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The 10 Best River Cruises and Boat Tours in Budapest (Personally Tested)

Last updated: Feb 22, 2024

Author: Adam Dimitrov — Budapester, Hungarian & City Expert/Guide

🏆 Editor's #1 Choice

✔️ tested by author

⏳ In a hurry and want a recommendation you can't go wrong with?

• Best all-around sightseeing cruise in Budapest.
• Welcome drink and complementary lemonade.
• Best audio guide in the city.
• Weather-proof waiting area.
• Modern, large, and spacious ship.
• Comfortable chairs and great views.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the plethora of boat tour options in Budapest? 

Then let me help you choose the best boat tour for you, with the best guide on the topic in existence.

To give honest and accurate recommendations on the best river cruises in Budapest, I decided to personally test the most popular cruises of every major cruise company in Budapest, backed up with photos and details and even a video .

That's seven companies and a dozen cruises tested!

As the person with the most boat tour laps on the Danube under his belt, I have handpicked the 10 best river cruises in Budapest from my many voyages based on their exceptional quality, uniqueness, or value for money. ‍

Every cruise has different strengths and weaknesses, so I have curated this list that caters to almost everyone's needs.

Moreover, I have made browsing these cruises easier for you and added informative FAQs to my article containing valuable insights to help you choose the best river cruise for your preferences.

💡 Note for large groups (+20 guests): If you're organizing a trip for a larger group of guests, contact me if you have any questions.

Disclaimer: This website uses affiliate links. I get paid a small commission if you purchase anything through my links. It costs you nothing and makes my job of creating high quality articles financially sustainable. Cheers!

Best River Cruises in Budapest in 2022

Cheapest: Mahart's Sightseeing Cruise

Best Value: Mahart's Sightseeing Cruise

Most Complete: Mahart's Sightseeing Cruise

Best Dinner Cruise: Mahart's Sightseeing Cruise

Best Party Boat: Mahart's Sightseeing Cruise

Best Vibes: Mahart's Sightseeing Cruise

Summary & Comparison — Top 10 River Cruises in Budapest

Reviews calculation: I am using the total review count of the activity from GetYourGuide, Tripadvisor and Viator.

Boat Tour Itinerary & Landmarks

Blue = Attractions, Orange = Meeting Points, Colored Layers = Itineraries

💡 Tip: Remember that the decorative city lights are turned off at 23:00 from Mar 26 to Oct 29 (daylight savings time) and at 22:00 from Oct 30 to Mar 31 (standard time).

To truly immerse yourself the breathtaking beauty of the city , there's no better way than embarking on a river cruise. During such cruises, you'll be treated to a captivating array of iconic landmarks and attractions in Budapest , including:

• Hungarian Parliament
• Buda Castle
• Matthias Church
• Fisherman’s Bastion
• Gellert Hill/Citadella
• Gellért Spa
• Budapest University of Technology and Economics
• A host of historic bridges, including the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, Margaret Bridge, Liberty Bridge, and Petőfi Bridge
• Margaret Island
• Palace of Arts
• National Theatre

Most cruises follow a circular route between the southern end of Margaret Island at Margaret Bridge and just south of Liberty Bridge. This route covers most of the significant landmarks mentioned above in Budapest.

Offbeat Landmarks

South of Liberty Bridge are two nice-to-see-but-not-obligatory landmarks, the National Theatre (below) and the Palace of Arts (above), which are as beautiful as the Parliament and Buda Castle.

Some cruises, like Legenda, Hungaria Koncert and Silverline, have a complete itinerary that includes these offbeat landmarks. ‍ ‍

Types of River Cruises in Budapest

By time of day.

Daytime Cruises

• During the summer, daytime cruises are a great way to beat the heat and take a break. Standard sightseeing cruises typically run from 10 am to 10 pm.

Sunset Cruises ‍

• You can turn any cruise into a sunset cruise by booking it specifically for that time. To time your cruise accurately, search Google for "Budapest Sunset Time + Date".

‍ Evening & Night Cruises ‍

• The city's main attractions are illuminated 30 minutes after sunset . Take an evening or night cruise for a chance to see the stunning illuminated sights of Budapest.

By Drink Type

Prosecco Cruises

• ‍ Welcome drinks on cruises usually come in 80ml glasses and offer a selection of sparkling wine, prosecco spritzer, mineral water, and soft drinks.

Cocktail Cruises

• ‍ This cruise offers  3 cocktails , while the other includes  2 cocktails and a folk show .

Beer Cruises ‍

• You can choose between two beer cruises. The first offers unlimited draft beer and a pizza of your choice , while the second includes 5 craft beers with a folk show .

Wine Cruises ‍

• If you love wine, you can enjoy a special wine-tasting cruise . This cruise offers the opportunity to try seven different types of Hungarian wines , each with its own unique flavor and characteristics.

By Activity Type

Sightseeing Cruises ‍

• These cruises offer best way to enjoy the beautiful cityscape of Budapest. Typically, these cruises will provide you with a welcome drink and offer the option to buy other beverages while onboard.

Dinner Cruises ‍

• Enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner cruise with your partner, a buffet libre dinner cruise with a Hungarian folk performance, and more.

Booze & Party Cruises ‍

• Have a blast on a  booze cruise with unlimited prosecco  or on a dedicated party boat.

Food Cruises ‍

• Satisfy your foodie cravings with a lunch or dinner cruise . However, the quality of the food may be mediocre compared to restaurants.

Private Cruises ‍

• Book a boat tour all four yourself, perfect for couples, families or groups.

1. Best Sightseeing Cruise Overall With Welcome Drink and Audio Guide

✔️ Best All-Around  — This cruise has it all for a complete sightseeing experience.

✔️ Welcome Drink  — Choose champagne, wine, beer, a soft drink, or mineral water.

✔️ Great Ship  — Modern, spacious, and well-kept, offering superb views from both decks.

✔️ Audio Guide  — Crystal-clear sound quality via headphones, and available in 30 languages.

✔️ Full Danube Curcuit  — Covers all the must-see and off-beat landmarks, from Margaret Island to the National Theatre/Palace of Arts.

✔️ Family Friendly - Generous discounts for children, including free tickets for ages 0-9 and 50% for ages 10-14.

❌  Pricy  — It's a bit more expensive than other cruises, but the added value makes up for it.

❌  Missing Free Lemonade  — It's not highlighted that the free lemonade is only offered in the summer season.

❌  Headphone Challenges and Hiccups  — The first pair didn't work, the second had a cable that was too short for my height (I'm 190cm), and the third functional pair lacked optimal comfort.

💡 Tip: All cruises have a generous cancellation policy , allowing a full refund if canceled 24 hours before the activity. Additionally, they offer a reserve now, pay later flexible payment scheme.

Legenda's river cruise offers a complete sightseeing experience with a  welcome drink  and an  audio guide in 30 languages.

Audio guide languages include: English, German, French, Italian, Croatian, Dutch, Hungarian, Hebrew, Arabic, Latvian, Finnish, Turkish, Russian, Portuguese, Estonian, Chinese, Thai, Romanian, Korean, Danish, Greek, Swedish, Slovenian, Japanese, Czech, Norwegian, Slovak, Polish, Lithuanian, Spanish.

