Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, is one of the most populous cities within the country. It is usually explored during the shoulder seasons from March to May and September to November due to the wonderfully mild weather and a sparse amount of tourists.
Budapest is best known for its exciting sights and activities. You may want to enjoy a Széchenyi Thermal Bath or a simple Danube dinner cruise in Budapest, your itinerary will be filled with a plethora of sublime activities. Explore Budapest’s main attractions from the Parliament Building to Heroes Square and the Great Market Hall.
There are various ways to have a good time in Budapest. We’ve looked at some of the best Budapest cruises along the Danube River. Have a look at our best picks below.
Highlights:
- Explore a variety of iconic landmarks
- Multilingual audio guides available
- Guaranteed seating
Know before you book::
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress accordingly
- Meals are offered or snacks are available for purchase depending on the tour provider
Any European tour deserves sufficient planning and research, in order to make sure you’re getting the best out of your experience. We’ve done half the planning for you by establishing some of the best European destinations, like Budapest.
Budapest was officially formed in 1873. The city is the focal point of Hungary, besides the thousands of Hungarian residents that flock to the city for work, there is also a large array of landmarks and activities that can be explored.
Amongst those are the many river cruises to Budapest. Each tour provides you with something unique, which allows you to sit back with a load of luxurious amenities.
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Budapest Boat Tour Prices 2021
If you’re cruising Budapest, it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Most tours will include almost everything you need so there aren’t that many extra costs. While Euros are accepted in some places across Budapest, the official currency is Hungarian Forints.
Tour prices vary from around 5315,89 HUF ($17.90 USD) to 23030,47 HUF ($76.25 USD). Compare prices across the ticket providers below:
Budapest Rivers Tour Times
River cruises from Budapest can range between a quick hour, 70 minutes, or over 2 hours, depending on which time you’re cruising the Danube and your specific intentions.
The tours are offered by various providers and are designed to entertain all types of adventurers. This means that the tours will occur at various times and is important to check these when you’re checking availability.
Best Time for a Budapest Danube River Cruise
Budapest has a continental climate which means that you can expect lots of rain and snow during the winter months and warm sunny days during summer. The best time to visit this city is during spring or autumn when the weather isn’t too hot or too cold.
The mild weather from March to April, during spring, is a wonderful time to cruise Budapest. Other river cruises in Budapest, Hungary, can best be enjoyed during the high heat of summer from June to September.
Danube River Cruises in Budapest
The Danube River cuts along the center of Budapest and essentially divides the city in half. It is also the second-longest river in Europe. This river runs through or borders about nine other European countries along its route from the Black Forest in Germany to the Black Sea.
The cruises along the Danube River are vast and varied, from parties to elegant dinners and exciting gastronomic experiences.
You also have the opportunity to fit your favorite boat cruise into your current itinerary by booking a cruise for brunch, lunch, or even dinner.
The best cruises are dynamic and are suitable for couples looking to add some romance while cruising under the stars. Younger people looking to blow off some steam with champers will also enjoy a lovely cruise along the Danube. These tours can also be family-friendly with a quick lunch or sightseeing cruise during the day.
Budapest Ultimate Evening Cruise
Since there are so many activities in and around Budapest, you may be looking for a quick boat trip that covers the main highlights. With this ultimate evening cruise, you can enjoy the sunset while comfortably seated in only an hour.
Once you arrive at the meeting point, you’ll head straight to the boat where a greeter will welcome you with a glass of champagne or orange juice. Thereafter, you can find your seat either below the cabin or on the deck.
With this cruise, you’re able to choose what suits you best. This tour is especially popular with tourists visiting in winter times as the deck provides some shelter from the cold.
- Sparkling wine or orange juice
- English audio guide
- Extra snacks available for purchase
- Hotel pick up
- Meals
Budapest Daytime Sightseeing Cruise
This 70-minute tour is perfect for any daytime explorers looking to hit the shores at the height of the day. With this tour, you’re able to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Danube River.
