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Highlights of a Danube river cruise
From Vienna to Budapest, here's what awaits on a Danube river cruise.
No two days are the same on the Danube. That’s because Europe’s second-longest river flows through everything from dramatic gorges to grand capital cities. In fact, the Danube weaves its way from the Black Forest in the west, through a whopping total of 10 countries – more than any other river in the world – all the way to the Black Sea in the east. So, if you want to cross some countries off your to-visit list, river cruises on the Danube are a great way to go about it. And, because it covers so many destinations, there are tonnes of must-sees along the river’s banks – so how do you make sure you see the best of it? Well, we reckon our guide’s a good place to start.
Ready to go? Check out our river cruise deals.
Ready to go? Check out our river cruise deals.
Must-see sights
These are the big-hitting landmarks that you can’t miss on a cruise along the Danube…
Schonbrunn Palace, Austria
In a city praised for its architecture, Vienna’s summer palace still stands out. You can see the apartments of the former Emperor of Austria, Franz Joseph, then take a wander around the perfectly preened gardens.
Szechenyi Thermal Baths, Budapest
You can’t stop in the so-called City of Spas and not sink into a thermal bath. This bright-yellow bathhouse is one of Budapest’s best, thanks to its open-air pools and Neo-Renaissance architecture.
Bratislava Castle, Slovakia
This castle’s hilltop position means that you can spot it from almost anywhere in Bratislava. Plus, it’s a great place to see the city below. It comes with a generous helping of history, too – 11 kings and eight queens were crowned here.
In a city praised for its architecture, Vienna’s summer palace still stands out. You can see the apartments of the former Emperor of Austria, Franz Joseph, then take a wander around the perfectly preened gardens.
Szechenyi Thermal Baths, Budapest
You can’t stop in the so-called City of Spas and not sink into a thermal bath. This bright-yellow bathhouse is one of Budapest’s best, thanks to its open-air pools and Neo-Renaissance architecture.
Bratislava Castle, Slovakia
This castle’s hilltop position means that you can spot it from almost anywhere in Bratislava. Plus, it’s a great place to see the city below. It comes with a generous helping of history, too – 11 kings and eight queens were crowned here.
Hidden gems
You might not have heard of these under-the-radar places, but you won’t want to miss them…
Durnstein, Austria
This little-known town is a serious contender for the Wachau Valley’s most adorable village. Despite its small size, it’s home to some big sights, like an ornate abbey and a Medieval castle.
Regensburg, Germany
This place is a winner when it comes to historical credentials. It’s the oldest city on the Danube’s banks, for starters. And, if that wasn’t enough, its 12th-century stone bridge is Germany’s oldest – it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, too.
This little-known town is a serious contender for the Wachau Valley’s most adorable village. Despite its small size, it’s home to some big sights, like an ornate abbey and a Medieval castle.
Regensburg, Germany
This place is a winner when it comes to historical credentials. It’s the oldest city on the Danube’s banks, for starters. And, if that wasn’t enough, its 12th-century stone bridge is Germany’s oldest – it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, too.
Foodie find
Your taste buds will thank you for a trip here…
Linz, Austria
The Austrian city of Linz has a dessert named after it, the Linzer Torte, a sort of jam-filled pastry. The family-run Café Jindrak set a world record for the largest ever Linzer Torte, so there’s no better place to try the famous treat.
The Austrian city of Linz has a dessert named after it, the Linzer Torte, a sort of jam-filled pastry. The family-run Café Jindrak set a world record for the largest ever Linzer Torte, so there’s no better place to try the famous treat.
Perfect pictures
Make sure to snap a photo at these scenic spots…
The Iron Gates, Serbia
Scenery-wise, this dramatic gorge is the Danube’s pièce de résistance. The towering cliffs are embellished with caves, Roman plaques and a huge rock carving of a Dacian king.
Citadel, Budapest
Budapest’s 19th-century Citadel’s the best place to snap pictures of Hungary’s capital. From here, you can see the Royal Palace, the Hungarian Parliament Building and both the Buda and Pest halves of the city. It’s no wonder that it’s been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Scenery-wise, this dramatic gorge is the Danube’s pièce de résistance. The towering cliffs are embellished with caves, Roman plaques and a huge rock carving of a Dacian king.
Citadel, Budapest
Budapest’s 19th-century Citadel’s the best place to snap pictures of Hungary’s capital. From here, you can see the Royal Palace, the Hungarian Parliament Building and both the Buda and Pest halves of the city. It’s no wonder that it’s been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Top tips
Prepare for your trip with these tips, so you can make the most of your holiday…
Nuremberg’s sights aren’t just above ground. You can tour the city’s 14th-century dungeons, too. Even its castle has an underground bunker-turned-museum, crammed with items from a bygone era.
If you want an authentic taste of Vienna, make sure you stop at a traditional Viennese coffee house. Wondering how you’ll be able to tell it’s the real thing? Look out for signs like live music, tables topped with marble, and menus complete with pastries like apfelstrudel and Sachertorte.
Make sure you pack comfy shoes – lots of the traditional towns you’ll stop in on a Danube river cruise are carpeted with cobblestones, and there are plenty of walking tours that you’ll want to get involved with.
Nuremberg’s sights aren’t just above ground. You can tour the city’s 14th-century dungeons, too. Even its castle has an underground bunker-turned-museum, crammed with items from a bygone era.
If you want an authentic taste of Vienna, make sure you stop at a traditional Viennese coffee house. Wondering how you’ll be able to tell it’s the real thing? Look out for signs like live music, tables topped with marble, and menus complete with pastries like apfelstrudel and Sachertorte.
Make sure you pack comfy shoes – lots of the traditional towns you’ll stop in on a Danube river cruise are carpeted with cobblestones, and there are plenty of walking tours that you’ll want to get involved with.
Recommended itineraries
You’ve got lots of options when it comes to picking your Danube itinerary with TUI River Cruises – we’ve got a total of 11 on our books. Danube Treasures ticks off Hungary, Slovakia and Austria – Magical Danube does the same, and adds Germany to its agenda. Meanwhile, East Danube Explorer covers Hungary, Serbia and Croatia, and Diamonds of the Danube stops at Austria, Germany and Hungary. If you’d like to go for longer, opt for the Icons of Europe cruise, which sails for 15 nights. You’ll visit Germany, Amsterdam, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary on this tour. If you fancy something a little shorter, your options include the three-night Three Grand Capitals sailing, and the Danube Flavours 2 which ticks off Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna over four nights.
Choose your Danube river cruise.
Choose your Danube river cruise.
Ready for a river adventure?
Take a look at our full range of river cruises on the Rhine, Moselle, Main, Danube, and Dutch & Belgian Waterways.
Plus, get some more inspiration with our round-up of the best European river cruises, highlights of a Moselle river cruise, and highlights of a Rhine river cruise.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Hannah Stratton and Annabel Langley
Last updated: 29.02.2024