Danube River at Budapest Tours
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Flowing through the heart of Budapest, the Danube is the lifeline of the Hungarian capital, as well as its geographic center, separating the hilly Buda district on the west bank from the bustling Pest on the east bank. The striking waterfront is also part of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage–listed treasures, home to landmarks such as the Szechenyi Chain Bridge, the Liberty Bridge, Buda Castle Hill, Matthias Church, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and Margaret Island.
The Basics
A Danube River cruise is a highlight of many Budapest sightseeing tours, and options include lunch or dinner cruises, wine-tasting cruises, and moonlight cocktail cruises. Alternatively, head out of the city to explore the scenic towns of the Danube Bend, including Esztergom, Visegrad, and Szentendre, before cruising back to Budapest along the river.
Things to Know Before You Go
Boat tours operating on the river include panoramic cruise ships, amphibious coaches, and private small boats.
Cruises typically last one to two hours.
Bring warm clothing if traveling on an open-air boat—it can get chilly, especially at night.
Most boat cruises are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check in advance.
Cruises typically last one to two hours.
Bring warm clothing if traveling on an open-air boat—it can get chilly, especially at night.
Most boat cruises are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check in advance.
How to Get There
Wherever you are in the city, it’s easy to get to the riverside. The most popular stretch of the river runs between the Green Bridge and Margaret Island. Cruises leave from both sides of the river, with most piers located close to the Chain Bridge.
When to Get There
Danube River cruises run regularly year-round, but for the most atmospheric views, opt for a sunset sightseeing cruise or a night cruise. For an unforgettable experience, book a Christmas cruise and admire the waterfront illuminations as you tuck into a festive onboard lunch or dinner.
Cruising Along the Danube
The Danube is Europe’s second longest river, running for 1,785 miles (2,872 kilometers) from the Black Forest region in Germany to the Black Sea on the east coast of Romania. In total, it passes through an incredible 10 countries and four capital cities. Multi-day cruises to and from Budapest are a popular choice, particularly in the summer and holiday seasons, with destinations such as Vienna and Salzburg in Austria, Passau and the Wachau Valley in Germany, and Bratislava in Slovakia.
Address: Hungary
Admission: Free
Tours & Activities (86)
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$40.93 USD
Budapest Danube River Cruise with Optional Dinner
- Experience the beautiful sights of Budapest on a 2 hour cruise along the Danube River. You’ll see famous landmarks such as the Chain Bridge, which connects the eastern and western sides of the city, as well as Buda Castle. On board you can enjoy Sparkling wine and wine, with the option of a traditional Hungarian dinner, served buffet-style. Live music will set the mood as you glide past the capital city’s stunning backdrop.
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$23.16 USD
Big Bus Budapest Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
- This Big Bus hop-on hop-off tour of Budapest is one of the easiest ways to get around the city while you’re travelling. Book your 24-, 48-, or 72-hour ticket, and explore at your own pace. The route stops at many key areas of Budapest, including Heroes’ Square, the Hungarian Parliament Building, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Hungarian State Opera House. Plus, this bus tour offers free onboard Wi-Fi and recorded commentary about Budapest's sights in 23 languages.
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$74.38 USD
Danube Bend Day Trip from Budapest
- Discover the dreamy landscapes of the Danube Bend, the most scenic stretch of the Danube River, on this full-day tour from Budapest. Escape the capital for a scenic drive through the countryside, stopping in Visegrad, admire the neoclassical cathedral of Esztergom from outside and browse the handicrafts shops of Szentendre. After tucking into a delicious 3-course lunch (included), hop aboard for a romantic cruise along the Danube River and sail back to the capital by boat.
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$22.22 USD
Budapest Danube River Evening Cruise
- View Budapest’s floodlit landmarks by boat on a 60-minute River Danube evening cruise. Settle on the glass-enclosed Duna Legend vessel, and admire the cityscapes as you cruise by the UNESCO-listed riverbanks, glass in hand. Admire the Hungarian Parliament and Buda Castle district twinkling with lights, and sail under the illuminated Chain Bridge and other bridges. Your choice of a Champagne, wine, beer, soda, or mineral water, WiFi, and onboard film and commentary included.
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$32.74 USD
Budapest Sightseeing Tour by Land and Water
- See the best of Budapest by land and by water on a 1 hour 30 - 40 minute floating bus tour. You’ll begin on the capital city’s streets, snapping photos of top attractions as you drive past St. Stephen’s Basilica, Buda Castle and the Grand Synagogue. Then take a splash into the Danube, as your amphibious coach continues the tour along the river, passing landmarks such as Parliament, Chain Bridge and more.
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$53.79 USD
Budapest Wine Tasting Cruise
- Sip and sightsee along the Danube on this 2 hour evening cruise in Budapest. You’ll be offered seven different organic wines to sample from popular Hungarian wineries like Tier Tokaj or Szajki. Admire the stunning views of Buda Castle, the Parliament House and the Citadel while you wine taste. Additional drinks are available for purchase onboard as the evening continues along Budapest’s sparkling panorama.