Their  ship is modern and spacious , providing excellent views from both decks.

The  itinerary covers the iconic sights from Margaret Island to the National Theatre and Palace of Arts.

This cruise is  pricy but offers more value that backs up the higher price. The audio guide has clear sound quality through headphones but needs improvement in content quality and headphone comfort.

Overall, this cruise provides a  high-quality sightseeing experience with no major negatives , which is why it's number one on this list.

🎥 Video : Watch this Youtube video I made of Legenda's sightseeing cruise. 📷 Instagram : Check out reels and photos of Legenda City Cruises.

About Legenda City Cruises

Legenda is the oldest and most reputable cruise company in Budapest. They’ve been operating since (at least) 1990 and are still going strong.

Detailed Breakdown

Sightseeing & views.

• Like on any boat tour in Budapest, the cityscape is breathtaking throughout the trip. The  best spot for sightseeing  on this cruise is the  top deck .
• The cruise itinerary covers all of Budapest's landmarks, including the National Opera and the Palace of Arts.

💡 Tip:  For the best sightseeing and photo opportunities , choose a ship with large open-air decks that offer unobstructed 360° views like Legenda, Rubin Group, and Portum.

• The Gondola is a modern vessel that offers spacious seating, openable windows during the summer, a bar, an audio guide with headphones, and AC/heating.

The Weather-Proof Waiting Area

• Legenda is the only company in Budapest with a floating dock & waiting area that completely shields you from the elements .

• The cruise kicks off with receiving a complimentary welcome drink – choose from champagne, wine, beer, a soft drink, or mineral water. You also get to enjoy an extra free lemonade in the summer season.

The Lower Deck

• The lower deck has a cozy bar at the back, near the stairs to the top deck. Rows of comfy seats offer plenty of room to move about, and the large windows guarantee fantastic views .

The Upper Deck

• It's spacious with unobstructed 360° views from every angle. Ideal for photography and soaking in the city's beauty. Blankets are available upon request.

The Audio Guide

• This was the only audio guide could actually be heard out of all the cruises, thanks to the headphones, as the other ships have loudspeakers.
• The audio quality was excellent , and the narration was available in 30 languages.
• There's room for improvement contentwise. Around half of the mentioned sights aren't relevant to riverside attractions. Plus, the c ontent could dive deeper into the city's history, culture, and be more historically correct instead of telling stories, trivia and myths.
• I encountered some issues with the headphones - the first set was defective, the second set had a cable that was too short, and the third set was uncomfortable and hard to wear.

💡 All the other cruises offer loudspeaker audio guides. Loudspeaker audio guides are often inaudible due to passenger noise. Other common issues include un-synced commentary, irrelevant sights/details mentioned, and infrequent audio.

Quick Facts

• 📅 Schedule: every day from 10:00 to 22:00 (varies)
• 🎟️ Ticket type: mobile or printed
• ✔️ Onboard wi-fi: yes
• ✔️ Open air deck: yes
• ✔️ Air conditioning/heating: yes
• ❌ Pets allowed: no, only service animals
• ✔️ Smoking: yes, outside
• ✔️ Wheelchair accessible: yes
• ✔️ Baby stroller accessible: yes
• ✔️ Infant/children discount: free for young children (age 0-9), about ~50% discount on tickets for teens (age 10-14)

How to Get There

• 📍 Meeting point: Dock 7, Jane Haining rakpart, 1052 Budapest
• ✔️ Centrally located, easy to find and arrive.
• 🗺️ The dock 7 is conveniently located halfway between the Mahart kiosk and Elisabeth Bridge , easily accessible via Tram 2 .

2. Budapest Night Booze Cruise with Unlimited Prosecco and Lemonade

✔️  #1 Most Affordable Booze Cruise  — Experience Budapest's most economical unlimited prosecco cruise on the Danube.

✔️  Excellent Ship — The ship features a charming open-air top deck and two indoor decks with a sophisticated cocktail party-like ambiance.

✔️  Unlimited Drinks  — Drink all the prosecco and lemonade you want.

✔️  Leisurely 90-Minute Ride  — More than enough time to savor your drinks, though drinking responsibly is advised by your friends at Prosecco and Co.

❌ Mediocre Food Platter — For an extra 10€, the food platter is disappointing and hardly qualifies as 'gourmet.'

❌ Remote Meeting Point — The departure area near Margaret Island is not easily accessible.

❌ Inaudible Audio Guide — The ambient noise from passengers drowns out the audio guide, but most are too busy enjoying their drinks to notice.

❓ Is buying food or drinks while on a river cruise in Budapest possible? 💡 Food is not typically included on standard sightseeing cruises. However, you can purchase snacks and drinks at the ship's kitchen bar.

The Rubin Group's boat tour is an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable cocktail-party atmosphere with unlimited prosecco and lemonade. The attentive servers are always on hand to keep guests' glasses full.

The top deck boasts breathtaking 360° views of the cityscape during the 90-minute river cruise, while the two indoor decks offer a cozy and inviting ambiance.

As for the less rosy aspects of this cruise, the optional food platter isn't worth the 10€ price, and the audio guide may be difficult to hear over the party noise. Additionally, the meeting point is further from the city center, so getting there may take some extra time and effort.

Overall, if you're looking for a leisurely cruise centered around drinks and stunning views, Rubin Group's boat tour is an outstanding choice.

🎥 Video : Watch this Youtube video I made of Rubin Group's unlimited prosecco cruise. 📷 Instagram : Check out reels and photos of Rubin Group.

About Rubin Group

Rubin Group   is another solid company, operating since (at least) 2015. They specialize in gastro-themed events rather than standard sightseeing cruises.

• The ship was impressive with a spacious 3-level design and a cocktail party atmosphere . Passengers were seated at 2-person tables .

The Top Deck

• The top deck offered stunning, unobstructed 360° views . It was the perfect spot for taking photos and enjoying the sights . This is the best place to be during the warmer months.

‍ The Mid and Bottom Deck

• There are two indoor decks with  plenty of seats and tables  where the atmosphere is  cozy and inviting .
• The first passengers to board tend to get the best top deck spots, so it's  worth arriving early   if you want a prime spot .

The Drinks Refills

• The  servers were   attentive , constantly  refilling glasses  with prosecco as soon as they were empty.
• Self-service lemonade  is available in two flavors — regular and one with a strange cucumber taste.

The Assorted Food Platter

• The optional assorted food platter for 10€ wasn't what I was expecting.
• It didn't match the advertised images and wasn't gourmet but ordinary , including simple fruits and vegetables, cheese and ham with two sauces, and a pastry dessert. The portion size was smaller than expected.
• Save your money and skip the platter.
• The loudspeaker  audio guide was inaudible  due to the passengers crowding out the narration.
• They increased the volume upon my request, but the  audio guide's content was too basic .
• 📅 Schedule: every day at 19:00 and 21:00
• ❌ Pets allowed: no, except service animals
• ❌ Wheelchair accessible: no
• ✔️ Baby stroller accessible: yes (at least the bottom deck)
• ✔️ Infant/children discount: free for children (age 0-3)
• 📍 Meeting point: Budapest, Szent István park 5, 1137
• ❌ The meeting point is north of Margaret Bridge , which is slightly out of the way compared to other centrally located cruises.
• 🗺️ Use the 2 or 4/6 tram line  and get off at Jászai Mari tér . From there, walk 500 meters towards the north of Margaret Bridge until you spot a large red "0" sign .

