Delightful Destinations Along The Danube

When travelling on a Danube River Cruise, you’ll visit many beautiful places that you’ll want to go back to time and time again. Here we’ve mentioned just a handful of towns and cities you may visit along the way and that you should look out for when exploring.

Budapest

Sat on the River Danube is the capital city of Hungary, Budapest, where there is something for everyone, including flamboyant architecture from Baroque and Neoclassical to Art Nouveau, thermal spas with healing waters and a vibrant nightlife to help you explore more of the city.

One of the first sights you’ll see when sailing past is the Hungarian Parliament Building - you can’t miss it due to its eclectic-style architecture and red-panelled roof. If you wish to see what it looks like from the inside, why not book a guided tour around the 691 well-decorated rooms?

There are also plenty of thermal spas located along the Danube, so if you’re planning on treating yourself to a relaxing afternoon,find one that takes your fancy. Many offer indoor and outdoor pools, spa treatments, and steam room and sauna facilities, ensuring you get the full spa experience.

Bratislava

Further along the river, you’ll find Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, occupying both banks of the Danube.

First spot on the list should be the Old Town, which serves as the main square for cute coffee shops, annual festivals and a hot spot for history. The 14th-century town hall holds the very interesting Bratislava City Museum, whilst the Primate’s Palace’s stunning Hall of Mirrors is also nearby.

Another spectacular attraction in the Old Town includes a castle that looks like it has come straight out of a children’s storybook, with its four towers and white facades. Climb to the top of the Crown Tower to get a breathtaking view of the city. The last stop along your tour should be the unique, 20th-century Blue Church that’s decorated in a baby blue colour both inside and out.

Vienna

Being the largest city in Austria means that Vienna is overflowing with attractions such as imperial palaces,artistic masterpieces and incredible music venues that reflect the city’s rich harmonious heritage. When you get off the ship, you won’t know what to do first.

Visiting The Hofburg and seeing its extensive art galleries and historic collections, including the largest coin collection, may be top of your list if you’re fascinated by the Habsburg monarchy that played such an important part in Vienna’s history.

However, if the city’s musical heritage is what you wish to explore further, listening to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in Wiener Musikverein or the Vienna Boys' Choir in MuTh will give you goosebumps.

Before jumping back on board, why not treat yourself to a delicious brew in one of the quirky coffee houses? Or, spend the afternoon relaxing in a cosy wine tavern, tasting the different Austrian favourites.

Linz

Towards the end of your river cruise, you will stop at the charming town of Linz - also in Austria - that sits on both sides of the Danube.If, after visiting the previous cities, you’re hoping for some more contemporary attractions, this is the place for you.

When approaching, you will most likely see the Ars Electronica Center as sitting on the edge on the Danube riverbank. Here you’ll be able to wander around impressive contemporary art exhibitions, see and program robots like self-driving cars and print whatever design you like in 3D.

Keeping up with the contemporary attractions is the 21st-century Musiktheater, a modern opera house that hosts musicals, ballets and operas with the help of modern technology. However, if you wish to escape the contemporary aspects,have a stroll around the main square to admire its historic points like the 20-metre-tall column and classical buildings with magnificent facades.

If you would like to book onto a Danube River cruise after reading this blog post, call us on 0800 021 3237 or contact us via our website. Alternatively, you can visit our Woodbridge or Ipswich travel agents and speak to a member of our team.