The Danube Capitals: The Night boat ride in Budapest's Danube

Many European countries which have water courses through their cities, like Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna and Italy's famous Venice, are famous for their boat /gondola rides. Budapest too has Danube passing through it and has made best use of it as a tourist attraction. Cruises and boat rides continue through day till late at night to suit the timetables of the tourists pouring in the city.

Although the day rides provide a clearer view of the many historic buildings along the banks and even those visible from distance, yet the night rides are simple awesome, magnificent and leaves the riders spellbound of the colours and lights fallin in the steady river current.

 As the sun went down, my sons too along with the other members of the tour went for a boat ride. It was one of the late night rides which commenced and culminated in darkness. But some rides that start just before sunset are marvelous as one fathoms into darkness gradually and the lights start to illuminate the buildings, making it a wonderful start into the night. 

The rides normally commence from near the majestic parliament building which is abundantly lit and its reflection into the Danube make its water look like the gold water.

 

And for a long time the building is visible for the tourists to continue taking selfies and photos. The boats move at a steady pace, not very slow nor very fast, to allow tourists to take clear photos without jerks.

 Spectacular view of the Buda palace and the Chain Bridge

 Passing close and under the Chain Bridge

  Just passing by the Freedom Bridge

 Freedom Bridge and Gellert Hotel Palace

 Last glimpse of the Freedom Bridge

 The changing colours from mauve to blues

A few tips /information about boat ride:

The boat ride normally take one to one-and-half hour. So plan your ride carefully with no pressing schedule linked to it

You have a choice of open or closed compartmented boats (specially for day time) - but one enjoys an open boat at night

You can reserve your tickets through e-ticketing via email (need not have a print out)

If you are a student, ask  for special discounts

Normally children are given 50% discount - ask for it

And also children under 10 years can have free rides (now don't tell me that you are under ten even when your physical age is 60!!)

There are special discounts fro group travelers

If you want to make your trip a bit romantic, look for boats offering candle light dinners with wines and beer - and soft drinks too.

Normally there are free WiFi available to upload your videos and photos instantly and live 

This was the onward journey - now the return journey is the action replay herein under:

The majestic view of the Parliament Building

 Relaxing the last part of the boat ride

 

 Well that was all about the night boat ride in the Danube. The tired tour group finally returned to the hotel for a much need nap before the next day's leg to Bratislava (Slovakia).

 Going back to the bus station, the bus drove over the Danube and along the Buda Palace, providing the last glimpse of the two of the Budapest's famous landmarks - a journey and a tour that would be remembered for a long time.

 The bus station and the last stand on Budapest soil before moving on

While all European cities and capitals are worth visiting, those who have been to Budapest claim that there is no place more friendlier and interesting than Budapest. Looks to be true - after seeing the tour details of the tour group my sons were part of.

The next Danube capital is Bratislava (Slovakia) - will cover its tour in my next post.

Previous Post(s)

A Quick Travelogue: Three Countries - Three Capitals

A Quick Travelogue: Three Countries - Vienna First

The Danube Capitals: Budapest

References: Wikipedia
If you like Jaho Jalal, please follow us on Facebook
Follow @JalalsPages

Read More

The Paris night-boat ride

Sometime back, I wrote a post: Paris – the Tourists’ Lover. At that time I had not seen Paris and the post was based on my imagination of Paris as I had seen in movies and TV. I never knew at that time that one day I shall be part of those lucky tourists who would be walking in and enjoying the love of one of the loveliest cities of the world – Paris.

Now having seen Paris, I am part of Paris’ love having walked through its streets, seen the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and walked on the famous fashion street – the Champs-Élysées .  I have already shared details and photos of my visit to these three places, right on the first day. Having visited the Champs-Élysées , we rushed back to the Eiffel Tower to catch the very last boat to have round of Paris in River Seine to see the Paris’ illuminated building. 

Herein under are some of the many photos I took while enjoying the Paris boat ride. And do not forget to see at the end of this post  a small video clip I shot.

Pont (Bridge) Alexandre III  with its black sculptures- running from the Hotel des Invalides across the river to the Grand Palais, Petit Palais and Champs Elysées. It is the most decorated bridge over the river. It was built in 1900 in ornate Art Nouveau style and named after Alexander III of Russia who laid the foundation stone.

 Grand Palais, a building created for the universal exposition of 1900, located near Pont Alexandre III

Bourbon Palace (Parliament Building)

 Museum D'Orsay, houses art from 1848-1914, formerly a railway station

An evening walk in the evening boat

 The dome of Institut de France, faces the Louvre museum with the Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge stretching between the two

 Pont Neuf (Neuft Bridge)

 Passing by the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral

Then it was the time to turn back and now we eagerly looked for the Eiffel Tower for it looks majestic at night.

Conciergerie, originally home to the caretaker and guards of the Palais de Justice. It was later made to hold prisoners at end of the 14th century. Marie-Antoinette was also held a prisoner here. After 914, it was made a which still displays its prison walls, guillotine, and sculptures of famous prisoners

 Pont Alexandre III bridge - also gives out first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower

 Finally the Eiffel Tower comes in full view in its full bloom of illuminations

 My children and wife with Eiffel Tower in the background (above-below)

Spectacular view of Eiffel Tower from the boat, just before disembarking

 I too am finally photographed sitting with my wife

With my family posing at the exit of the boat with Eiffel Tower in the background

I forgot to make a video of the Amsterdam Canal Boat-ride - but remembered to make one here. You may now a video clip of our boat ride that I have shared at YouTube:

If you like Jaho Jalal, please follow us on Facebook

Read More