Budapest is one of the most charming cities in Europe. The Hungarian capital is situated along the picturesque Danube River that flows through much of central and southern Europe, including the Black Forest in nearby Germany.
The city has something for everyone, from flamboyant 19-century architecture, bustling market places, and a food scene that is constantly evolving.
One of the best ways to explore the city is through a dinner cruise in Budapest. We’ve listed the best dinner cruises below, which are great for a romantic evening out.
Highlights:
- Cruise along the Danube River as you enjoy a delicious Hungarian meal
- Enjoy stunning views of Budapest at night
- Enjoy live music while dining
Know before you book:
- Not suitable for people with mobility impairments
- These cruises do not include a guide
- Gratuities are not included in the ticket prices
Budapest has often been referred to as the “Paris of the East”, and the “Queen of the Danube”, and has many other nicknames.
This marvelous city is divided into two parts, the hilly district of Buda, and the flat area of Pest which are connected by one of Hungary’s most famous landmarks, the 19-century Chain Bridge.
This cosmopolitan city has something for everyone, from dramatic history and architecture to a wealth of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, thermal baths, and one of the best nightlife scenes in Europe.
Budapest also has a booming gastronomy scene which is best experienced on a dinner cruise along the Danube River.
Most dinner cruises in Budapest offer a 3 or 4-course meal, or buffet with a complimentary welcome drink and live music as you sail past some of Budapest’s most incredible landmarks.
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Prices of River Cruise Dinners, Budapest
The tours start from around $44 (13 864 HUF) to $129 (40 095 HUF), depending on the duration of the cruise, the number of courses served, and whether or not live music is played.
Another factor that influences the prices of dinner cruises in Budapest is the time of the year. You may find that the prices of dinner cruises may be higher in the summer months (June-August) and over Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
You can compare prices across the ticket providers below:
Times of Dinner Cruise in Budapest
Most Budapest night cruises that serve dinner start at 7 pm and last around 2-3 hours. However, this may be subject to change according to the availability of cruises.
Best Time to Go to Budapest
The best time to visit Budapest is in spring (March-May) when crowds are minimal and the weather is pleasant.
If you plan your visit in May, you’ll be able to catch the Rosalia Festival and OTP Bank Gourmet Festival, which bring together the best food, wine, and beer in Budapest.
Fall (September – November) is also a really good time to visit Budapest, as the city is less crowded, and accommodation and flights are much cheaper than in summer.
There are also several festivals around this time which include the Sweet Days Chocolate and Candy Festival, Budapest Wine Festival, and Oktoberfest Budapest.
Budapest Danube River Dinner Cruise
Check out the best Budapest river cruises below:
Budapest: Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music
This cruise is perfect for couples looking for a romantic evening out in Budapest. Experience a magical evening while cruising down the Danube River as you enjoy a candle-lit dinner with relaxing live music.
What we liked: You can choose between a 3 or 4-course meal.
- 3 or 4-course meal
- Your choice of a complimentary welcome drink
- Live music
- Additional drinks (available to purchase onboard)
- Guided commentary
Enjoy a memorable evening in Budapest as you feast on a delicious candle-lit dinner aboard one of the most elegant and modern cruise vessels in Budapest.
Upon boarding, you’ll be greeted by a friendly Hungarian host and served a welcome drink of your choice. As the evening goes on you’ll sail past some of Budapest’s marvelous landmarks such as the Buda Castle, and the Hungarian Parliament Building.
Highlights
- Get fantastic views of the Hungarian Parliament Building at night.
- Glide under illuminated bridges and cruise past the Buda Castle and Margaret Island.
Know before you book
- Duration: 2.5-Hours
- The 3-course dinner is recommended for children.
- You’ll not be able to pick your meals before the time.
2 Hour Boat Cruise Budapest With Hungarian Dinner on the Danube
Make the most out of your trip to Budapest by combining a sightseeing tour down the Danube River with a scrumptious Hungarian dinner with live entertainment.
What we liked: Enjoy entertainment from the award winning Rajko Folk Orchestra
- 3-course traditional Hungarian dinner
- Your choice of a complimentary welcome drink
- Live music
- 2 hour cruise down the Danube River
- Additional drinks (available to purchase onboard)
- Gratuities
- Guided commentary
- Hotel pickup and dropoff
Explore Budapest from a different perspective and watch as the city lights up after dark. Admire the city from the deck of the boat or sit back and relax as you enjoy local folk music.
During the course of the evening, you’ll pass under the Chain Bridge and sail past the Citadel. You’ll also get to try the famous Hungarian soup – Goulash, which will then be followed by the main course and dessert of your choice.
Highlights
- Relax on a 2-hour long cruise
- Float past some of the landmarks that make up Budapest’s very photogenic skyline
Know before you book
- Duration: 2-hours
- A 3-course meal is served
- Vegetarian options are available
- This tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments
- Large bags and luggage are not allowed on board
Budapest River Cruise at Night with Dinner and Live Music
This boat trip around Budapest is one of the best ways to explore the alluring atmosphere of Budapest at night with delicious Hungarian cuisine and live entertainment.
What we liked: Unlimited buffet available.