3. Best Value Sightseeing Cruise With Welcome Drink

✔️  Exceptional Value  — Costs 40-50% less than Legenda, while still offering a stellar experience, albeit with fewer non-essential amenities (such as audio guides and complimentary lemonade).

✔️  Fun and Lively — This cruise attracts a younger crowd, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere.

✔️  Welcome Drink  — Options include prosecco, a seasonal cocktail, mulled wine, or a soft drink.

✔️ Great Ship  — The ship is modern, spacious, and well-maintained, with excellent views from both its decks.

❌  Inconvenient Location  — The meeting point near Margaret Island is not in the city center, thus getting there is a hassle.

❌  Prone to Crowding — The ship may feel cramped during peak travel times, especially the top deck.

❌  Limited Open Air Seats  — The coveted open-air tables on the top deck are claimed quickly and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

❓  Is it possible to reserve seats on river cruises? 💡 Seats on most river cruises are assigned on a  first-come, first-served  basis. But some dinner cruises might let you reserve a specific spot.

Portum Lines Cruising is an excellent  alternative to Legenda , offering a  lively and fun  sightseeing experience that's especially  popular with younger crowds .

Upon arrival, guests receive a  complimentary welcome drink of  prosecco, seasonal cocktails, mulled wine, or a soft drink.

While they  don't offer  amenities like an  audio guide or complimentary lemonade , the ship is modern and well-maintained, with  excellent views  of Budapest's top sights.

The  top deck  offers both open-air 360° and weather-protected roof-covered sections. While the  lower level  is cozy and comfortable, it's  best to head upstairs  to enjoy the views.

Reaching the  meeting point is inconvenient , and the  ship can get crowded  due to its popularity, especially on the top deck.

Overall, Portum Lines offers an  exceptional river cruise  experience at  great value , perfect for those seeking a fun atmosphere.

🎥 Video: Watch my video summary with live footage of Portum sightseeing cruise.

About Portum Lines

Portum Lines is a solid company operating since (at least) 2014. Their offerings are pretty slim compared to others but still superb in quality.

• During the boat tour, you can enjoy the flawless cityscape of Budapest from certain spots with clear 360° views .
• The cruise itinerary covers most of Budapest's landmarks, except the National Opera and the Palace of Arts.

• The ship is spacious and well-maintained , with two levels similar to Legenda's sightseeing ship.

• The top deck is divided into three areas - the front, middle, and back.
• The front and back sections are open-air , with perfect 360° views - these are the best places to be.

💡 Tip: The best open air seats go fast! You must arrive early and be at the front of the line to snatch them.

• There is a wide indoor section in the middle with tables and chairs lining both sides near the windows.
• Although the views from here are good, they are even better outside in the open air section.

• The lower level is comfortable, cozy, and spacious, with heating and air conditioning to provide a pleasant experience, even on rainy or cold days.
• The lower deck is an indoor space similar to the upper deck's covered section.
• Additionally, there is a small bar on board.

• The cruise includes a free welcome drink of your choice - a sparkling wine, a seasonal welcome drink, or a soft drink.
• 📅 Schedule : every day from 17:00 to 22:00 (varies)
• 🎟️ Ticket type: mobile, printed
• ❌ Pets allowed: no, only services animals
• ✔️ Children discount: free for infants (age 0-2), only on viator
• 📍 Meeting point: Budapest, Dock 42 port, Szent István park, 1138 Hungary ‍
• 🗺️ Use the 2 or 4/6 tram line  and get off at Jászai Mari tér . From there, walk 500 meters towards the north of Margaret Bridge until you spot the Dock 42 sign .

4. No Frills Budget Sightseeing Cruise

When it comes to Budapest cruises, Silverline Sightseeing Cruise is a solid choice with friendly staff and a comfortable meeting point, but it doesn't quite stand out from the crowd.

Unlike most cruises, Silverline's cruise ticket does not include a welcome drink . However, the price is on the low-end . If it were not for their out-of-the-way location, I would recommend the Portum's similarly cheap cruise in a heartbeat.

With a relaxed 70-minute cruising time, this ride offers a leisurely pace that allows you to take in the sights and enjoy the moment.

They used to offer an audio guide , but it suffered from the common issue of being drowned out by the crowd's noise and not being in sync with the landmarks. They seem to have done away with it altogether.

In summary, Silverline's sightseeing cruise provides a leisurely tour of Budapest's iconic landmarks on the Danube. While not exceptional, it offers a decent experience.

About Silverline Cruises Ltd.

Silverline is a solid company operating since (at least) 2011. They have a decent range of cruise offerings, and run popular cruises in the sightseeing category.

• Like on any boat tour in Budapest, the cityscape is breathtaking throughout the trip. However, Silverline's ships have a roof and support columns on the top deck which means they do not provide a clear 360° view .

• The ship itself is decent , but it doesn't claim the title of the most modern or spacious vessel on the waters. It gets the job done without being overly impressive.
• Silverline rotates boats frequently, so you may not get the same one I did.

• During my trip, I was on the larger two-level boat that previously had rows of seats, but has since been replaced with tables and chairs (according to photos).
• The smaller boat now has the rows of seats , which I found to be cramped and lacking in legroom .
• Both ships have roofs and support columns which partially block the view .

The Main Deck

• The main deck offers comfort with ample space, heating, and air conditioning . While indoor views are average , better panoramas await at the front chairs or the open-air section.
• Welcoming and friendly staff at the entrance make a positive impression. I haven't interacted with the ship's crew so I cannot comment on that.

Unneccesary Stop

• During my cruise, we made a stop at Batthyány tér (Buda) , even though no passengers got on or off.
• 📅 Schedule: every day at 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 5:00pm, 6:00pm, 7:00pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm, 9:00pm.
• ✔️Air conditioning/heating: yes
• 📍 Meeting point: Budapest Jane Henning rakpart 10, Dock 11, 1052
• 🗺️ Use tram line 2 to arrive at Széchenyi István tér or Március 15 tér stop . Go towards Elizabeth bridge (white suspension bridge) and look for Silverline Cruises .

5. Best Cocktail Cruise With Three Cocktails

Enjoy the stunning river views of Budapest while sipping on three delicious cocktails with Silverline's cruise.

However, it's important to note that there is no audio guide available and some of the views may be partially blocked by side columns.

🎥 Video: Take a look at the teaser video for the cruise to get an idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that the Cocktail Cruise and Pizza & Beer cruise are happening at the same time and place.

• The scenery is breathtaking and you're taken all the way down to the Palace of Arts & National Theatre .
• For the best views, head to the top deck . However, taking great photos can be challenging due to the roof and side columns obstructing the view.
• The lower deck doesn't offer great opportunities for sightseeing or taking photos.

