Is a Budapest River Cruise Worth It? 10 Best Boat Tours (2025)
Want to know “Is a Budapest River cruise worth it”?
You’ve come to the right place! I am originally from Budapest and I have tried and tested many of the boat tours in Budapest.
Is a Budapest River Cruise worth it? Yes, it is definitely worth it! The Budapest Danube River cruises are great to see the city or to celebrate a special occasion.
Budapest is famous for the River Danube splitting the city into two parts: Buda and Pest. The city is the most beautiful by the river bank where many historic buildings are located.
Going on a Danube river cruise is one of the best things to do in Budapest and you get really good views of the city and attractions as you cruise on the river.
There are different types of boat tours in Budapest, including day and night cruises, cruises with dinner and drinks, or cruises with live Hungarian dance and music.
To help you decide which cruise to go on, here are the best Danube River cruises and boat tours in Budapest!
Top 3 Budapest River Cruises
If you are short on time, here are the top 3 Danube River cruises in Budapest:
- Budapest Evening Sightseeing Cruise with Unlimited Drinks: 4.8/5 on 20,331 Reviews
- Budapest City Highlights Cruise with Welcome Drink: 4.6/5 on 30,636 Reviews
- Budapest Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music: 4.7/5 on 1,650 Reviews
Is a Budapest River Cruise Worth It?
You might wonder “Is a Budapest River Cruise worth it”? I have gone on several boat tours in Budapest with local and foreign friends visiting me, and a cruise in Budapest is definitely worth it!
A Danube river cruise in Budapest is one of the best ways to see the city and it is a unique experience. There are several cruises to choose from, depending on your preference.
The best is to go on a boat tour around sunset or evening. The sunset views of Budapest are great, and if you go for an evening cruise, then you can see the famous buildings with lights on.
Landmarks You Can See on a Budapest River Cruise
Budapest is known for its beautiful architecture and you get to see most of them during a boat cruise on the Danube.
Famous landmarks that you can see on a boat trip are the Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Gellért Hill, Citadella, Gellért Thermal Bath, Margaret Bridge, Chain Bridge, Vígadó Concert Hall, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, National Theatre, and Palace of Arts (MUPA).
Type of River Cruises in Budapest
There are different types of river cruises in Budapest, and when deciding which one to go with, a lot depends on your preferences and what suits you best.
There are day, afternoon and evening cruises, cruises that serve dinner and drinks, as well as cruises that have live music and folk dance performances.
Budapest Day Cruise
The Budapest day cruises usually run between 11 am and 5 pm, and last 1-2 hours. Some of the day cruises also serve drinks and include audio guides.
The best day cruise in Budapest is by a historic steamboat that also includes an audio guide and welcome drink.
Budapest Sunset Cruise
Budapest is really beautiful during the sunset. As sunset times are different in winter and summer, the best is to check the sunset times on your date and select a cruise based on that.
The sunset times are usually around 4-5 pm in the winter in Budapest, and around 8 pm in the summer.
Budapest Night Cruise
The Budapest evening and night cruises are simply the best!
Budapest is the most beautiful in the evening as then you can see all the famous attractions decorated with lights.
The evening cruises are the most popular thus there are many options to choose from! There are simple, budget-friendly night cruises as well as evening cruises with live music.
Budapest Dinner Cruise
A Budapest dinner cruise is the best option if you want to see the city at night and make it a special occasion.
The candlelit dinner cruise includes a 4-course menu, welcome drink, as well as traditional, live Hungarian music. It takes 2 hours, and during the cruise you get to see historic landmarks in Budapest.
Budapest Cruise with Drinks
Budapest cruises with drinks are generally the more affordable options.
There are cruises that include a welcome drink only, and some other cruises that include unlimited drinks (alcohol and non-alcoholic) for the duration of the cruise.
The 10 Best River Cruises in Budapest
1. Budapest Evening Sightseeing Cruise with Unlimited Drinks
Best for: Travellers with a mid-range budget who want to learn about Budapest through the audio guide, and enjoy unlimited drinks
- Type of Cruise: Evening Sightseeing Cruise
- Departures: 5:30 pm, 7:15 pm, 9 pm
- Price: USD 26
- Rating: 4.8/5 based on 20,331 reviews
- Duration: 1 hour 25 minutes
- What’s included: Unlimited Prosecco or lemonade
- Audio Guide: Included
- Landmarks you can see: Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Gellért Hill, Citadella, Gellért Thermal Bath, Vígadó Concert Hall, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Margaret Bridge.
✅ Book the Budapest Evening Sightseeing Cruise with Unlimited Drinks here!
