Budapest Cruises

Last Updated on 3 November 2025 by ZoliBP

Welcome to our Budapest Danube cruise guide! We’re a local family that loves sharing our city’s best experiences – and cruising the Danube is one of them. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the perfect boat tour in Budapest.

If you’re planning a trip to Budapest a cruise on the river Danube is an absolute must-do activity whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler.

Note: 👉 All tours recommended here are operated by top-rated companies and come with easy, free cancellation. If something comes up and you won’t be able to take the cruise you can cancel or re-schedule it any time free of charge.

Types of Budapest River Cruises

🤔 Why Take a Budapest Cruise?

We could list plenty of reasons why taking a sightseeing boat tour is a must-do activity.

Here are just a few:

Cruising the Danube in Budapest is like getting a front-row seat to the city’s best show. It’s an opportunity to experience

• 📷 Unbeatable Views – See famous landmarks (like the Parliament and the Castle) from a whole new angle,
• 🚢 Relax and Sightsee – Chill on the water with a drink after a long day of walking, and
• 💘 Romance & Atmosphere – Soak in a romantic atmosphere especially during the illuminated nights.
• ⌛ Convenience: In just an hour or two, you cover many sights – perfect if you’re short on time. Plus, refreshments (from welcome drinks to full dinners) are often included!
  
  

Budapest River Cruises in Detail

You have many Danube cruise options – from relaxed daytime sightseeing trips to lavish dinner cruises and even party boats at night.

Here’s a quick overview to help you decide which suits you best.

▶ Next, we’ll dive into each category with our hand-picked recommended tours and tips.

🥇 Top Recommended Danube Cruises in 2025 (Hand-Picked)

We’ve researched the options – what’s more, went on and tested several river tours – and partnered with reputable providers.

👉 Here are our top picks for Danube cruises in Budapest – with something for every budget and style. The Sunset and 4-course dinner cruises are operated by Silverline Cruises, one of the highest rated and most trustworthy Danube cruise operators in Budapest. They have been operating river tours for more than 15 years are rated by thousands of travellerers with avergare ratings of 4.4 (out of 5) or higher on Get Your Guide. See a sample of travellers’ reviews here.

Budapest River Cruise Types In More Detail

One of the great things about Budapest cruises is that there’s an option for every kind of traveler. Do you want a quick afternoon tour, or a fancy dinner on the water? Budapest has you covered.

Here are the main types of Danube cruises you can choose from: ⤵️

🌞 Daytime Danube Cruises – 💲 Budget-Friendly Tours

These usually last about 60–70 minutes and offer commentary (usually audio guide in 20+ languages) as you pass the sights.

A daytime cruise is perfect for snapping photos of landmarks like the Parliament, Buda Castle, the Chain bridge and the other bridges over the Danube under the sun. They’re generally affordable, with some even including a welcome drink or coffee.

Recommended for Families with Kids

Best For: 💲⏳ Morning or afternoon Danube excursions are a really fitting choice for those tight on time and budget. For around 10-12 EUR and in cc. 1 hour you’ll get to see all the must-see sights lining the downtown section of the riverbanks. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families with children will also appreciate the short duration of daytime cruises.

Budget TIP #2 – Public Transport Boat Line For Cheap Daytime Cruising

For the most inexpensive option check out Budapest’s public transport hop-on -hop-off boat service. The itinerary covers the most central stretch of the Danube with 5 stops in both the Buda and Pest sides. It’s not a guided tour, but for the price of a transit ticket you can enjoy a cheap DIY mini-cruise with local commuters.

Departures are every hour between 13.00/1 PM – 17.00/1 PM from Kossuth Square/Parliament. The whole trip (between Kossuth Square and Petőfi Square) is 40 minutes long.

What’s more, you can get on or off at any of the 5 ports (Kossuth Square – Margaret Island – Batthyány Square – Castle Garden Bazaar – Petőfi Suare).

Prices: 👩 adult: 2 800 HUF/cc. 7 EUR, 🧒 Children: (ages: 3 -14): 1 500 HUF/cc. 3.7 EUR. FREE for children up to 3 yrs. 🐶 Small dogs can also travel on the boat for 1 000 HUF/cc. 2.5 EUR.