You’ll see iconic landmarks like the Chain Bridge, the Budapest Parliament Building as well as Buda castle.
Your onboard audio guide will tell you all about the history and culture of the city while you’re sipping on your preferred beverage. You can choose between lemonade, champagne wine, beer, and mineral water to wet your whistle while cruising the Danube river.
- Free WiFi
- Free drinks
- Meals
- Hotel pick up and drop off
Boat Party on River Danube
This tour is specifically wonderful for travelers who enjoy painting the town red. The tour lasts for about two hours and cruises down the Danube river while music and beverages ebb and flow to the stream of the river.
The Boat party tour offers unlimited drinks and an onboard DJ. After a solid night enjoying the star-lit views of the Danube river, you and your friends will have free access to the afterparty at a nearby club. Dance the night away with international travelers of like minds.
- Unlimited drinks on the boat
- Onboard DJ
- After party
- Additional drinks after boat party
- Tour guide
24-hour Danube Sightseeing Cruise
24-hour Danube Sightseeing CruiseThe 24-hour sightseeing cruise is perfect for those travelers who love to see it all. With this tour, you’re able to use the river as your main method of transportation. There is one stopover on this tour that allows you to step off the boat and explore the main attractions on foot.
As your ticket is valid for 24-hours, all you’ll have to do is ensure that you’re around to catch the next boat passing by. Ensure that you’ve double-checked the schedule to ensure that you’re not too late.
An audio guide is available onboard, allowing you to be clued up on certain sights before going to see them.
- Multilingual audio guide
- Free WiFi
- Ticket is valid for 24-hours
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Meals
- Drinks
Candlelit Dinner and River Cruise
Candlelit Dinner and River CruiseIf you’re looking for something romantic to treat your significant other, this dinner cruise is the ultimate luxury. With this tour, you can enjoy live music and a delectable 4-course meal. If you’re thinking of bringing the kids, that is also okay as you can opt for a 3-course meal instead.
Along the way, you’ll see some of the best attractions that the Danube river borders. You’ll be able to see the regal Parliament Building, the enchanting Buda Castle as well as other famous landmarks like the Chain Bridge.
- Welcome drink
- Live music
- Catering staff
- Guided commentary
- Additional drinks
Specification: Boat Trip Budapest | Best Danube River Cruises & Tours 2024
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Photos: Boat Trip Budapest | Best Danube River Cruises & Tours 2024
Tereza –
Perfektní! Milý personál, welcome drink (pomerančový džus nebo šampaňské). Přišli jsme o 20 min. dříve, abychom si mohli vybrat místa, kde budeme chtít sedět. Během plavby hrála hudba a také zazněl výklad o památkách, zajímavostech a fun facts. Loď se ani nehoupala, takže doporučuju i pro někoho, komu se normálně dělá špatně. Nemohu nic vytknout.
Anonymous –
It was definitely wonderful to be among other tourists/travellers and conversations with them, the views of Budapest from the boat were also breathtaking, but on the other hand the music was quite old and boring, I mean what's a party without good music? The drinks were also quite light but hey free right, I guess for me the best part was just meeting new people, definitely recommend
Anonymous –
The boat ride was great, I think 1 hour is the perfect amount of time to do an activity like this otherwise it would start to get boring. We went up and down the Danube 2 times and had a very thorough explanation of all the historical buildings and bridges etc….there was also ample time to take a lot of pictures of the parliament at night with all it’s lights. The employees were also super friendly. Would recommend.
Mia –
The cruise itself was great value for money, 70 minutes long with an optional stop-off at Margaret Island, decent commentary in a variety of languages and a free glass of alcohol and lemonade. Only downsides were that they had the heating on for the entire duration of the cruise, and everyone was having to fan themselves from how hot and stuffy it was! There also wasn’t enough clear signposting for how to get on the outside deck in my opinion!