2. Budapest City Highlights Cruise with Welcome Drink
Best for: Budget travellers
- Type of Cruise: Evening
- Departures: 5 pm, 6:20 pm, 7:40 pm, 9 pm
- Price: USD 13 (weekdays), USD 16 (weekends)
- Rating: 4.6/5 based on 30,636 reviews
- Duration: 1 hour
- What’s included: Welcome drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
- Audio Guide: Not included
- Landmarks you can see: Hungarian Parliament, Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, Matthias Church, Citadella, Gellért Hill, Gellért Thermal Bath, Vígadó Concert Hall, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Margaret Bridge.
✅ Book the Budapest City Highlights Cruise with Welcome Drink here!
3. Budapest Historic Cruise with Welcome Drink
Best for: Travellers who want to enjoy a cruise on a historic paddle steamboat
- Type of Cruise: Evening or Day time (cruise on a historic paddle steamer)
- Departures: Daytime: 1 pm, 2:30 pm. Evening: 4 pm, 5:30 pm, 7 pm, 8:30 pm
- Price: USD 12 (daytime), USD 28 (evening)
- Rating: 4.7/5 based on 2,508 reviews
- Duration: 1 hour
- What’s included: Welcome drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
- Audio Guide: Included
- Landmarks you can see: Gellért Hill, Citadella, Gellért Thermal Bath, Central Market Hall, Chain Bridge, Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, and Margaret Bridge.
✅ Book the Budapest Historic Cruise here!
4. Budapest Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music
Best for: Travellers who want to enjoy a cruise with a 4-course meal and live Hungarian music
- Type of Cruise: Evening dinner cruise
- Departure: 7 pm
- Price: USD 114
- Rating: 4.7/5 based on 1,650 reviews
- Duration: 2.5 hour
- What’s included: 4 course meal, welcome drink, traditional Hungarian live music
- Audio Guide: Not included
- Landmarks you can see: Gellért Hill, Citadella, Gellért Thermal Bath, Chain Bridge, Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Margaret Bridge, National Theatre, and the Palace of Arts (MUPA).
✅ Book the Budapest Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music here!
5. Budapest Danube Cruise with Folk Dance and Drinks
Best for: Travellers who want to enjoy a cruise with traditional Hungarian folk dance and drinks
- Type of Cruise: Evening cruise with folk dance
- Departure: between 7-7:30 pm
- Price: USD 47
- Rating: 4.6/5 based on 72 reviews
- Duration: 2 hour
- What’s included: Hungarian folk dance show, 3 drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
- Audio Guide: Not included
- Landmarks you can see: Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Gellért Hill, Gellért Thermal Bath, Vígadó Concert Hall, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Chain Bridge, and Margaret Bridge.
✅ Book the Danube Cruise with Folk Dance and Drinks here!
6. Budapest Sightseeing Cruise with Tokaj Sparkling Wine
Best for: Travellers who want to enjoy a Danube cruise with drinks (Hungarian Tokaj sparkling wine)
- Type of Cruise: Day, Evening
- Departures: 1:30 pm, 3 pm, 4:30 pm, 6 pm, 7:30 pm, 9 pm
- Price: USD 13-36
- Rating: 4.7/5 based on 1,362 reviews
- Duration: 1 hour
- What’s included: Welcome drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
- Audio Guide: Included
- Landmarks you can see: Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Gellért Hill, Citadella, Gellért Thermal Bath, Vígadó Concert Hall, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and Margaret Bridge.
✅ Book the Budapest Sightseeing Cruise with Tokaj Wine here!
7. Budapest Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise
Best for: Travellers who want to enjoy a daytime cruise with a welcome drinks and audio guide
- Type of Cruise: Day
- Departures: 11 am, 12:30 pm, 2 pm, 3:30 pm
- Price: USD 21
- Rating: 4.6/5 based on 3,836 reviews
- Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- What’s included: Welcome drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
- Audio Guide: Included
- Landmarks you can see: Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Citadella, Gellért Hill, Gellért Thermal Bath, Vígadó Concert Hall, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Margaret Bridge, and Chain Bridge.
✅ Book the Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise here!
8. Budapest Cruise with Cocktails
Best for: Travellers who want to enjoy an evening cruise with cocktails
- Type of Cruise: Afternoon, Evening
- Departures: 5 pm, 7 pm, 9 pm
- Price: USD 36-41
- Rating: 4.5/5 based on 909 reviews
- Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
- What’s included: 3 cocktails (+ you can buy more at the bar)
- Audio Guide: Not Included
- Landmarks you can see: Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Gellért Hill, Citadella, Gellért Thermal Bath, Vígadó Concert Hall, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Chain Bridge, and Margaret Bridge.
✅ Book the Budapest Cruise with Cocktails here!
9. Budapest Cruise with Pizza and Drinks
Best for: Travellers who love pizza and drinks!
- Type of Cruise: Afternoon, Evening
- Departure: 4:30 pm, 6 pm, 7:30 pm, 9 pm
- Price: USD 36-41
- Rating: 4.1/5 based on 893 reviews
- Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
- What’s included: 1 pizza per person, unlimited beer and soft drinks
- Audio Guide: Not included
- Landmarks you can see: Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Gellért Hill, Citadella, Gellért Thermal Bath, Chain Bridge, Vígadó Concert Hall, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and Margaret Bridge.