🍾 Prosecco/Cocktail Cruises – Unwind with a Drink on the Danube!

Unlimited Prosecco cruises are a thing of their own in Budapest. They are popular for their combination of scenic views, unlimited drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere, making them ideal for various occasions. 

Note: Most prosecco cruises offer other drink options so If you don’t like the bubbly beberage you can sip beer, Aperol spritz or other cocktails instead.

Who might particularly enjoy a Prosecco cruise?:

Couples:

It’s a romantic way to enjoy the city lights and scenery while sipping on prosecco. 

Groups of friends:

A fun and social way to celebrate a birthday, girls’ night, or pre-party before heading out for the evening. 

 Solo travelers:

A relaxing and memorable way to experience Budapest from a different perspective. 

Those looking for a good-value sightseeing experience

The cruise provides a different view of the city’s landmarks, such as Parliament, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge. 

Let’s not forget that the unlimited prosecco (and other beverages on most cruises) adds to the enjoyable experience.

Ideal for pre-party or unwinding:

A prosecco or cocktail cruise is a stylish way to start a pleasant night or relax after a day of sightseeing

Good-Value Prosecco/Cocktail Cruises

👉 Here are a couple of popular and good-value options for you to consider, offered by different providers:

1. Unlimited Prosecco & Wine Cruise by Silverline Cruises

• What it offers: A 60-minute sightseeing cruise with unlimited prosecco and wine. You’ll see all the major landmarks like the Parliament, Buda Castle, and Chain Bridge. They also have indoor and outdoor seating.
• Departure Times: Several departures from late afternoon cc. (17.00 till) night (22.00).
• Price: Around €35 that includes the trip plus unlimited prosecco and wine.

2. Sip & Sail Danube Cruise with Unlimited Prosecco Cocktails by Budapest Boat Party

• What it offers: A 75-minute sunset cruise with unlimited prosecco (sweet, medium, dry options) and signature prosecco cocktails. You’ll get to see the UNESCO World Heritage sites beautifully lit up. They also have background music and comfortable seating.
• Departure Times: Check their website as sunset times change, but cruises typically start in the late afternoon/early evening to catch the sunset.
• Price: Around €25 – €28.
• Why choose this one? If you love prosecco and want to try some fun cocktails while enjoying the sunset, this is a great option. The 75-minute duration gives you a bit more time to soak it all in.

🌥 🌛 Sunset and Evening Sightseeing Cruises – City Lights and Twilight Views

The golden and blue hours just before sunset is the most ideal time for capturing the beauty of Budapest and the Danube. It’s a photographer’s dream and if you want to take postcard-worthy images sunset cruises are the best choice.

🍴 Evening Dinner Cruises

This option lets you combine sightseeing with a leisurely meal. Dinner cruises are typically 1.5 – 3 hours long, featuring a full-course dinner (buffet or plated) as you drift by the lit-up city skyline.

Many have live music on board – piano player with a singer or a folk band with dancers in traditional costume – adding to the ambiance. The vibe is romantic and relaxed. Prices are higher than daytime cruises, but many travelers find the experience well worth it.

TOP Recommended Budapest Dinner Cruises ⤵️:

#1 – 4-Course Dinner Cruise with 🎹 Live Piano or 💃Folk Show (🥇 Best Value)

Why it’s great?: Combines a gourmet Hungarian-international menu – each course served at your table, each lit by candle light – with a delightful live piano battle show or Hungarian folk dance peformance.

Best for for those who are looking for something entertaining and classy.

Often cited as the best value because of the quality live shows, pleasant dinner, courteous satff and relaxing atmosphere.

Details:

• Price: from ~€90 with 4-course serveddinner included;
• Departs: 19.00/7:00 PM every day.
• Duration: 2 hours;
• Extras: Welcome drink (prosecco or fruit juice), candle light at each table, private seating
• Provider: Silver Line Cruises

Cruise Itinerary

#2 – 💃 Hungarian Dinner Cruise with Folk Dance Show (🥈2nd Best)

Why it’s great?: You enjoy authentic Hungarian folk music and dance performances on board, plus a hearty International/Hungarian buffet (or set menu – Legenda???).

