Book a Christmas or New Years' special cruise on the Danube and enjoy the festivities with live music, games, sightseeing, piano concerts, and elaborate dinners featuring local delights and unlimited drinks!
Glide along the Danube River and view the city’s historic sights from a unique perspective on Budapest River cruises. Whether you want to watch the sunset while sipping on a cocktail, indulge in a lavish, candlelight dinner at night, or enjoy a live folklore performance, hopping on a Budapest River cruise lets you do all that and more. If you are planning to spend a full day in the city, you can choose cruise combos that include visits to the Szechenyi Spa, the Buda Castle, and more.
Read on to discover your best Budapest cruise options, ticket prices, what to expect, and more to plan a hassle-free tour of the city.
Danube boat tours offer unparalleled views of the city’s skyline and the landmarks situated alongside the Danube. Glide past historic sights such as the Buda Castle, the Hungarian Parliament and pass under iconic bridges like the Chain Bridge. Choose sunset cruises for the best golden hour photo opportunities. The Budapest evening cruises offer spectacular views of the illuminated landmarks and the glimmering moonlight on the waters.
Choose from a range of Budapest cruises that offer unlimited cocktails and lavish, 3 to 6-course gourmet dinners on board. Savor delicious Hungarian cuisine with handcrafted cocktails as you sail past the city’s scenic landmarks. Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two or a lively group tour with friends, choosing Budapest dinner cruises adds a touch of luxury to your experience.
Some Budapest boat tours add to the experience by offering live performances on board. From traditional Hungarian folk performances to elegant piano shows, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste. Most of these entertainment cruises also feature elaborate 3 to 6-course dinners. These cruises offer the best of Hungarian cuisine and culture.
Budapest cruises offer the best front-row seat to experience the city’s nightlife. You can get a candlelight dinner, indulge in unlimited drinks, and enjoy live piano shows or folklore performances on board. After the cruise, you can explore popular bars or cultural hotspots to immerse yourself in the city’s nightlife scene.
All cruises in Budapest are on luxurious boats with indoor seating and heated cabins for your convenience. If you feel chilly after standing on open decks, especially after sunset hours, you can retire to your cabin and watch the landmarks from the glass windows.
| Experience | Type | Boarding Points | Timings | Inclusions | Book tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Day or evening sightseeing cruise with drinks | Sightseeing cruise | Duna Cruises Dock No. 10 |  1:30 pm to 9:00 pm | Tokaj Premium Frizzante (optional) | From €16.50 |
Evening sightseeing cruise with unlimited prosecco | Evening cruise | Silverline Cruises Kft. | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | Unlimited prosecco | From €32 |
Sunset cocktail sightseeing cruise | Evening cruise | Jane Haining Rakpart, Dock No. 11 | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | 3 cocktails | From €32 |
Dinner cruise with folklore show | Dinner cruise | Petofi Ter, Dock No. 11 | 7:30 pm | 3 or 6-course menu & live folklore show | From €79 |
Dinner cruise with piano battle show | Dinner cruise | Petofi Ter, Dock No. 12 | 7:30 pm | 3 or 6-course menu with live piano | From €79 |
Party boat cruise with unlimited drinks | Party boat cruise | Vidago Square, Dock No. 11 | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks | From €32 |
Danube cocktail cruise with live music | Evening cruise | Jane Haining rkp. 11, 1052 | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | 3 cocktails with live performances | From €43 |
The Danube River is Europe’s second-longest river, meandering through 10 countries. Originating in Germany's Black Forest, it flows southeastward, carving its way through Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, and others before emptying into the Black Sea. Renowned for its scenic beauty, the Danube's banks are dotted with historic cities and charming villages.
The Danube River is not just a geographical feature but also a cultural and historical artery that has shaped the identity of the regions it traverses. Along its banks, you'll find architectural marvels like Budapest's Parliament Building, medieval fortresses like the Iron Gate, and charming villages steeped in tradition.
No matter the cruise you choose, you shall begin your journey from one of these piers. Every boarding point is strategically located in the city hotspots, making it easier for you to explore the shopping corners, night markets, food streets, and more.
Opened in 1849, the Szechenyi Bridge was the first permanent bridge connecting the Buda and Pest sides. Named after István Széchenyi, a revered Hungarian Statesman, the bridge was designed by English engineer William Tierney Clark. Today, the wrought-iron chain suspension bridge is an important monument and tourist site.
