Cruises and Boat Rides in Budapest

The Danube is the soul of Budapest and the reference point for getting around the city. This river divides the Hungarian capital into two parts: Buda and Pest, and the most emblematic buildings are distributed along its banks, making each bridge a viewpoint. Let me tell you about the best boat trips in the Hungarian capital. Keep reading!

The most economical option

Budapest Danube Cruise

Cruise along the Danube

Travel from the water, visit the different stops and enjoy a unique sightseeing experience. You will have an audio guide and WiFi on board, so all you have to worry about is taking endless photos.

From £19 at Hellotickets

For around £19 you can take a 70-minute cruise on the Danube, giving you plenty of time to take photos of the panoramic views from the boat, enjoy the experience itself and learn interesting facts and stories about the different monuments and places of interest in Budapest that you will see during the tour.

This city cruise allows you to hop on and off at Margaret Island, perfect for stretching your legs or taking a stroll if you wish. You'll also enjoy a complimentary drink, and thanks to the open format of the tour, it's an ideal option for travellers who want more freedom of movement, to take photos at their own pace or simply admire the city from a different angle without the need for a full guided experience.

Recommended if... you want to cruise the Danube but don't want to spend a lot on the experience.

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Great plan with friends

Budapest Pizza and Open Bar Cruise

Hop aboard this Budapest cruise and spend an unforgettable evening.

Explore the city from the Danube with this fun 70-minute cruise, accompanied by pizza and an open bar with beer and soft drinks. Perfect for enjoying with friends.

From £31 at Hellotickets

With this pizza and open bar cruise on the Danube, you'll enjoy a unique experience in Budapest, combining unforgettable scenery and a festive atmosphere on board. Sail through the heart of the city while enjoying your favourite pizza and toasting with unlimited beer or soft drinks.

During the 70-minute tour, you can admire iconic monuments such as the Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge, all from a privileged perspective. What's more, background music will accompany you as you savour the best pizza surrounded by a great atmosphere.

Recommended if... you're looking for a fun and original activity to do with friends in Budapest, with food, drink and spectacular views included.

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The premium option

Budapest Buffet Dinner Cruise with Live Music

Enjoy dinner and a show while cruising along the Danube

Experience an unforgettable evening aboard a cruise that includes dinner and a show featuring traditional music and dancing. Admire the imposing beauty of Budapest's iconic monuments from the water.

From £67 at Hellotickets

If you fancy a special night out in Budapest, this dinner cruise with traditional show is perfect for you. For two hours, you will sail along the Danube while enjoying a full Hungarian menu, live music and folk dances that showcase the cultural soul of the country. All this under the lights that illuminate the city's most iconic buildings.

On board, you can savour typical dishes such as goulash or strudel, toast with wine or cava and relax in a sophisticated setting with night-time views of the Parliament, the Chain Bridge and Buda Castle. You also have the option of choosing between a table-served menu or a traditional buffet, depending on the atmosphere you prefer for your evening.

Recommended if... you are looking for a complete experience, with dinner, views and a show to enrich your night in Budapest.

If you want to explore more options for sailing on the Danube, here are some other highly recommended cruises to enjoy the city from the water. There are options for all tastes and prices: from night-time trips to experiences with dinner or combined with a spa.

• Night cruise on the Danube — from £21 Perfect for seeing the monuments lit up at dusk.
• 1-hour cruise on the Danube — from £11 A quick option to discover Budapest from the river at the best price.
• Cruise with 3-course dinner — from £77 Ideal for a romantic dinner with stunning views.
• Széchenyi Spa + dinner and cruise — from £48 The perfect combination for a day of relaxation and enjoyment.

Cruises on the Danube are one of the most relaxing and scenic ways to discover Budapest. During the tour, you can admire its most iconic monuments from a unique perspective, either during the day or illuminated at night. Most boats have a panoramic deck so you can enjoy spectacular views of the city.