You kill two birds with one stone with this program: get a taste of local gastronomy and culture while seeing the World-heritage protected historic landmarks on the riverbanks.

Details:

• Price: from €69 (Hungarian menu) or €89 (Dinner with Folk Show);
• Departs: 19.00/7:00 PM every day
• Duration 2 hours
• Provider: Hungaria Koncert

#3 – 🍷 Wine & Dine Cruise with Live Music ( 🥉 3rd Best)

A slightly upscale option where you’ll be tasting 5 Hungarian wines each paired with food which is basically a 5-course dinner. Live folk music and dance show round out the evening for a full experience of all things local.

Why it’s great?: as with the other two recommended evening Danube cruises the Wine & Dine option is an all-encompassing program perhaps even more so because of the 5-tier wine tasting. You’ll get dinner, wines, cultural entertainmnet and a sightseeing boat excursion – all packed in 2 hours. The reason we ranked it at 3rd place is becuase of the slightly higher price.

Details:

• Price: 109/105 EUR
• Departure: 19.00/7 PM every day
• Duration: 2 hours;
• Provider: Hungaria Koncert

👉 Read more details and view photos about the Hungarian Wines & Dinner Cruise!

💲 Best Budget Option: Dinner & Budapest Lights Cruise:

Details:

• Price: 77 EUR
• Departure: 20.30/8.30 PM every day in te sumemr season
• Duration: 2 hours;
• Provider: Silver Line Cruises

😎 Late Night Cruises & Party Boats

Budapest’s party scene isn’t confined to ruin bars on land – you can party on the Danube too! These late-late cruises turn the boat into a floating nightclub.

Expect

• A DJ or lively music, a
• Ddance floor, and often an
• Open bar or
• Drinks packages.

It’s a fun way to kick off a night out, meet fellow travelers, and see the city lights while enjoying a party vibe.

Keep in mind, these cruises are more about letting loose than sightseeing commentary.

🎄 Special Cruises (Seasonal /Themed)

There are also special one-off or seasonal cruises worth considering if your visit lines up. These often sell out early.

🎆 Fireworks Cruise (Aug 20 National Holiday)

On St. Stephen’s Day (Aug 20), Budapest has a huge fireworks show over the Danube starting at 21.00/9 PM.

Several cruises offer a special evening with dinner, live music, and top-deck viewing of the fireworks. Tickets often include unlimited drinks or a toast at fireworks time.

Price: typically higher (~120+ EUR due to the exclusivity of the event)

🎄Christmas/🥂 New Year’s Cruises

During the Advent period and especially at Christmas, some cruises serve holiday menus and live seasonal music.

👉 Here you can browse and read details (dinner menu, prices) about the best Christmas Cruises in Budapest.

On New Year’s Eve, there are party cruises with dinner, special programs, and champagne at midnight and often dancing till the early hours.

Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise – a festive dinner with candlelight and carols on Dec 24” or “New Year’s Eve Gala Cruise – five-course dinner, live entertainment, dancing, and midnight fireworks view.” For each, note pricing (these tend to be premium priced) and that pre-booking is essential.

👉 Learn more about the selection of New Year’s Eve Party Cruises in Budapest in 2025/26!

🎃 Halloween Themed Cruises

If you visit in late October – early November there’s a chance that you can go on a Halloween themed boat party.

Expect appropriate decor (carved pumkin latnterns) on board the ship, some also offer special, Halloween-inspired welcome drinks.

You can also wear costume or just a face painting fitting for the ocasion.

💖 Valentine Day Romantic Dinner Cruises

On February 14 you can celebrate all things romance and treat your loved one to a candlelit dinner cruise on the Danube.

What to Expect on a Danube Cruise?

📷 Sights You’ll See:

All cruises cover the central stretch of the Danube – you’ll float by the

• Parliament,
• Buda Castle,
• Chain Bridge and the other bridges like Elizabeth bridge, Liberty Bridge,
• Gellért Hill, and more.

Daytime tours often have audio commentary pointing out these landmarks. At night, these sights are beautifully illuminated.

🚢 Onboard Experience:

Most boats have both open-air decks and climate-controlled indoor sections.

