Mahart Cruises · Vigadó tér, Pest riverbank
A 50-minute Mahart cruise on the Danube at night, past the floodlit Royal Palace, Fisherman's Bastion and Parliament, with a welcome glass of prosecco or juice. Pick it to see the castle lit up from below. It is a view, not a visit, and the cheapest good one in town.
Buda Castle looks best twice: from its terraces in daylight, and from the river after dark. Mahart's boat leaves from Vigadó tér Dock 5 on the Pest bank (or from Batthyány tér Pier 1 with the Parliament Panorama option) and runs about 50 minutes past the Chain Bridge, Parliament, the Royal Palace, Fisherman's Bastion, Gellért Hill and Liberty Bridge.
Everyone gets a glass of Törley prosecco or fruit juice. The audio guide works by scanning a QR code with your phone, in six languages, so bring headphones and a charged phone. There is an open upper deck and a closed, heated lower deck with a bar. Guests report good value and smooth boarding.
The caveat is simple. This doesn't take you into the castle. It's the view back. One guest missed Parliament's lights because of the direction the boat travelled, and seats on top go to whoever boards first. With 25,000-plus reviews it is the most booked option in Budapest for a reason.
Board on the Pest bank. Your voucher is scanned at boarding.
Collect your prosecco or juice and grab a seat on top or below.
Parliament, the Chain Bridge, the palace, the bastion, Gellért Hill and Liberty Bridge.
You land in central Pest, a short walk from the Chain Bridge.
★★★★★What an amazing trip down the Danube past the parliament and the castle. It was a beautiful clear night with a lot of wonderful. You had the option of sitting outside on top of the boat or inside shielded from the elements. Given the roughness of the water the boat was Very smooth you would never know it was windy.
★★★★★Brilliant in every way. Just magic way to see Budapest by night on the river
★★★★★The cruise was a really good value for money! With an option of champagne or orange juice at the start, and beautiful views to go along with it! You must go on a night time cruise when u come to Budapest!!
★★★★★As advertised. Get in line early so you can get a good seat.
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No. It passes below the castle so you see it floodlit from the river. There is no stop or entry.
About 50 minutes to an hour.
From Vigadó tér, Mahart Dock 5, on the Pest bank, or from Batthyány tér Pier 1 if you choose the Parliament Panorama option.
One glass of Törley prosecco or fruit juice. More drinks are sold at the bar on board.
Ready to book
An hour on the Danube at night with the castle and Parliament lit up, and a drink.
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