• The ship is functional , but it is not the newest, most modern, or luxurious vessel available.

Drinks Menu

• You can choose three cocktails from the options displayed in the image above.
• Your cocktail may be served in plastic pint glasses instead of the fancy cocktail glasses shown in the picture.
• 📅 Schedule: Every day 16:00, 18:00, 20:00, 22:00
• ❌ Baby stroller accessible: no
• ✔️ Infant/children discount: free for children (age 0-6) but food/drinks aren't included.
• 📍 Meeting point: Budapest, Jane Haining Rakpart, Dokk 11, 1052
• 🗺️ Use tram line 2 to arrive at  Széchenyi István tér stop . You can find Silverline Cruises closest to Elisabeth Bridge.

💡 Cruise alternative : Check out Hungaria Koncert's drinks cruise , which offers a cocktail cruise with folk music, onboard an atmospheric and luxurious ship.

6. Budapest Dinner Cruise with Buffet Libre, Folk Dance Show & Music

✔️  Buffet Libre  — this dinner cruise is a great way to taste various Hungarian dishes.

✔️  Two Welcome Drinks  — you can choose from various alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

✔️  Great Atmosphere  — you feel like you're in an early 20th century cabaret and forget about the outside world for 2 hours.

✔️  Folk Dance and Music Show  — features one of the best live folklore music and dance shows with authentic and award-winning performers.

✔️  Full Danube Circuit  — the cruise covers everything worth seeing, from Margaret Island all the way down to the National Theatre/Palace of Arts.

✔️  Long Cruise  — the cruise lasts 1.5-2 hours, which gives ample time to eat, drink and see the sights at night.

❌  Not Great for Sightseeing  — the views from the ship are mediocre (no 360°, fences blocking the view), spaces for sightseeing are both few/small, the dinner and folk show are more interesting so you'll focus on that and won't see the sights.

❌  Not Fine Dining Quality  — the food is fine, but mid-range restaurants (and up) serve better quality food.

Hungaria Koncert runs this excellent dinner cruise with live Hungarian folk music and dance performance.

There's an unlimited buffet of various Hungarian dishes and a vibe that’s comparable to an early 20th century cabaret.

🎥 Video: Watch my video summary with live footage of Hungaria Koncert's dinner cruise.

About Hungaria Koncert

Hungaria Koncert is a cruise operator and organizes different touristic activities. They've been operating since (at least) 1995.

Cruise Duration

• This cruise lasts 1.5 or 2 hours depending on which cruise you choose — 7 pm or 10 pm . This gives ample time to enjoy the delicious food, the unique folk performance, and explore the ship.

What's Included

• You get to enjoy the show of award-winning music and dance performers who are going to give you an amazing time.

• ‍ You get access to a buffet libre of a variety of Hungarian dishes . Meals include goulash soup, stuffed cabbage, beef stew, somlói Galuska, a variety of strudels, and more.
• The quality of the food is good but isn’t Michelin 2-star grade. Even so, it’s a great way to try out a variety of Hungarian dishes at once.

Dance and Music Performance

• On the top deck, there are folklore dance and music performances for dinner guests only.
• The music gave the trip an early 20th century cabaret vibe .

• The interior of the ship has a classical and luxurious feel , including chandeliers, a teak wood interior, custom-made floor carpet, intarsia decorated walls, and more.

• There are two symmetrical indoor sections on the top deck and a total of four outdoor areas - two on the sides and two at each end of the ship.

• The outdoor side areas are available for sightseeing guests; the rest of the level is reserved for dinner guests.
• T he sides have 180° views , while the front and back are 360° , but fences obstruct the view.

• The lower deck has the same look and feel as the rest of the ship. There is only one area accessible - immediately to the right of the entrance. This area is for people with non-dinner tickets. It includes a bar with reasonable prices, tables with chairs, and a folklore trio performance.
• 📅 Schedule: every day at 19:00, and on weekends at 22:00
• ✔️ Infant/children discount: free for children (age 0-5)
• 📍 Meeting point: Budapest, Id. Antall József rkp., 1051
• 🗺️ Use tram line 2 to arrive at Széchenyi István tér stop.  You can find Hungaria Koncert next to Széchenyi Chain bridge.

💡 Pricing 55€ vs. 72€ — What's the difference? Those with a regular dinner cruise ticket (55€) won't be able to see the folk dance show - they need to buy the 72€ ticket if they do. There's nothing stopping you from going over to the other side for a sneak peek, though.

7. Best Cocktails, Craft Beer or Wine Tasting Cruise

I have already mentioned the dinner cruise offered by Hungaria Koncert above.

However, they also offer a more affordable boat tour with drinks , which takes place on the same ship.

The only difference is that this event is on the ship's lower deck and features a live folk violin trio to entertain you.

There is also an open-air area where you can drink and enjoy spending time.

The basic ticket is reasonably priced and includes a drink . You can also upgrade to options offering craft beer, cocktails, exquisite wines, or even unlimited drinks .

The atmosphere is reminiscent of an early 20th-century cabaret.

🎥 Video: Watch my video summary with footage of Hungaria Koncert's cruise. Even though this is about their dinner cruise, you'll be on the same vessel.

Indoor Area

• The bottom deck area has the same 20th-century cabaret feel as the rest of the ship.

Outdoor Area

• The sides of the view offer 180° views, so unfortunately you can't see both Buda and Pest at the same time.

• The basic ticket is reasonably priced and includes a drink .
• You can also upgrade to options offering craft beer, cocktails, exquisite wines, or even unlimited drinks .
• If you buy the more expensive tickets you will be seated upstairs in the dinner guest area instead of slightly less luxurious bottom deck area.

8. Best Pizza and Unlimited Beer Cruise

Enjoy the stunning river views of Budapest while sipping unlimited beer and one pizza with Silverline's cruise.

🎥 Video: Take a look at the teaser video for the cruise to get an idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that the Cocktail Cruise and Pizza & Beer cruise are happening at the same time.

The Food and Drinks

• Indulge in a delicious pizza of your choice such as Hawaii, Hungarian, Salami, Ham and Corn, and Quattro Formaggi.
• During the cruise, you can enjoy unlimited draft beer and soft drinks .
• 📅 Schedule: every day 16:00, 18:00, 20:00, 22:00
• ❌ Infant/children discount: no

9. Cheapest Sightseeing Cruise

✔️  Cheapest Cruise in Budapest  — perfect for travelers that value affordability.

✔️  Unlimited Cruises  — for the same day with one ticket, excellent in case you have the urge to binge cruise in Budapest.

✔️  Great for Getting Around  — there's an option to disembark on Margaret Island or at any of the four other stops.

❌  Low Quality  — I'm not mincing words here, this is a bare-bones, low-quality sightseeing cruise.

❌  Smell of Fuel   — a strange smell is often present on the boat.

❌  Five Stops  — the boat docks and undocks 5 times during the cruise, which isn't fun.

❌ Crowded —  the ship is small and cramped to begin with but wait till the Hungarian pupils on school trips arrive.

‍ Update: This boat tour is only available during the summer season.

A dirt-cheap sightseeing cruise that ranks low in quality compared to other options. Great if you're on an  extremely  tight budget.

