A view of the Danube and Budapest from high up on Castle Hill.
By John Roberts
My Viking River Cruise exposed me to the wonders of the old towns, cities and beautiful sights along the Danube river.
Each stop during the weeklong voyage was fantastic. Christmas markets, cathedrals, museums and a mix of pleasant local people busying themselves with holiday merrymaking.
It all made for the perfect buildup to our final port: Budapest, Hungary.
The city has more than 1.7 million inhabitants and is one of the largest capitals in Europe.
On our visit on Viking Delling in early December 2014, one of the best parts was our arrival -- an early morning sail into the historic city center.
We tied up at the pier on the Pest side of the Danube, just steps away from a whole host of places to explore.
As we arrived that morning, all of the wonderful centuries-old buildings came into view. It was a breathtaking start to our visit and a highlight of the entire week. The Budapest Parliament building, bridges and others structures make up one of the most interesting skylines in the world.
We spent a day and a half in Budapest and soon learned that this would be only enough to get a quick look at some of the highlights. There are limitless options to occupy your time.
I have plans to get back for a longer stay as soon as possible. But meanwhile I can tell you about some highlights.
Here are five things to try on your quick stop into Budapest.
5. Ride the funicular up to Castle Hill. A quick ride (about 45 seconds) takes you to the top of the hill of the Buda side of the river. We exited our river ship and walked across the Chain Bridge to the opposite side of the Danube and caught the funicular. Transport tickets in the city work to ride the funicular, trams, trolleys, trains and buses. My tour around the city used the tram and bus system, too, which was very efficient and easy to navigate.
Once atop Castle Hill, you find astounding views of the river and buildings. You'll want to click pics until your batteries die. Top sites in this area: the President's Office at Sandor Palace, National Dance Theatre, Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion.
Yes, the president of Hungary heads to work at the palace. The Fisherman's Bastion is an ornate stone terrace and tower structure that gives even more fantastic views of the city and river below.
My Viking River Cruise exposed me to the wonders of the old towns, cities and beautiful sights along the Danube river.
Each stop during the weeklong voyage was fantastic. Christmas markets, cathedrals, museums and a mix of pleasant local people busying themselves with holiday merrymaking.
It all made for the perfect buildup to our final port: Budapest, Hungary.
The city has more than 1.7 million inhabitants and is one of the largest capitals in Europe.
On our visit on Viking Delling in early December 2014, one of the best parts was our arrival -- an early morning sail into the historic city center.
We tied up at the pier on the Pest side of the Danube, just steps away from a whole host of places to explore.
As we arrived that morning, all of the wonderful centuries-old buildings came into view. It was a breathtaking start to our visit and a highlight of the entire week. The Budapest Parliament building, bridges and others structures make up one of the most interesting skylines in the world.
We spent a day and a half in Budapest and soon learned that this would be only enough to get a quick look at some of the highlights. There are limitless options to occupy your time.
I have plans to get back for a longer stay as soon as possible. But meanwhile I can tell you about some highlights.
Here are five things to try on your quick stop into Budapest.
5. Ride the funicular up to Castle Hill. A quick ride (about 45 seconds) takes you to the top of the hill of the Buda side of the river. We exited our river ship and walked across the Chain Bridge to the opposite side of the Danube and caught the funicular. Transport tickets in the city work to ride the funicular, trams, trolleys, trains and buses. My tour around the city used the tram and bus system, too, which was very efficient and easy to navigate.
Once atop Castle Hill, you find astounding views of the river and buildings. You'll want to click pics until your batteries die. Top sites in this area: the President's Office at Sandor Palace, National Dance Theatre, Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion.
Yes, the president of Hungary heads to work at the palace. The Fisherman's Bastion is an ornate stone terrace and tower structure that gives even more fantastic views of the city and river below.
It's a quick ride up the funicular to Castle Hill top.
Matthias Church Square is filled with visitors, statues and colors.
Peer through Fisherman's Bastion to see Budapest's Parliament building.
4. Shop at Central Market Hall. Mix with residents who are busily buying produce, meats and other items at the market, which is filled with craft stores and food stalls on the second level and more vendors and butcher/deli shops selling all manner of cheeses, garlic, meats and other goodies on the first level.
The Budapest Central Market, or Great Market Hall, is filled with vendors and shoppers.
3. Go for a run at Margaret Island. The island in the middle of the Danube can be reached by a city trolley car that stops on Margaret Bridge. You can walk the length of the island in less than 30 minutes, and it also offers the Palatinus water park (with 11 outdoor swimming pools). Active Loopers will love the rubberized 3.5-mile running track that encircles the island. How cool is that?
2. Walk across Chain Bridge. The stone and steel 1,250 foot Danube span is a gorgeous landmark of Budapest. It was rebuilt from 1947 to 1949 after being destroyed during WWII bombings. It's a pleasurable and picturesque stroll during which you can enjoy new views and capture some more snapshots. Bikers are supposed to dismount as they cross but most don't, so be aware of cycle traffic.
2. Walk across Chain Bridge. The stone and steel 1,250 foot Danube span is a gorgeous landmark of Budapest. It was rebuilt from 1947 to 1949 after being destroyed during WWII bombings. It's a pleasurable and picturesque stroll during which you can enjoy new views and capture some more snapshots. Bikers are supposed to dismount as they cross but most don't, so be aware of cycle traffic.
The Chain Bridge in Budapest was the first permanent span linking Buda and Pest on the Danube. It was first built in 1840 and most recently reconstructed after WWII in 1949.
1. Indulge with a thermal bath. Budapest is known as the City of Baths because of its thermal waters with reputed healing properties. The city sits on about 100 thermal springs that feed dozens of spas and bathhouses. Spend part of your day enjoying yourself with a soak, massage and steam -- a perfect cap to your quick visit to this great European city.
More pics from In The Loop Travel's quick visit to Budapest on a Viking River Cruise:
More pics from In The Loop Travel's quick visit to Budapest on a Viking River Cruise:
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