- Hot buffet dinner
- A welcome drink
- 1 additional drink of your choice
- Live music
- Guided commentary
- Transfers (unless selected)
This cruise begins and ends in Budapest’s city center, and takes guests past enchanting landmarks such as the Fisherman’s Bastion on Castle Hill.
This dinner cruise serves an unlimited buffet of Hungarian food such as Paprikash (traditional chicken legs), mini stuffed cabbage, and Hungarian strudel. So be sure to make the most of this buffet and try as many foods as you can.
After dinner, you can head out to the open-air upper deck where you can enjoy unspoiled views of the city or sit back and listen to the local folk music played on the Cimbalom, a traditional Hungarian string instrument.
Throughout the evening guests will also get the opportunity to request their favorite songs and listen to them performed in a new adaptation.
Highlights
- Savor a delicious dinner with various options
- Watch Budapest light up after dark from the open-air deck
- Enjoy live music
Know before you book
- Duration: 2-Hours
- Gluten-free options are available
- Vegetarian options are available
- Lactose-free options are available
- Not suitable for persons with mobility impairments
3 Hour-New Year’s Eve Boat Cruise with Dinner
End your year off on a high note and begin your New Year in style with this boat cruise around Budapest and make a toast in front of the beautifully illuminated Parliament Buildings.
While you cruise around the city, you’ll enjoy a hot and cold buffet of mouth-watering Hungarian and international treats, and will be treated to a glass of champagne in the hours leading up to New Years Day.
What we liked: Unlimited food and drinks.
- Buffet of hot and cold snacks
- Unlimited choice of local wine, beer, and soft drinks
- 1 glass of champagne
- Live music
- Guided commentary
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Spend the evening out on the Danube River while cruising past Margaret Island, the National Theatre, Buda Castle, and Parliament buildings.
As the cruise takes off you’ll be treated to freshly baked bread, French cheeses, and homemade chicken or pumpkin soup.
You’ll then move onto the main courses where you’ll have a choice between beef stew with dumplings, pork chops with caramelized shallots and fried potatoes, vegan paella, and much more.
You’ll end the evening off with some delicately sweet Hungarian desserts like pull-apart bread with walnuts and vanilla sauce and Hungarian strudel filled with apples or cherries.
Just before the clock strikes 12, you’ll be served a glass of champagne while the boat positions itself in front of the Parliament Buildings.
As the clock strikes 12 you’ll be able to witness a fantastic fireworks display over Budapest and toast your New Year’s resolutions on the Danube River.
Highlights
- Enjoy a memorable evening out
- Enjoy live Hungarian folk music
- Enjoy a spread of Hungarian and international dishes
Know before you book
- Duration: Approximately 3-Hours
- Vegetarian options are available
- Not suitable for persons with mobility impairments
- This tour may not be suitable for children as alcoholic beverages are unlimited and persons onboard may become unruly
- The menu is subject to change
- Dress warmly
- There is no specific seating plan
- The boat has open and closed compartments
Dinner & Cruise on the Danube in Budapest
Experience the incredible sights of Budapest on a night cruise with an appetizing 3-course dinner.
As you make your way down the Danube River, you’ll be able to admire the Buda Castle Quarter and Gellert Hill.
What we liked: Enjoy a flavorsome Hungarian Meal accompanied by live music.
- A complimentary welcome drink of your choice
- Live music
- Guided commentary
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (unless selected when booking)
- Additional drinks (available for purchase onboard)
This tour starts in Budapest’s city center and makes its way along the Danube River. It then passes some of Budapest’s World Heritage Sites like the Freedom Monument and Buda Castle Quarter.
The cruise also glides past the Gellert Baths, where many Hungarians love to swim and relax. As the evening goes on a 3-course meal of Hungary’s best dishes will be served, accompanied by live music from a folk orchestra.
Highlights
- Enjoy a memorable evening out
- Enjoy live Hungarian folk music
Know before you book
- Duration: Approximately 1.5 – 2-Hours
- Vegetarian options are available
- Not suitable for persons with mobility impairments
Specification: Budapest Dinner Cruise | Best Sightseeing & Gastronomy Tours
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Leslie –
This was one of the better food tours we did on this trip. The food and the service were very good. Their are a few reasons I did not give this a 5 star rating. We were seating upstairs, which was quieter than the downstairs, which was a plus, however we could not hear the live music that was downstairs. Also the windows were not clean, so taking pictures was difficult as there was no place upstairs to go outside to get pictures. They also just keep making a big circle so we passed the Parliament house several times.
Blake –
lovely way to end our break on the Danube river with amazing food and the staff are more than attentive although I would advise getting there a lot earlier to be able to take your pick of table. definitely recommend this wonderful experience to see the lights in all there glory!
Eric –
boarding was very easy, the tables were well prepared, the drinks at will, the cruise was very pleasant despite the cold outside to take photos. The negative sides are at the buffet level, it was a little small and without much choice for the world on board. The mist on the windows that did not allow to see outside. However we were seven and everyone was very happy with this eve.
Eric –
boarding was very easy, the tables were well prepared, the drinks at will, the cruise was very pleasant despite the cold outside to take photos. The negative sides are at the buffet level, it was a little small and without much choice for the world on board. The mist on the windows that did not allow to see outside. However we were seven and everyone was very happy with this eve.