Note that this cruise does not have public reviews, as it is a public service boat service operated by a government-owned company (Mahart). Tickets must be purchased on the spot and cannot be reserved in advance.

🎥 Video: Watch my video summary with live footage of BK-Mahart's sightseeing cruise.

Detailed breakdown

• It seemed old and in need of renovation.

• Poor seat layout , crowded, partial view due to roof and side columns. It wasn't too crowded when I went, so it was acceptable.

The Bottom Deck

• The smell of gas/fuel , poor seat layout, dim lighting, mediocre views, and uncomfortable seat cushions.

5 Stops During the Cruise

• The ship makes 5 stops , which takes away from the experience, but allows for a drop-off at Margaret Island . The smell of gas intensified during docking.

No Pre-Booking Available

• It is not possible to book this cruise in advance, but tickets can be purchased in person at the BKK-Mahart kiosk .
• 📅 Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday at 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00 and 20:00 (don't go on Mondays like I did!)
• ❌ Onboard wi-fi: no
• ❌ Wheelchair accessible: yes
• ❌ Baby stroller accessible: yes
• ✔️ Infant/children discount: free for children (age 0-7)
• 📍 Meeting point: Batthyány tér - Vigadó tér, 1051 Budapest
• 🗺️ How to get there: Use tram line 2 to arrive at Március 15.  You can find Mahart ticket booth in front of you after you descend the stairs at Vigado tér. The boat will be the left from it.

10. Historic 19th Century Steam Boat Cruise

❓ Should I book river cruise tickets in advance? Is it worth it? 💡 Yes  — It's worth reserving your ticket in advance to ensure your place on the ship, although you can purchase tickets in person.

This is Budapest's only boat tour offering an authentic 19th-century historic cruise experience . The ship is a replica of the Hungarian paddle steamer , the Kisfaludy, which operated between 1847 and 1887 on Lake Balaton thanks to the initiative of István Széchenyi.

The cruise includes a welcome drink and an English audio guide (via loudspeakers).

The ship features an open-air panorama deck at the front (the best place for 360° views), a semi-covered rear area , and a small top deck near the captain's cabin.

There's also a must-see maritime museum on the bottom deck.

In summary, this cruise provides a high-quality sightseeing experience infused with historic flair you can't get elsewhere in Budapest.

🎥 Virtual tour: take a look at the ship through their interactive virtual tour .

About Dunai Sétahajózási Ltd.

Dunai Sétahajózási Kft. was founded in 2021 by Gergely Fogasy, who also operates a successful cruise company on Lake Balaton since 2019.

• Like on any boat tour in Budapest, the cityscape is breathtaking throughout the trip. The best spot for sightseeing on this cruise is the front panorama deck , where you board the ship.

• The boat tour offers an authentic historical experience aboard a replica of a 19th-century paddle steamer , the Kisfaludy, that once sailed Lake Balaton.

19th Century Maritime Museum

• On the lower deck, there is a captivating maritime museum that displays the lifestyle of 19th century sailors .

• The cruise includes a complimentary welcome drink of your choice - water, prosecco, orange juice or beer.

• The small top deck has four tables , but the chimney and captain's cabin somewhat block the view .
• The orientation of half the tables is perpendicular to the Danube, so one side of the city is always behind your back . The main deck doesn't have this issue.

• The main deck has a front open-air area with a 360° panorama . Additionally, there is a roof-covered rear area with equally splendid views.

• You can take a closer look at the paddle wheel in the middle or visit the maritime museum on the bottom deck.
• You can also find free umbrellas , which they likely hand out during rainy weather.
• During the cruise, you can enjoy an English-speaking audio guide through loudspeakers.
• The guide was synchronized with the attractions we passed by and provided brief introductions, trivia, and historical information about the landmarks.
• Sometimes loudspeakers can get drowned out by the noise of a crowd, which makes them hard to hear. I didn't experience this during my daytime cruise, but it may be more challenging to hear during the more popular night cruise .
• In between the narration, there's a pleasant classical piano music playing.
• 📅 Schedule: every day at 4:30pm, 5:30pm, 7:00pm, 8:30pm, 10:00pm.
• ❌ Air conditioning/heating: no
• ✔️ Pets allowed: yes
• ✔️ Infant/children discount: free for children (age 0-6)
• 📍 Meeting point: Budapest Jane Henning rakpart 10, Dock 10, 1052
• 🗺️ Use tram line 2 to arrive at Széchenyi István tér or Március 15 tér stop . Go towards Elizabeth bridge (white suspension bridge) and look for Duna Cruises .

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i prepare for a river cruise during the winter or summer.

Summer: Have sunscreen, water, an umbrella, and sunglasses for daytime cruises in the warmer months.

In rainy weather, the open-air deck may be closed. In stormy weather, cruises are canceled. They'll either refund you or offer an alternative cruise if this happens. ‍

Winter: The heated cabin's windows tend to fog up, blocking the views, depending on how well the windows are insulated.

You can always go out to get a few photo shots, then rush back to the safety of the heated cabin. Open-air sightseeing during the winter can be less enjoyable due to cold weather and winds, so it's best to dress warmly, wear layers, and protect your face.

How can I avoid overcrowded boat tours?

If you want to avoid crowded boat tours, you can follow these steps: visit during the off-season, choose daytime tours instead of night tours, or opt for more expensive cruises.

Budapestadventures is your free guide to help explore Budapest. We test, evaluate and review touristic services and activities in the city for your benefit.

