ON THE RIVER · RIVER SIGHTSEEING CRUISES IN BUDAPEST

Best River Sightseeing Cruises in Budapest — Our Top 6

6 river trips  ·  from $14 a head

Good river sightseeing cruises in Budapest sell their best seats weeks ahead. Below: the 6 to book early, what each fare includes and how they differ once you are aboard.

Budapest Danube River Sightseeing Night Cruise with Drink - Boarding at Jane Haining rakpart
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Budapest Danube River Sightseeing Night Cruise with Drink

1.Budapest Danube River Sightseeing Night Cruise with Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,553 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $30Our pick

Set sail from central Budapest on a glass-topped boat for a one-hour evening ride past Parliament, Buda Castle, Margaret Island, and the city’s lit bridges. Choose beer, wine, sparkling wine, soda, or mineral water, then listen to recorded commentary in 30 languages. Indoor and limited open-air seating are available.

“The boat was clean and the staff were friendly. A little underwhelming, but the audio guide was informative and it was worth doing.”

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Budapest: Danube River Sightseeing Cruise with Audio Guide - The itinerary connects Buda and Pest
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Budapest: Danube River Sightseeing Cruise with Audio Guide

2.Danube River Sightseeing Cruise with Audio Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 1,002 reviews · from $14Best value

Board Purpleliner at Dock 1/B near Batthyány Square for a one-hour Danube sightseeing cruise. You’ll pass Parliament, Chain Bridge, Buda Castle, Gellért Hill, Central Market Hall, and more. Bring charged headphones for the downloadable six-language audio guide. Evening departures add sunset and illuminated city views.

“The best activity of my trip in Budapest! I recommend doing it in the evening to see Budapest by night with all the lights on! The view of the parliement is incredible.”

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Budapest: Sightseeing Cruise on the Danube - What the six bridges reveal about Budapest
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Budapest: Sightseeing Cruise on the Danube

3.Sightseeing Cruise on the Danube

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 574 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $21

Cruise Budapest aboard the Gróf Széchenyi, a historic-style ship with wooden interiors, an onboard bar, live music, and access to the engine room. You’ll pass Parliament, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Gellért Hill, and six bridges. Choose a sunset or night departure for the best views, but note that no live guide is included.

“We (my wife and 2 children) found this to be a nice boat trip for the money. Relatively limited seating room on the open deck part of the boat. The commentary was recorded and disjointed at times. Quite a few of the passengers were on the lunch option (lower deck) or ordered drinks and snacks on our (upper) deck. If you don't want a lengthy cruise and you're content to just look out of the window and enjoy the view then it's great. Very relaxed experience.”

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Sightseeing Cruise on the Danube with Audio Guide in Budapest - Castle District and Margaret Bridge
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Sightseeing Cruise on the Danube with Audio Guide in Budapest

4.Sightseeing Cruise on the Danube with Audio Guide in Budapest

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 229 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $14

Spend about an hour on the Danube, passing Parliament, Buda Castle, Margaret Island, Gellért Hill, and Budapest’s bridges. You get an open sightseeing terrace, onboard drinks for purchase, and a downloadable audio guide for your own phone and earphones. Arrive early for the best views, especially on busy evening departures.

“I had originally booked the cruise in the morning hours, but Viatours contacted me that the tour at that hour was cancelled and gave me other options. We chose the early evening tour. It was organized, left on time and was very scenic. The only problem was that they gave us a bonus--every passenger recived a chip for a free drink. But only two girls worked the bar counter and people waited a very long time to get their drinks. If this is going to be offered again, i suggest manning the bar with more personnel. Otherwise, the cruise was very good.”

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Budapest Danube Sightseeing Cruise with Unlimited Drinks - Gellért Hill and the southern city view
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Budapest Danube Sightseeing Cruise with Unlimited Drinks

5.Budapest Danube Sightseeing Cruise with Unlimited Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 65 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $42

See Budapest from the Danube on a one-hour Silverline Cruises boat ride departing Jane Haining rakpart. Your ticket includes unlimited drinks from the onboard menu, with beer, wine, soft drinks, or coffee typically available. Expect excellent photo views of Parliament, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Chain Bridge, and Gellért Hill, but check which drinks are included before boarding.

“Just back from Budapest and done this cruise with my partner. We both loved it! Was a really cosy boat especially in the colder weather. Great selection for drinks and staff were great! Highly recommend!”

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Private Danube Sightseeing Cruise in Budapest - Parliament, Castle Hill, and the first photo stop
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Private Danube Sightseeing Cruise in Budapest

6.Private Danube Sightseeing Cruise in Budapest

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 16 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.) · from $624 per boat (seats 10)

Take a 50-minute private Danube cruise from Jane Haining rakpart in a custom New Zealand-style water taxi. Your group of up to 10 can choose music and the pace, enjoy a welcome drink, and order food or drinks 48 hours ahead. See Parliament, Buda Castle, Gellért Hill, major bridges, and the National Theatre from the water.

“We are a small group of 5 (56-65yrs young) ladies, we had a brilliant time on this trip, we booked an 8pm start in April. Wine and beers available, lots of photo opportunities (we were lucky with weather) and then a fun, faster return. We definitely recommend!”

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