Five European Cities You Must See Along The Danube

The second longest river in Europe, the Danube flows through 10 different countries, including four capital cities. Many tourists like to follow the river and explore what each country has to offer, with it possible to do so via both road and rail.

It’s a great way to experience a wealth of cultures, starting in Germany and meeting the Black Sea in Romania and Ukraine. Of course, not all countries are accessible at present, but there is still plenty to explore.

So, if you’re planning your holidays for the coming months, why not experience what’s along this 1,700 mile river. To help you out, here are five of the best cities to visit along the Danube…

Vienna, Austria

The capital of Austria, Vienna is one of the prettiest cities in Europe and rich in history and architectural splendour. A good way to start your journey is a bus tour of Vienna, allowing you to find your bearings as well as see all the sites.

However, where Vienna really sets itself apart is in its musical heritage. The Vienna State Opera is iconic, and a must on a visit, while you also shouldn’t miss out on the city’s culinary delights, including Austria’s famous schnitzels and the rich Sachertorte, a chocolate cake with apricot jam layer.

Budapest, Hungary

Around two and a half hours from Vienna on the train is Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Like Vienna, the architecture is quite simply breathtaking. It’s a city that blends that historic charm with a more contemporary edge, with the ruin bars well worth checking out alongside the art scene.

Buda Castle is a fantastic excursion, while you’ll want to take a dip in the famous spas, which so often are a highlight of the trip for visitors.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava offers a slightly different vibe to the two capital cities above, with Bratislava a much more compact city with the medieval streets of the Old Town a real hotspot for tourists. It’s a much quieter, chilled out city than Vienna and Budapest, with quaint squares to sit and relax in.

You have to taste the traditional cuisine, with Slovak dishes such as bryndzové halušky, one particular dish you should look out for.

Belgrade, Serbia

Moving into Serbia, visiting the capital and one of Europe’s oldest cities in Belgrade is a good option. It’s becoming more and more popular with tourists, thanks to its rich cultural heritage and eclectic nightlife scene. It’s an incredibly vibrant city, with lively cafes, bustling markets and plenty going on down by the riverside.

The Belgrade Fortress is one of the star attractions of the city, but you’ll generally just find the whole vibe an enjoyable experience.

Novi Sad, Serbia

Finally, Novi Sad is another Serbian city but one you’d perhaps consider more of a hidden gem. The Old Town is an incredibly charming setting, with plenty of quaint streets to explore. The Petrovaradin Fortress is a must visit, exploring the underground tunnels, as well as the incredible view of the river, while the city as a whole has a vibrant cultural scene, headed up by EXIT music festival, which takes place each July. This year sees the likes of the Black Eyed Peas, Tom Morello and Steve Angello playing.