Budapest Sunset Danube Cruise with Unlimited Prosecco

• 2 hrs unlimited prosecco and beer (18:30 - 20:30)
• 1.5hr Cruise down the Danube
• Entry/Admission - Budapest
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• jalons12 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing experience! The boat party is pure fun, but the most amazing thing is SALSA, the greatest staff of the boat. Unique girl joining the party! Go there just to know her! Read more Written April 6, 2024
• helenmS5936GH 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Super Salsa I heard about this before coming and tonight has exceeded my expectations. Really loved it. The staff was incredible, Salsa especially. Very friendly and helpful throughout. My friend called her Super Salsa😂 Read more Written March 15, 2024
• _aleksandralele13 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Budapest night If you want to see the city from the river and have a party at the same time that’s what you need! Free water bottles is a MUST, thank you guys for taking care of people! A big shoutout to the crew, especially Ivanna, she was very helpful and fun to be around! Read more Written January 22, 2024
• 999ayab 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles About last night 😂 It was greatt!! I kind of got extra with the booze and mira was such a help! I couldnt but do a review. Special thanks to her 🙏🏼 Read more Written December 1, 2023
• Gabriel S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Ivanna and Arina were great! They found my glove when I most needed it. It’s a very cool party with amazing views and very good service. Hope to come back. Read more Written November 25, 2023
• 529dilyarak 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A must if u want a great look on Budapest at night The view on Budapest at night is mesmerizing from this boat. Music was also great, me and my friends had lots of fun together. Big thanks to the stuff members, especially Ivanna, she’s the girls girl! 💅🏻🫂✨ Read more Written October 30, 2023
• Z3801BJ_ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles grand rest Boat party is an amazing experience I had in Budapest. You can see the city , dance and drink so that’s a must have! Everything was perfect, I want to thank Ivanna for being nice and fun to be around! Read more Written October 30, 2023
• O2323AElilyk 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Arina is amazing The boat party was so fun and Arina is AMAZING!!!! I forgot my jacket in the coat check and the next night she went and picked it up from the lost and found and personally brought it to my hotel. Pure kindness from a total stranger and completely above and beyond her job description - forever grateful to her! Read more Written October 21, 2023
• mihika8 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great music and stunning city view! Lit party overall The most lit boat party in Budapest! The DJ was so good. The music is what made the party. Absolutely loved the experience of looking at Budapest at night. The city is beautiful, especially the parliament building. Read more Written September 24, 2023
• 637angusw 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Just book it already Awesome party great unique way to experience Budapest night life. Good way to make friends. Arina was the best staff member Read more Written September 18, 2023
• Cofi_Been_1 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The best night. Had an amazing time thanks to the staff, namely Grace for being a great member of staff, friendly, welcoming and the reason I would think about going back again. Read more Written September 1, 2023
• K8960KVireneb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles So much fun! Had a great time, Alex and the other staff members were amazing. The views from the boat were absolutely stunning!!! Read more Written August 31, 2023
• 764callumb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Grace was awesome Great night out, grace was especially amazing so friendly and helpful. Saw some great sights while having a good time drinking Read more Written August 30, 2023
• L7552BBdennist 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good music, sights and drinks with a little bit of puke Bartender told me to f- off after he messed up my order and a guy puked over my arm in the partybus. 5/5 Read more Written August 29, 2023
• Yulia S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Crazy cruise Amazing experience with really wonderful emotions! Arina was really helpful btw:3 Recommend it to every Budapest visitor! Read more Written August 29, 2023

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Budapest Sunset Danube Cruise with Unlimited Prosecco provided by Budapest Boat Party

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NEW! Treasures of the Danube

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Quiet Season Sailing to Scenic Gems

Discover quaint towns in Germany, Austria and Hungary. Celebrate Vienna and Salzburg’s musical legacy, and savor the culinary delights of Budapest and Bratislava’s brewing heritage. Enjoy scenic sailing through the Wachau Valley and admire sleepy villages along the Danube. With overnights in Vienna, Passau and Budapest, enjoy more time to fully explore. The winter season is an ideal time to visit, with fewer travelers and easier access to landmarks.

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To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

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Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

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Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

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Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

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40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

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*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

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More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

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• River Cruises

River cruises on the Danube

A journey on the most beautiful river in europe.

The Danube is probably the most unique and interesting river in Europe. With a length of almost 2,900 kilometers, the river runs from the Black Forest to the Black Sea and crosses ten countries on its journey. Accordingly, there is a lot to see and experience on a river cruise on the Danube. With Vienna and Budapest, two of Europe's most beautiful and important cities lie on the banks of the Danube, their magnificent buildings bearing witness to their centuries-old history. But travelers should also have seen historic cities such as Regensburg, Passau, Linz and Bratislava.

A Danube cruise, however, is not only a journey through the history and architecture of Europe, but above all a foray through some of the most beautiful natural landscapes of our continent. The lovely, hilly landscape of the Wachau with its numerous vineyards, the wild and romantic mountain range of the Carpathians and the gentle estuary of the river at the Black Sea are only three of the scenic highlights on the long way of the river.

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Linz on the Danube

Description and info of river cruises on the Danube

With VIVA Cruises' Danube river cruises, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to routes and duration. Whether you want to take a short 4-day vacation, a Rhine-Main-Danube river cruise or a river trip to the estuary, you will find the right trip for you at VIVA Cruises.

Splendidly awaiting you on this trip are the Danube metropolises of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, which will captivate you with their magnificent buildings. Medieval castles, fairytale palaces and imposing aristocratic palaces grace your path between the vine-covered Wachau and the majestic Melk Abbey. With such a journey, you will hardly be able to stop marveling. Click here to get to the voyage: Enchanting Danube | River Cruise | VIVA TWO | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)

This Main-Danube trip takes you from the Main River to the highest waterway in Europe: the Main-Danube Canal. This waterway, 175 km long in total, connects the Main River near Bamberg via the Altmühl River near Dietfurt with the Danube River near Kelheim. With only 16 locks, which are among the largest and most modern structures of their kind, the canal overcomes a total height difference of 234 meters.

But also culturally there is much to discover: whether in Miltenberg the Schnatterloch, one of the most beautiful marketplaces in Germany, the numerous rococo and baroque buildings in Würzburg, the Old Town Hall in Bamberg, decorated with facade paintings, the medieval old town in Nuremberg or the Liberation Hall in Kelheim - look forward to many cultural highlights, unique river landscapes - and on board a feel-good program for body and soul. Click here to get to the voyage: From Danube to Main | River Cruise | VIVA TIARA | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)

Drift down the Danube in a gentle zigzag and enjoy the extraordinary views of the narrow gorges and picturesque bays. Hungary's Puszta, Serbia's Carpathians and the Iron Gate will enchant you. Immerse yourself in the history of the Danube metropolises and be swept away by the castles and fortresses of Bratislava and Belgrade. Stroll through the wide avenues of the Paris of the East and end your trip with a piece of cake at Café Sacher. Click here to get to the voyage: Danube Cataracts | River Cruise | VIVA TWO | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)

Glide through the eras of the Danube and admire the legacies of the former monarchies. In the magnificent capitals of Bratislava, Budapest and Vienna, you can visit ancient coronation sites, storm castle palaces and waltz through cafés. Marvel at the breathtakingly beautiful landscapes of the Wachau and be enchanted by lovely Linz. Click here to get to the voyage: Danube's Great Cities | River Cruise | VIVA TWO | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)

Untouched wilderness full of biodiversity as far as the eye can see! Be fascinated by natural spectacles and the immense variety of birds and plants of the Danube Delta. Join us on a nature-filled journey where, in addition to flora and fauna, history also outgrows itself - in Budapest, Belgrade and Vienna as well as in ancient fortresses, principalities and kingdoms. Click here to get to the voyage: Danube Delta Nature Experience | River Cruise | VIVA TWO | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)

A river cruise on a VIVA Cruises ship is suitable for almost every group of people: whether young or old, city or country fan, architecture or nature lover - the Danube has something to offer for every taste. No other river in Europe offers travelers such a diverse mix of history, architecture, nature, culinary delights and sport. Get to know the Danube on a leisurely city tour, a hike up a nearby hill or a bike tour along the river.

The special feature of an all-inclusive river cruise with VIVA Cruises: from full board with breakfast, lunch and dinner to snacks in between and high-quality alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, everything is included in the price of our cruises. Even the mini-bar in the cabins is refilled daily.

VIVA All-Inclusive: only the best for you

With VIVA Cruises, "all-inclusive" means you can sit back, relax and enjoy. Your physical well-being is taken care of with selected food and drinks. In addition, we offer you relaxing care products. And if you do need a good connection, use our WLAN. For other good connections - especially to our on-board staff - the included tip provides.

