We will be in Budapest for a couple of days in July. We would like to do an evening Danube River cruise. What is the best time to go in July? Not sure if we should wait until it is dark. Any suggestions? We are considering Legenda for our cruise.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17417 posts
Sunset in Budapest in July ranges from 8:45 pm early in the month to 8:30 later on. Then there will be twilight before it actually gets dark. So even the later cruise may not be entirely in darkness.
Posted by
OP
13 posts
Is it best to wait until dark?
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20159 posts
The whole experience is the lights after dark. There are a couple versions of the cruise by various companies. I think for the experience one of the trips with drinks and a view after dark is more than good. Other have bands and dinner or singers, etc; they just distract from the beauty --- and it is beautiful.
Budapest really gets the most out of the Danube (unlike Vienna). You might also think about a day trip to Szentendre and then ride the boat back. We just did that for a guest and she was freeking amazed.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20159 posts
The whole experience is the lights after dark. There are a couple versions of the cruise by various companies. I think for the experience one of the trips with drinks and a view after dark is more than good. Other have bands and dinner or singers, etc; they just distract from the beauty --- and it is beautiful.
Budapest really gets the most out of the Danube (unlike Vienna). You might also think about a day trip to Szentendre and then ride the boat back. We just did that for a guest and she was freeking amazed.
Another great view of the city at night is the lookout park by the Citidella on Gellert Hill.
Posted by
OP
13 posts
Thank you for all the replies. We will definitely wait until dark.
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA
11 posts
I thought a cruise at night would be kind of boring but I was wrong. It feels like all of Budapest is "in on" the cruise, as all the buildings along the Danube are lit up. It's very magical. But honestly I don't think you can go wrong cruising during the day either. It's just so pretty. It's more a matter of personal choice.
Posted by
midwest- Michigan
489 posts
We've done a cruise on the Danube after dark twice. The first time was when we were so jetlagged we hardly remembered it. The second was at the end of a long river cruise. Budapest after dark is magical. You DEFINITELY want to experience this beautiful city from the Danube after dark! Love it!