Margaret Bridge is noted for its unusual three-way design. The bridge connects Buda and Pest while also linking Margaret Island. Designed by French engineer Ernest Goüin, the construction of the bridge commenced in 1872 and was completed in 1876 and stretches across a length of 607.5 meters.
The 2.5 kilometers long Margaret Island can be accessed via Margaret Bridge and Arpad Bridge. It is a famous recreational area in the city with promenades, cycle paths, and picnic spots inside the Island. It also houses ruins dating back to the Middle Ages. Margaret Island is known for its parks, swimming pools, and musical fountains.
The Hungarian parliament is a palatial neo-gothic style building located on the Pest side of the city. Opened in 1902, it's the largest building in Hungary. The building has 691 rooms and is around 96 meters in height. Inside the Central Hall of Parliament is where the Holy Crown of Hungary is kept.
For the best panoramic views of Budapest, you should visit Fisherman's Bastion, established in 1851. It is located near Buda Castle. Built in the Neo-Romanesque style, the building's main facade is 140 meters long. The Bastion was first built in the 1700s and guarded by the guild of local fishermen, hence the name Fisherman's Bastion.
One of the most stunning palaces in all of Europe, Buda Castle, belonged to the Hungarian Royalty. A majestic expression of Baroque-style architecture, the grand palace today is a World Heritage Site. It is home to the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. During World War II, the Castle was almost destroyed, but thanks to restoration efforts, it retained its beauty.
There are a variety of boat tours or cruises in Budapest- sightseeing, dinner, sunset, and evening cruises. Depending on your likes, you can choose among these options. Make sure to book tickets in advance to reserve your spot.
Budapest cruises are available online starting from .
April to August are the best months to go on a cruise on the Danube River. The temperatures are bearable and the longer daylight hours ensure that you can enjoy your sightseeing cruises to the fullest.
Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, Erzsebet Bridge, Gellert Thermal Bath, Petofi Bridge, Central Market Hall, Szechenyi Chain Bridge, shoes on the Danube bank, and Hungarian Parliament building are some iconic landmarks that you can see as you sail along the Danube River.
Most Budapest sightseeing cruises, evening cruises, and Party Boat cruises run for around 1 hour and 20 minutes. The Budapest dinner cruises last for around 3 hours and include live folklore performances.
You can bring your children on Danube cruises in Budapest. Only party boat cruises have mandated that a visitor must be above 17 years of age to get on board.
While there is no strict dress code to abide by to cruise along the Danube River, we recommend you stick to smart casuals.
Please avoid bringing large backpacks and suitcases on board. There is limited storage space on Danube River cruise boats.
This boarding point is centrally located with easy access to riverside cafés, snack stalls, and walking paths. The area offers excellent views of Elizabeth Bridge and Gellért Hill while you wait to board.
Nearest landmarks: Elizabeth Bridge, Vigadó Square
Closest metro station: Ferenciek tere
This historic square situated along the Danube Promenade is known for its vibrant restaurants, cafes, and shopping centers. Look out for its beautifully designed architecture.
Nearest landmarks: Vigado Concert Hall and Budapest Vigado
Closest metro station: Deak Ferenc ter, around 500 meters away
This riverside promenade offers stunning views of the Danube River and the Buda Castle.
Nearest landmarks: Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, and Matthias Church
Closest metro station: Batthyany Square, around 700 meters away
This historic vibrant square, situated on the Buda side of the city is famous for its iconic shopping centers, cafes, and restaurants.
Nearest landmarks: Batthyany Square Market Hall and Batthyany Church
Closest metro station: Batthyany Square, situated right next to the port
For clear skies and unobstructed views, choose day sightseeing cruises. While day cruises have their charm, we recommend a sunset cruise for gorgeous golden-hour photo opportunities. If you want live entertainment on board, you can opt for dinner cruises.
For clear skies and unobstructed views, choose day sightseeing cruises. While day cruises have their charm, we recommend a sunset cruise for gorgeous golden-hour photo opportunities. If you want live entertainment on board, you can opt for dinner cruises.
Best suited for: First-time visitors, relaxed sightseeing, and anyone looking to explore the city from the water
Recommended cruises:
Best suited for: Couples, photographers, and those seeking a more atmospheric or romantic experience
Recommended cruises:
Best suited for: Romantic evenings, special occasions, and guests looking for an all-in-one dining and entertainment experience
Recommended cruises:
Best suited for: Travelers short on time who want to combine Budapest’s top experiences in one day
Recommended cruises:
Relax in Széchenyi’s mineral-rich baths and cruise the Danube past Budapest’s landmarks.