A warm welcome with a welcome champagne - to a wonderful stay on board

Full board with breakfast buffet, lunch, dinner (multi-course gourmet gourmet menus, served at the table) and snacks with free choice of table and flexible dining meal times

All day high quality, cold and hotnon-alcoholic beverages and a exquisite selection of alcoholic beverages; take a look at our bar menu.

High Tea: once per trip a selection of sweet and savory treats such as scones such as scones, sandwiches, cupcakes cupcakes, chocolates and macarons. In addition various teas are offered to match are offered.

Daily freshly filled mini-bar and reusable water bottle in the cabin

Selected beauty products from RITUALS

Free WLAN on board - for undisturbed reception

Tips for the entire crew

The right excursions for your river cruise

The guests on board our floating premium hotels are all different. That's why we devise an equally diverse excursion program for each of our fascinating itineraries. Whether you are a gourmet, a nature lover or an art enthusiast, our selection of experiences will open up new perspectives for you on every voyage.

Arrival and departure to your VIVA ship

With VIVA Cruises you enjoy the feeling of being in the best hands from the very beginning. That's why our service is not limited to life on board, but begins with the preparation of your trip.

You need a parking space for your vehicle, plan a comfortable arrival and departure by train or would like assistance for a suitable flight?

Upon request, we will gladly take care of your stress-free arrival and departure as well as transfers. Call us: +49 211 274 032 50 or write us an e-mail : [email protected]

Our berth in Passau is either in Lindau or Passau Old Town, rarely also in Passau Racklau. You will receive further information with your travel documents.

If you travel to Passau with your own car, we recommend booking a space in the Globus parking garage there. Our partner Globus will take you with your luggage directly from the parking garage to the ship on the day of arrival and will conveniently pick you up from the ship on the last day of your trip. You will receive further information about the parking facilities and the voucher with your travel documents. Payment will be made directly on site.

Book your parking space now here: globus-group.de/booking

We are happy to book a transfer for you from the train station to the ship and back. This is available from us for 20 € per person, including luggage transport in the bus. Please contact us for a booking by mail or phone.

Our berth in Vienna is usually located on the Donauraum Vienna , close to the Reichsbrücke. You will receive further information with your travel documents two weeks before the start of your trip.  If you are traveling to Vienna in your own car, here is our recommendation for a nearby parking garage: P+R Reichsbrücke Handelskai 255 Leopoldstadt 1020 Vienna 

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Cruises Vienna

Welcome to the most livable city in the world

Whether on the Great Danube, an evening tour or as part of our city cruise along the Vienna Danube Canal, a visit on a DDSG Blue Danube ship always brings variety, relaxation and fun.

SIGHTSEEING CRUISES VIENNA

from € 28.00

GRAND DANUBE RIVER CRUISE

The tour starts at the Wien / City ship station on Schwedenplatz and leads past the Urania observatory, the new residential projects in Erdberg with the modern skyline, and along the Prater forests. After the Freudenau lock, the ship sails next to the Danube Island, past a former granary that has served as a hotel for decades, and the Ernst Happel Stadium, to the Reichsbrücke station.

Boat trip with the MS Wien

Departure station vienna / city schwedenplatz, duration approx. 2 hours, restaurant on board.

Starting at the Reichsbrücke station, we will show you “modern Vienna” with the skyline of the Danube plate, the Danube Tower and the Millennium Tower. Via the Nussdorf lock we reach the Danube Canal, where you can experience “historic Vienna” and the interesting architecture of Hundertwasser and Zaha Hadid. The tour ends in the city center at the Wien / City station on Schwedenplatz.

Departure station Vienna / Reichsbrücke

Duration approx. 1.5 hours.

nur € 28,00

CITY CRUISE

You navigate the Danube Canal in a loop starting at the Wien / City ship station on Schwedenplatz. On this tour you will see important buildings: Uniqa Tower, Urania observatory, Badeschiff, hotel and business building by Jean Nouvel, Schützenhaus by Otto Wagner, Ringturm, Roßauer barracks, Zaha-Hadid-Haus and the Spittelau waste incineration plant designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

Boat trip with the MS Blue Danube

Duration: 75 minutes.

only € 39.00

EVENING SIGHTSEEING TOUR

Starting at the Wien / City ship station on Schwedenplatz, through “green Vienna” past the Urania observatory. After the lock in the Freudenau it goes on the “great Danube” past the modern Vienna with the skyline of the Danube Tower and the Millennium Tower in the direction of Nussdorf. Along the Hundertwasser district heating plant in Spittelau, the Roßauer barracks and the Ringturm, the tour ends again at Schwedenplatz.

Duration: 3 hours

Vienna Boat Tour: Cruise the Danube River with these Day Tours

Let’s help you choose the right Vienna boat tour for your trip!

The Danube River runs through Vienna, but because it doesn’t cross right through the Innere Stadt or District 1, which is the old town, it can be easy to miss.

Between the palace, cathedral, museums, art galleries and famous cafes, you could very easily come to the end of your trip in Vienna and realize, you haven’t yet walked along the Danube Canal, let alone the Danube River!

So if you want to cruise the Danube, you’re going to have to be proactive and book a tour. But which one should you pick and where should you cruise?

When it comes to picking a Vienna boat trip, there are no shortage of options. You can take a day trip to Bratislava and then travel back by boat, spend the day exploring the Wachau Valley vineyards on a cruise, enjoy a boat tour with dinner and live music, try out a private e-boat and so much more.

So we’re going to help you figure out which of these Vienna boat tours is right for you! Let’s narrow it down.

My Top 3 Picks: Vienna Boat Tour

Vienna to Bratislava Tour by Bus and Boat

✅ Day trip to Bratislava

✅ Full-day tour

✅ Plenty of time for exploration

Wachau Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting

✅ Scenic boat ride

✅ Great summer tour

✅ Visit wineries

Heurigen Cruise with Viennese Songs and Buffet

✅ Viennese songs

✅ Buffet dinner

✅ Sunset views

Best Vienna Boat Tour

1. vienna to bratislava tour by bus and boat.

⭐️  RATING:  4.2/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  11.5 hours | ✅  Book it!

This Vienna boat tour is an exciting one because it takes you all the way to Bratislava, Slovakia! That means you can add another European country to your list!

On the way to Bratislava, you travel by bus. This is a 1-hour journey aboard a coach bus.

Once you arrive in Bratislava, you will meet a local guide who will take you on a guided walking tour of the old town. The tour will last about 2 hours and afterwards, you’ll have additional time to explore Bratislava on your own and perhaps retrace your steps to some of the attractions that most interest you.

A few attractions not to be missed in Bratislava’s old town include:

St. Martin’s Cathedral, a Gothic cathedral that’s been the site of many coronations; Michael’s Gate, the only gate that has been preserved in the city; the Bratislava Fortifications, the last remaining stretch of the medieval city walls; and Roland Fountain, a fountain topped by Knight Roland who was the legendary defender of the city.

I would suggest making time to visit Bratislava Castle. Built in the 9th century and modified many times over, this 4-towered castle sits perched on a hill overlooking the Danube River.

It’s a beautiful walk to the top offering nice views over the Old Town, plus you also have the Slovak National Museum and the Baroque Gardens on the north side.

