strudel variations (dessert) Drinks: One welcome drinkOne glass of beer, wine, mineral water, or a soft drink

Spend a magical evening as you feast on a catered candle-lit dinner aboard one of the most elegant and modern cruises in Budapest. Listen to live music, enjoy a festive welcome drink, and admire the city’s sparkling historical sites along the Danube River. Once you board the boat, be led to your table to receive your complimentary welcome drink. Then, sit back and relax as you enjoy your catered 4-course dinner while listening to live music performed by local Hungarian artists. As you dine, benefit from retractable windows that ensure the best possible photo opportunities of the iconic Hungarian Parliament, which shines like a topaz jewel at night. Continue along the waters and marvel at the nighttime views of the enchanting Buda Castle, the grand Statue of Liberty, and the impressive Citadella on top of Gellért Hill. Sail past other famous landmarks along the river like Margaret Island, the Palace of Arts (MUPA), the National Theatre, and the Vigado Concert Hall. Glide under the illuminated Chain, Margit, and Erzsébet Bridges and watch as the Pest promenade comes to life with the sounds of street musicians and people dining on the patio-lined restaurants.

Discover why Budapest is called the Pearl of the Danube aboard the exclusive Gróf Széchényi ship. The boat takes you beneath six bridges of Budapest while introducing you to Budapest's most famous sights. Hop on board and set out to see sights like the mighty House of Parliament, the Chain Bridge, the Buda Castle, the Fisherman’s Bastion up on the Hill of Buda, and the Gellért mountain, crowned by the majestic Citadella. The ship's wooden interior, designer carpets, and on-board bar add a sense of comfort and luxury to your cruise. Don't forget to explore the lower floor for the engine room during your time on board. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the riverbank of the Danube as you cruise past the city's beautiful historical buildings.

Enjoy a 3-hour walking tour of the twin cities of Buda and Pest, taking in all the most beautiful views and sights the city has to offer. On the way, you'll get an insider's perspective from a local guide who will answer any questions you might have. Discover the local culture of Budapest, and sample the historic delights of the amazing city.  The walking tour covers sights such as Saint Stephen's Basilica, the Hungarian Parliament building, Matthias Church, Buda Castle, and the Royal Palace.  While the tour is mainly on foot, you will also use public transport to cross the Danube from Pest to the Buda side. Your guide will give you a highly personalized visit. Learn about the city’s long and often turbulent history, as well as its contemporary culture. Perfect for all types of travelers, including older and younger tourists, this is a fantastic way to experience this vibrant city.

Your first stop on this bilingual guided city tour of Budapest is in the Castle District for a short walk to see the area’s main attractions. You’ll visit the Castle District area, the perfect spot for enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding area. Travel across the Elizabeth Bridge and the Margaret Bridge, learn a little about the history of these marvelous structures. Additionally, see the exterior of Europe’s largest Synagogue, then drive to the City Park. Along the way, you’ll pass the largest thermal spa in Europe and the Budapest Zoo, and then stop at Heroes’ Square, where you’ll find statues of famed Hungarian kings and dukes. The tour continues from here down Andrássy Avenue to downtown Pest, passing the Opera House and St. Stephen’s Basilica. You’ll get off the bus at the Parliament Building again for a 1-hour guided tour. Designed by the renowned Hungarian architect Imre Steindl, the building was inspired in part by the Palace of Westminster and is the largest Parliament building in the world. Inside, see the splendid session room, the richly decorated central staircase, and the great vaulted hall. You’ll also see the cupola room, which houses the Crown Jewels and the Hungarian Holy Crown.