The scenic expanse of the Danube Promenade is ideal for sightseeing as you can spot several top attractions that contribute to Budapest's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Danube walking tours, tuk-tuk tours, and bike tours often cruise here.
Independent travelers can easily reach this waterfront attraction while visiting sights in District V like St. Stephen’s Basilica, Liberty Square, and the Hungarian National Museum. While you stroll, be sure to stop at the somber Shoes on the Danube sculpture—a monument to victims of riverside assasination during World War II—located just south of the Hungarian Parliament Building, on the riverbank.
The Danube Promenade is easiest to reach by public transit. The most scenic route is the #2 tram, which offers easy access to attractions like the foodie-friendly Central Market and Vigadó Concert Hall. Alternatively, take the metro to Vörösmarty tér or Ferenciek Tere, or take the guesswork out of getting around with a private tour.
Although there's really no bad time to stroll along the Danube, an evening walk is a great choice. You can watch the setting sun descend over the Buda Hills and see the lights illuminate the Chain Bridge and Castle Hill. If you visit during the busy summer season, expect more crowds, so visit in late spring or early fall for fewer tourists and typically pleasant weather.
Architecture enthusiasts can find several standout examples of Art Nouveau and Secession-style buildings just steps from the Danube Promenade. Highlights include the neo-Renaissance Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Gresham Palace (now a Four Seasons property), and the Postal Savings Bank, situated just one block from Liberty Square. The best way to see them all is with an Art Nouveau Budapest tour, which offer helpful narration as you go.