You’ll also have plenty of time to try Slovak food during the day. I really enjoyed a restaurant called Modrá Hviezda which is set in a cave at the foot of the castle hill. It’s a pretty unique dining experience so ask to be seated in the back if there’s room.

We ordered pork chop covered in crushed walnuts with a honey-mustard sauce and a side of roasted potatoes, and duck cooked in a wine sauce with forest mushroom and potato pancakes.

After enjoying your day trip to Bratislava , you’ll make your way down to the pier to board the boat to Vienna. You’ll travel aboard the Twin City Liner, which is a catamaran. The journey time back to Vienna is 1.5 hours.

Bring your passport on this boat trip as you are entering another country and you may be required to present it.

• You get to visit another country
• Full-day activity
• Plenty of time for solo exploration

Check Prices and Availability!

2. Wachau Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting

⭐️  RATING:  4.8/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  9 hours | ✅  Book it!

This day trip to the Wachau Valley isn’t a full-day boat tour, however, it does include a boat tour segment in the itinerary when you do this trip during the summer months!

You’ll start the day leaving Vienna and travelling by van down narrow countryside roads deep into the heart of the Wachau Valley.

Along the way, your driver and guide will teach you all about the history of wine-making in the region which dates back to the time of the Romans!

During the tour, you’ll get to taste a variety of dry and fruity white wines from the Wachau Valley and sample other local delicacies like apricot jams and liqueurs.

If you take this tour during the summer months (technically mid-May to mid-October), you’ll be able to enjoy a boat ride on the Danube River from Spitz to Melk. Since this isn’t possible during the winter months, this activity gets replaced with a guided tour of Melk Abbey.

Once you arrive in the medieval town of Dürnstein, you’ll get free time to explore. The castle ruins are an important attraction in the area since this is where Richard the Lionhearted was once held prisoner.

Finally, you’ll get to visit a heuriger , which is a traditional family-run Austrian wine tavern. Here you’ll enjoy a wine tasting!

You can browse more wine tours in Vienna here.

• Great way to explore an Austrian wine region
• Visits beautiful medieval towns
• Scenic boat ride during the summer months

3. Heurigen Cruise with Viennese Songs and Buffet

⭐️  RATING:  4.1/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✅  Book it!

This Vienna boat tour down the Danube River is an opportunity to enjoy live music with an Austrian dinner.

During the cruise, you circle Vienna’s 2nd district which offers scenic views of the illuminated skyline. You get to see landmarks like the Danube Tower, the Danube Plate, and the DC Tower.

Plus, you can also see historic buildings such as the Anniversary Church, the Ringturm and the Rossauer Barracks.

The performance is all Viennese Heuriger music. If you’re wondering what that is, you’re not alone! Heuriger refers to a wine tavern, so these are traditional songs played mainly on guitars and accordions which add to the merriment of the place.

Dinner is served buffet style featuring classic Viennese dishes.

• Get to listen to traditional wine tavern music
• Scenic views of Vienna
• Buffet dinner featuring Austrian cuisine

4. Floating Dinner Vienna: Private Dining Experience on Danube

⭐️  RATING:  NEW! | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour | ✅  Book it!

If you’re looking for the most unusual Vienna boat ride, this one here might be it!

This is a very unique setup where you get your own e-boat Island. Picture something like a round floating deck complete with comfortable patio furniture and a palm tree.

Dinner is served before the cruise and includes a main course meal, either Viennese Schnitzel or a vegetarian option, and one bottle of red or white wine.

You then begin your e-boat sail down the Danube River, but it’s not as tricky as it sounds. The e-boats are extremely easy to drive using a joystick control.

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind boat cruise in Vienna, this one fits the bill.

• Unique boat experience
• Get your own private e-boat island
• Viennese Schnitzel and wine for dinner

5. Vienna: Sunset Barbecue Cruise with Fireworks Display

⭐️  RATING:  4.3/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3.5 hours | ✅  Book it!

This Vienna boat cruise takes place aboard the MS Kaiserin Elisabeth.

During the tour, you’ll get to enjoy the Danube River from a unique perspective as well as iconic landmarks like the Donauplatte, the Danube Tower, and the Millennium Tower.

This cruise also features live Heuriger music which creates a very lively environment with the musicians encouraging participation from the public.

Dinner is BBQ served buffet style and the grand finale is a beautiful fireworks display to end off the evening.

• BBQ dinner buffet
• Live Austrian wine tavern music
• Fireworks display while cruising the Danube River

Choosing a Vienna boat tour

So what’s the best Vienna boat tour, you ask?

As you’ve seen, there are all sorts of different options: you can enjoy a river cruise on the Danube River with dinner and live music, a scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley wine region, a private tour on your own e-boat island, or a boat tour coming back from Bratislava to Vienna.

You have lots of choices and hopefully, this blog post has helped you narrow it down to the right one for you!

Read More about Austria:

• 10 Delectable Vienna Food Tours
• 10 Vienna Restaurants to Visit
• 5 Best Vienna Bike Tours
• Where to Eat in Salzburg
• Must-Try Tyrolean Dishes
• Sachertorte: Vienna’s Famous Dessert

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Danube river cruise ship crashed after it was 'suddenly no longer able to maneuver,' 17 passengers injured

• A cruise ship crashed into a concrete wall along the Danube river in Austria on Friday.
• A police statement said the ship "was suddenly no longer able to maneuver."
• Eleven people were treated at the hospital and another six suffered less serious injuries.

A Bulgarian cruise ship carrying over 140 passengers crashed into a concrete wall along the Danube river in Austria.

The incident occurred late on Friday in the northern Austrian town of Aschach an der Donau, local police said Saturday.

Eleven people were injured and taken to hospital as a result of the crash. Six others suffered less serious injuries that did not require hospital treatment.

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The ship had set off from Passau, a German city on the Austrian border. A police statement said that as the ship was leaving a lock chamber further down the river, "the ship was suddenly no longer able to maneuver," and its right bow and left aft crashed into the lock walls.

The second-in-command of the ship, who had been at the helm during the crash, "pressed the emergency switch, whereupon the electronics started up again." He was then able to steer the ship out of the lock.

The ship was later docked at the quay wall and emergency services were notified. The ship was able to continue its journey toward Linz, Austria.

Earlier this week, a container ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, collapsing a section of the 1.6-mile-long structure. The bodies of two construction workers were found after the collision, and four more workers are missing and presumed dead.

Citing the container ship's recovered data recorder, officials said the power went out on the Dali for just one minute and three seconds as it approached the bridge, Sky News reported, but that was enough for the collision to become unavoidable.

In 2019, a cruise boat hit and sank a smaller boat near Budapest, Hungary, killing 25 South Korean tourists and two crew members. The captain was sentenced to five years in prison for his role in the accident.

The Danube is the second-largest river in Europe, flowing from the Black Forest in Germany south into the Black Sea near Romania and Ukraine.

Correction: April 1, 2024 — An earlier version of this story misstated the year of the Danube ship crash in Hungary. It was in 2019, not 2023.

Watch: One of Europe's deadliest shipwrecks leaves hundreds missing

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