The Legend of the Danube: can’t miss the Legenda Boat trips in Budapest

Hop aboard one of the 4 sightseeing boats of Legenda, and join a cruise that shows you Budapest like no other tour. 

Ever since the first Roman settlement was founded over two millennia ago, Budapest’s history, economy, and transportation have been fundamentally defined by the river Danube. Splitting the capital in two (Buda and Pest), the Danube is the second-longest in Europe after the Volga, with hundreds of ships passing through one of the most scenic river sections from Germany to Bulgaria. No wonder that the Hungarian capital has a plethora of boat trips you could choose from: some take you on a river cruise around downtown Budapest, others pass the city limits and dazzle you with the one-of-a-kind landscape of the Danube Bend. However, none quite capture the beauty of Budapest like Legenda cruises: read on to find out why!

About Legenda

A company named after one of its boats, Legenda has a 4-boat strong fleet and offers daytime and nighttime cruises on the Danube. All four ships come with a panorama view, giving passengers a unique vantage point of the city around the clock, and if that wasn’t enough, you’ll also have the option to have a candlelight dinner aboard one of the ships.

Budapest by day: Duna Bella

For any tourist visiting Budapest, one of the first checkboxes to tick is having a quick preview of the multitude of landmarks in the city. The cruise with Duna Bella offers just that: this 1 hour 10-minute daytime cruise showcases all the major sights along the river. The southernmost point is marked by the pillars of Liberty Bridge, and the northernmost one is at Árpád Bridge – between the two, you’ll get to see monuments like the Parliament, the Buda Castle, the Citadel, and much more. To get the most out of the trip, the cruise offers audio guides in 30 languages and free Wi-Fi onboard. What’s even better is that the price includes a glass of drink of your choice plus a glass of Duna Bella lemonade. 

Budapest by night: Duna Legenda

Duna Legenda sets off on almost the same route as Duna Bella with a twist: the cruise starts only after sunset. This way you can marvel at the spectacular sight of Budapest by night while enjoying all the perks the daytime cruise offers. 

Candlelight dinner cruise

You might think it’d be hard to up the ante at this point, but there’s a way to upgrade your nighttime cruise. The candlelight dinner package almost triples the cruise’s duration, plus you’ll get a welcome drink upon arrival and then dine as you float by the various monuments of the capital. The dinner is both available with a la carte and kids’ menu options. 

Timetable

First things first, none of Legenda’s cruises are available in the months between January and April. That being said, there are several boats to catch between May and December, with summer months being the busiest (11 cruises per day). The timetable is subject to change, so be sure you visit their website before adjusting your plans.

Pricing

Basic cruises like Duna Bella or Legenda are reasonably priced: tickets for adults cost between 4500-6300 HUF (15-20€). Dining aboard is a bit pricier, though: a candlelight dinner will cost you 23900 HUF (or 70€), although the same cruise for kids is a bit cheaper (17000 HUF or 55€). As prices might change over time, just double-check Legenda’s pricing list for the latest updates. 

Getting there

Finding the pier from which Legenda’s boats depart really isn’t a big deal: the docks are a 5-minute walk from Vörösmarty tér. Once you get to the Danube bank, just look for pier 7 and the blue Legenda logo. All cruises are closed loops, so you get off exactly where you board. 

Other cruises

Legenda isn’t the only company offering cruises on the Danube: one excellent alternative would be the Hop on-Hop off boat trip. It takes you on the same route, plus, since it primarily functions as a sightseeing bus tour, you’ll get to roam around parts of the city that are beyond reach for a boat.

Q & A

Where do Legenda cruises start?

Every cruise leaves from and arrives at pier 7 at Jane Haining rakpart.

Is there any food served aboard Legenda cruises?

Yes, although apart from candlelight dinner cruises food is not included in the price.

Can I get any drinks aboard Legenda cruises?

Yes, every cruise package comes with a free welcome drink, and there’s a bar operating on every ship.