✅ Book the Budapest Cruise with Pizza and Drinks here!
10. Budapest Private Boat Tour
Best for: Travellers who want to enjoy a private boat cruise on the Danube
- Type of Cruise: Day, Afternoon or Evening
- Departures: slots available once every hour
- Price: USD 284
- Rating: 4.7/5 based on 41 reviews
- Duration: 1 hour
- What’s included: private boat ride
- Audio Guide: Not included
- Landmarks you can see: Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Gellért Hill, Citadella, Vígadó Concert Hall, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Margaret Bridge.
✅ Book a Budapest Private Boat Tour here!
FAQs: Best Budapest River Cruises
Is it worth doing a river cruise in Budapest?
Yes, it is definitely worth going on a river cruise in Budapest! The Budapest river cruises are great to see the city or to celebrate a special occasion.
The best is to go on a boat tour for sunset or evening. The sunset views of Budapest are great, and if you go for an evening cruise, then you can see the famous buildings decorated with lights.
How long is the Budapest river cruise?
The Budapest river cruises are around 1-2 hours, depending on the type of cruise you book.
The 1 hour Budapest cruises are usually sightseeing tours that include a welcome drink. While, the 2 hour cruises include dinner, unlimited drinks, and live music and dance.
What is the best time to do a Danube River cruise?
The Budapest Danube River cruises run all throughout the year.
The best time to go is in the summer when the weather is good. However, it is also nice in the winter months. During winter, the boats have heating in the indoor areas.
When deciding between day and night cruises, the night cruises are generally nicer as you can see Budapest with the lights on. Nevertheless, if you only have time during the day, it is also worth it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Budapest river cruise is definitely worth it!
A river cruise in Budapest is one of the best ways to see the city and it is a unique experience. There are several cruises to choose from, depending on your preference.
The best is to go on a boat tour around sunset or evening. The sunset views of Budapest are great, and if you go for an evening cruise, then you can see the famous building lit up with lights.
Hungary Quick Guide
How to get from the Budapest Airport to City Center?
The 3 easiest way to get from the Budapest Airport to the city center is by taking the airport shuttle bus, taxi, or pre-booking a private transfer.
For more information, check out how to get from the Budapest Airport to city center here.
Should I get a Hungarian SIM card?
If you don’t get free roaming in Budapest, then the best thing to do is to get an Airalo eSIM for Hungary.
They have packages for 7, 15 or 30 days and the prices are affordable.
Are there any useful mobile apps I can use in Hungary?
Yes! There are a couple of mobile apps that come handy when travelling in Hungary, including apps for booking taxis, using public transport, ordering food, or translating.
Check out my list of the most useful apps in Budapest for travellers.
What is the currency in Budapest? Can I pay by cash or card?
The official currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF).
You can use both cash and cards in Budapest. Card payments are widely accepted all over Budapest and it is only the small shops or street vendors that take only cash payments.
Is the public transport good in Budapest?
Yes! The public transport in Budapest is well-connected and affordable.
The main modes of transport in Budapest are the metro, buses, HÉV trains, trolley buses and there are even public boats!
If you want to save some time or comfort, taking a taxi is a good option. When booking a taxi in Budapest, you can either hail a regular taxi or book one through a taxi app (Uber or Bolt).
Can I drink tap water in Budapest?
Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in Budapest (and all across Hungary).
The tap water goes through a strict water treatment process in Hungary which makes it safe to drink for everyone.
Do they speak English in Budapest?
Yes, people speak good English in Budapest, especially the younger generation.
The older population may not speak English that well, so if you have to ask for information, the best is to approach someone who is younger.
In most tourist places, hotels, restaurants and bars, the staff has a good level of English, so you will get by easily.
Hungary Trip Planning
✈️ Book Flights to Hungary:
Find the best flight deals on Skyscanner or Kiwi.com!
🏠 Book Hotels for Hungary:
Booking.com: best budget, mid-range and luxury hotels.
Hostelworld.com: best for cheapest hostels!
(P.S: The best areas in Budapest are District 5 and 6, right in the city center)
🥘 Book Activities for Hungary:
Book the best activities, tours and day trips on GetYourGuide and Viator. There is everything from river cruises, thermal baths and walking tours to food tours and pub crawls!
🎒 Get Travel Insurance for Hungary: Be on the safe side and get a SafetyWing Travel Insurance – one of the most affordable international travel insurances!
💳 Get Your Travel Cards: Wise and Revolut have travel cards that you can top up with multiple currencies. They have great exchange rates and you can easily use them for payments in shops and restaurants worldwide.
✅ Check out my complete list of travel resources to plan your trip!
