On my recent trip to Budapest with my husband, I wanted to do something special as it was our wedding anniversary. There are many things to do in Budapest and while I was researching what to do, I came across Hungaria Koncert, a company that offers interesting tours in Budapest like cruises down the Danube and various concerts. We decided to attend a Budapest Gala Concert followed by a dinner cruise.
The Budapest Gala Concert was taking place in one of Hungary’s most famous theaters, Pesti Vigadó. The building itself is a work of art and also has a great history. The gala dinner after the coronation of the Austrian emperor and Hungarian king, Franz Joseph took place there in 1867. Also, many famous composers performed in Pesti Vigadó like Wagner, Strauss, Debussy, and Liszt.
As soon as we arrived at the concert hall, we picked up our tickets from the reception and were escorted to our seats. The show lasted 90 minutes and included Hungarian classical music by the Danube Symphony Orchestra, operetta, gypsy music and songs accompanied by the cimbalom, a traditional Hungarian instrument, and ballet dances. Through this amazing experience, you get a taste of the Hungarian traditions and music. It was a performance we both enjoyed and totally recommend.
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After the concert, a hostess was waiting for us at the lobby to take us to our boat for the Danube dinner cruise.
Within 5 minutes we were on board. We were greeted by a glass of sparkling wine and were escorted to our table. When everyone was on board, the boat started its cruise down the Danube passing from Budapest’s major sights like the Parliament Building, the Chain Bridge, the Elisabeth Bridge, the Gellert Hotel, the Royal Palace and more. The view from my window with Budapest lit up was fantastic.
Dinner was served buffet style and included a lot of Hungarian specialties and international dishes. Fresh salads, soups, fish and meat accompanied by rice, potatoes, and pasta were among the choices. A variety of desserts and fruits were also available. The food was delicious and cooked to perfection. While eating, we enjoyed listening to live music from the band. It was such a magical experience I could sit there all night sipping my wine, listening to music, and enjoying the view. I cannot believe how I skipped such an amazing experience on my first visit to Budapest.
It was such a magical experience I could sit there all night sipping my wine, listening to music, and enjoying the view. I cannot believe how I skipped such an amazing experience on my first visit to Budapest.
The cruise started at 22:00 pm and lasted for 90 minutes. The sooner you board the ship, the better chances you have to have a table by the window so be there on time.
Hungaria Koncert offers many cruise options; from the candlelit dinner cruise with live music that I chose to lunch cruises, wine cruises, cocktail & beer cruises, and much more.
The Gala Concert along with the dinner cruise was the highlight of our trip to Budapest. If you are looking for a romantic night with your other half, then this experience is perfect for you.
For more information:
Hungaria Koncert – http://www.hungariakoncert.hu/
I was a guest of Hungaria Koncert but all opinions are my own.