You can usually move around to take photos. Dinner cruises will have set tables; you’ll be escorted to your seat and served by waitstaff. Sightseeing cruises have free seating.

🍴🍷 Food & Drink:

If you booked a dinner cruise, expect either a set menu or buffet – typically a mix of Hungarian specialties like goulash, stuffed cabbage, strudle – and international dishes.

Don’t expect gourmet Michelin-star cuisine, but the food is generally well-prepared (and the real star is the view!).

Welcome drinks (like prosecco) are common on evening cruises; on drinks cruises, you’ll get your wine/beer/cocktails from the bar as you relax.

🎵 Entertainment:

Live music is a feature on many evening cruises – could be a piano show, a band, or a folklore performance. It adds a great ambiance.

Day cruises might just play an audio guide or light background music. Party cruises will have a live DJ or recorded party mix.

🕓 When to Go & Tips for Timing

Danube river cruises runs all year, but the vibe changes with the seasons.

🌦 Season (When to Go?):

🕓 Time of Day – Daytime / Evening /Late Night?

Many will argue that evening is the best time for a Budapest cruise, and it’s hard to disagree. After sunset, the city’s landmarks – the Parliament, bridges, Buda Castle – are all beautifully illuminated, creating a romantic and dramatic panorama.

Evening Cruise – Best for Spectacular Photos at Sunset

An evening cruise gives you that wow-factor of the city skyline lit up at night. If you go around sunset, you get the best of both worlds:

• starting in daylight (great for photos) and
• finishing with the sparkling city lights.

For photographers, the golden hour (just before sunset) is ideal – you’ll catch daylight, sunset colors, and the city lighting up all in one cruise if you time a 19.00/ 7 PM tour in summer. Night cruises (after 20.00/8 PM) give you the full splendour of the illuminated skyline against the dark sky.

See the time of the golden hour!

Daytime Cruises – For families/Those Who’re Short on Time,

A daytime cruise is lovely too – you’ll see details of the architecture you might miss in the dark, and it’s a good option if you have other plans for the evening and night.

Keep in mind though that on midday cruises it can be very sunny/hot in summer on the open deck (indoor areas are air-conditioned). Put on sunscreen and wear sunglasses, summer cap.

Night Cruises – Party Boats

Duration & Scheduling

Daytime sightseeing cruises are short (about an hour), so you can easily slot one into an afternoon of exploring. Dinner cruises are longer (2 – 3h), so it’s best to make it your evening plan.

Also, board at least 15 -20 minutes early to secure good seats (especially if it’s open seating).

Practical Info: Booking, Boarding & Safety

Boarding Points/Where to Go: Explain where the docks are and how to get there: e.g., “Most cruises depart from docks near Elizabeth Bridge (Pest side) – exact dock number (often Pier 7 or 11) will be on your ticket. It’s easy to reach by public transport (tram, bus) or on foot from city center. Give yourself extra time to find the boat, especially if you’re not familiar with the area.” This helps avoid confusion on the day.

What to Wear/Bring: “No strict dress code for most cruises; smart casual is fine even for dinner cruises (bring a light jacket in summer evenings, it can get breezy on deck). Comfortable shoes if you plan to move around the boat. And don’t forget your camera or smartphone – you’ll want to snap those views, especially if you’re on deck!”

Accessibility & Safety: Note if the boats are wheelchair accessible (some might be, some might not – if you know, mention it or advise checking ahead). Reassure about safety: “Boats are very stable and safe; life jackets are on board (though you won’t need them!). Even if you normally get seasick, the Danube is calm and the ride is smooth.” And if kids are coming: “Family-friendly – kids are welcome on almost all cruises (under 6 often free on sightseeing tours). Just keep an eye on little ones on the open deck.”
Visuals: A small map snippet showing the dock location or a photo of the dock sign (like “Dock 11 – Silverline Cruises” sign) can be useful here. Maybe a photo of a ticket or people boarding the boat to visualize the process.
Engagement: This section is more text-based, but you could format it as a mini FAQ for readability

❔ More FAQ – Budapest River Cruises

Related:

Recommended Budapest Tours – Unique Walk Tours – Buda Castle Walks – Day Trips from Budapest – Downtown Budapest – Hop on Hop Off Bus Tours – Our Facebook Page