Top 7 Vienna River Cruises

1.Wachau Valley, Melk Abbey Tour with Danube Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,413 reviews · 8h 30m · from $151Our pick

Spend about eight and a half hours exploring the Wachau Valley from Vienna by air-conditioned coach and, in summer, boat. Visit Krems and Dürnstein, cruise the Danube, and tour Melk Abbey with the all-inclusive summer option. English and Spanish guides, including guides such as Tommy, Ava, and Erich, lead the day.

“The Wachau Valley is stunning and I enjoyed the cruise along the Danube.”

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2.Evening Cruise Along The Danube

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 1,280 reviews · 3 hours · from $55

Spend three hours aboard the MS Vindobona, MS Blue Danube, or MS Wien as Vienna’s canals and Danube come alive in the evening light. You can watch the sunset from the upper deck, order freshly prepared Viennese food, and see live camera images on a screen. Expect a relaxed dinner cruise, not a guided sightseeing tour.

“so enjoyable, in the evening - very romantic, however a bit disappointed that there were no particular sights on route. Had a meal,not pre-booked, but good food, reasonable prices and very genial chef/waiter”

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3.3.5-Hour Grand Danube River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 1,151 reviews · from $51

Board the MS Wien or Hundertwasser-designed MS Vindobona at Schwedenplatz for a 3.5-hour cruise through Vienna’s Danube and Danube Canal. You’ll see Prater greenery, Danube Island, modern towers, two lock systems, and central Vienna landmarks. Food and drinks are available to buy onboard, but the cruise ticket covers only the boat ride.

“It was a nice leisurely trip. Most of the time was taken up getting through the locks. Would have been nice to go further upstream and not just a quick loop around. Also, don't know why there wasn't music (Mozart, Strauss, Hayden) playing throughout the trip. Would have added a lot. Messages and descriptions were spotty and not many. The lounge and food looked wonderful but we didnt' eat.”

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4.Danube River Cruise w/ optional Viennese Specialties

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 1,017 reviews · from $36Best value

See Vienna from the Danube with a 1.5-hour modern-city cruise or a 3.5-hour route toward the Prater and green Vienna. Pass the Danube Tower, Millennium Tower, Nussdorf locks, Spittelau heating plant, Ringturm, Danube Island, and more. Add Viennese food if you choose. English and German hosts are available.

“It was very interesting getting a different view of Vienna from the boat. The food and service on board was excellent.”

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5.Bratislava Day Trip from Vienna With Catamaran Cruise on Danube

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 723 reviews · from $115

Travel from Vienna to Bratislava by coach, tour the Old Town with a local guide, then return by high-speed Twin City Liner catamaran. You’ll see St. Martin’s Cathedral, Michael’s Gate, Grassalkovich Palace, Primate’s Palace, Bratislava Castle, and the Slovak National Theatre, with several hours to explore independently. Hotel pickup is available at selected Vienna hotels.

“Really fun trip! The guide knew so much but also gave us time to explore. Great experience! Would do another excursion with this company.”

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6.Private Floating Island E-Boat Rental on Danube

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 12 reviews · from $135 per boat (seats 8)

Take control of a quiet electric floating island on Vienna’s Old Danube for one hour. Your private group of up to eight can cruise, anchor, sunbathe, or swim from the boat. A host greets you in English, German, or Spanish, provides a water map and safety equipment, and shows you the simple joystick controls.

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7.Retro Boat Tour on the Danube River with Picnic

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 9 reviews · from $176 per boat (seats 4)Top rated

You get a private two-hour cruise on Vienna’s Old Danube in a chic electric retro boat, with a picnic basket option including Prosecco, coffee, juice, pastries, baguettes, jam, Nutella, ham, cheese, and mineral water. Meet at the restaurant, ask for your reserved boat, and enjoy a quiet, local-feeling side of the city.

“We were warmly welcomed by the boss himself and were able to enjoy the café on the terrace with a great view of the old Danube. The picnic basket was prepared and we were able to experience a wonderful start to the day. We were well provided for with delicious Prosecco, orange juice, ham, cheese, Nutella, jam, croissants and baguettes. A bottle of mineral water was also included. The boat was clean and worked perfectly. It is also very easy to steer. Thank you for a special kind of romantic birthday breakfast. Our own city has so much to offer and we should appreciate this. Pure relaxation in the middle…”

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