Along the way, you will see some of the city's most iconic sights, such as:

• The Hungarian Parliament: Budapest's largest monument with spectacular lighting and an interior steeped in history: frescoes, statues, the Hungarian crown and a 96-metre dome. From the water, its silhouette is impressive.
• Buda Castle: Also known as the Royal Palace, this building dominates the city from the hills. It houses the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum and a huge library.
• The Elisabeth Bridge: One of the most modern bridges in the city, dedicated to Empress Sissi. Its style and name evoke the emotional connection between this historical figure and the Hungarian people.
• Chain Bridge: The oldestbridge in Budapest, famous for its night-time lighting and views of the Danube. An icon of the city, it was the first bridge to connect Buda and Pest.
• Margaret Island: This landscaped island is a regular stop on some cruises. You can get off to stroll among medieval ruins, Japanese gardens and musical fountains before continuing your river journey.

The Budapest river cruise is such a popular activity that you will find many companies offering it. Always make sure you book this experience with a reputable company and bear in mind the average prices: a cruise on the Danube is not a luxury activity and you can do it for around £20 on average.

However, if it includes services such as an open bar, live music, a party on board or a full dinner, the price can rise considerably. It is also highly recommended to book in advance and online, especially during high season, as many cruises sell out. Platforms such as Hellotickets allow you to compare options, see updated prices and secure your place with complete peace of mind.

About the weather

Make sure the boat has panoramic views and that you can enjoy them regardless of the weather. Although cruises are available at any time of year, I don't recommend doing it in winter at night, as the low temperatures could ruin the experience and prevent you from enjoying the scenery.

About photos

As a personal tip, I would advise you not to get too caught up in taking photos during the tour; you will have plenty of time to do so during your trip and if the cruise includes a guide or host, you can even ask them about the best viewpoints in the city. The Danube cruise is all about enjoying the views and the experience of travelling along the river while enjoying dinner or live music; don't treat it like a tourist race.

To get off at Margaret Island or not

Finally, if the cruise passes by Margaret Island in the middle of the river and you have the opportunity to disembark, definitely do so and then continue the cruise on the next boat. This island does not have any major historical monuments, but it does have some charming spots that will surprise you.

Is it better to take the cruise during the day or at night?

Both times have their charm, but if you want to see the monuments lit up, the night-time experience is unique. The Parliament, the bridges and the historic buildings reflected in the water create a magical atmosphere. On the other hand, daytime cruises allow you to better appreciate the architectural details and are usually quieter.

Book online and in advance

Although there are many options available, the most comprehensive cruises (such as those that include dinner or a show) sell out quickly, especially in high season. Therefore, it is advisable to book online in advance through reliable platforms such as Hellotickets to secure your place and avoid queues or last-minute surprises.

The city at night vs. during the day

A boat trip gives you an idea of the city's views and main attractions, but it's not a way to visit them. In other words, if you book a night cruise, you're sure to be impressed by the views of the illuminated Parliament building, and they'll remain etched in your memory as one of the best moments of your trip, but are you really going to miss the opportunity to come back the next day to see it up close and visit inside?

Chain Bridge

Something similar happens with the Chain Bridge; you'll undoubtedly get a unique perspective of it from the river, but are you going to skip crossing it on foot during your visit to Budapest just because you've "already seen it"? Instead, take this tour as a taster of everything the city has to offer and then visit all the points of interest you can from a different perspective.

A guided walking tour

Walking is the best way to explore any city, as a place is not made up of the monuments that appear on a map, but of the narrow streets that connect them and the establishments you come across on the way. The true essence of a city is discovered on foot, and with a guided walking tour you'll also have the opportunity to learn about the legends and stories surrounding the statues and palaces you'll be photographing.

For me, a guided tour is one of the best experiences you can have in any city. If you'd like to find out more about the options available, check out this other article: 16 Best Day Trips and Tours from Budapest.

Tourist bus tour

A ride on the tourist bus. From the Danube, you will see all the city's monuments located on the banks of the river, but there are others that are just as significant and are located in the city centre. The tourist bus is an ideal way to cover distances and get a different perspective of Budapest. There are many different options and it is worth considering them, which is why I have written this other guide about Budapest Hop-On Hop-Off Buses that you may find interesting.