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$36.84 USD
Danube River Lunch Cruise
- Take in the beautiful Budapest panorama on a 90-minute river cruise along the Danube River. Your ticket includes a glass of Sparkling wine and wine or beer to sip on while you admire the view, as well as the choice of a buffet lunch with traditional Hungarian dishes and treats. Snap photos of the Chain Bridge, Gellért Hill and more as you experience why this city’s landscape was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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$19.88 USD
Danube River Party Cruise with Optional Pub Crawl from Budapest
- Cruise down the Danube on this Budapest river party. During the 1.5-hour cruise, enjoy drinks, meet other travelers, dance to the music and admire views of the city from the water. One welcome drink is included, and you can purchase others from the onboard bar. When booking, you have the option to add on a Budapest pub crawl before the cruise for more nighttime fun.
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$29.24 USD
Budapest Cocktail and Beer Cruise
- Toast the fabulous view on a 1 hour 30 minute cocktail cruise along the Danube River in Budapest. See sights like the Buda Castle, Gellért Hill and Fisherman’s Bastion from the boat’s upper deck while enjoying either three beers or two cocktails. You’ll pass the impressive Parliament along the way, along with other UNESCO World Heritage sites. There will plenty of terrific opportunities for photos, as well as seasonal drinks like mulled wine during winter months.
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$72.51 USD
Parliament Tour and Dinner & Cruise with live music
- The most notable icon of Budapest invites you for a must-have sightseeing event. Explore the Hungarian Parliament Building during the day before embarking on a fabulous Live Music Dinner Cruise through the illuminated River Danube! Have an unforgettable day in Budapest! Enjoy a delicious day in Budapest with stunning sights, amazing places and lingering tastes!
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$72.51 USD
Christmas Eve Danube River Dinner Cruise
- Celebrate Christmas Eve in style this year during a 2-hour Budapest cruise on the fabulous 'MS Europa'. Beneath the evening sky, you’ll sail on the Danube River, and see Budapest’s landmarks festively illuminated. Feast on a gourmet 4-course buffet dinner, featuring Hungarian classics such as stuffed cabbage, pork ribs, and dumplings, and listen to live gypsy music performed by the Hungarian Folk Orchestra. Three drinks are also included on this cruise.
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$52.63 USD
Budapest Combo: Private Entrance to Szechenyi Spa plus Lunch Cruise
- Experience two of Budapest top activities with this great-value combo. Enjoy skip-the-line access to the Széchenyi Spa to soak in the warm waters of its indoor and outdoor pools. Plus, enjoy an afternoon lunch or cocktail cruise on the Danube either before or after your baths’ visit — the choice is yours. Savor a 3-course buffet on the lunch cruise, or choose the cocktail cruise and sip two cocktails as you admire Budapest’s riversides.
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$65.49 USD
Danube Bend Tour from Budapest
- Visit the Danube Bend towns of Esztergom, Visegrád, and Szentendre on a day trip from Budapest. Trace the ‘Blue Danube’ northward and dip into these three historical towns in turn. Tour Esztergom Basilica, experience bird’s-eye Danube Valley views from the hill of Visegrád citadel, and discover the cobbled lanes, baroque houses, and museums of Szentendre. Includes air-conditioned transport, central hotel pickup, and between May and September, a boat ride from Szentendre to Budapest.
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$39.99 USD
3-Hour Private Budapest Photography Tour
- Find and capture the real character of Budapest in ways difficult to achieve by yourself on this private photography tour. With your camera and a professional photographer, seek out the places and scenes that encapsulate the city, including many that travelers overlook. Learn how to best capture your discoveries and get tips on honing your skills that you’d miss by yourself. Plus, choose a start time to suit your schedule.
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$38.59 USD
Budapest Late-Night Dinner Cruise on the Danube
- Enjoy an evening meal or late-night drinks on this 90-minute Danube River cruise in Budapest. You’ll have a front row seat to admire the UNESCO World Heritage Budapest panorama while sipping Sparkling wine or wine. A riverside dinner will also be available if you choose, served buffet-style with traditional Hungarian dishes and treats and enjoy a live salon music entertainment by three members of the renowned Hungaria Folk Orchestra.
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$33.91 USD
Parliament Tour and Drink & Cruise at 2pm
- Experience both the Parliament Building and the Danube River on a two and a half hour sightseeing tour. Begin with a one hour tour in one of Budapest’s most iconic attractions in the language of your choosing. Afterwards, sip on two glasses of complimentary wine as you cruise along the Danube at a leisurely pace. As a bonus, you’ll enjoy free entry to two historical ships.
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$46.78 USD
Budapest Night Stroll and Boat Cruise
- See the best of Budapest by foot and by boat on this comprehensive 3-hour evening tour. Stroll through the city streets on a walking tour with your guide before boarding a 1-hour cruise along the Danube River. You’ll pass landmarks like the Chain Bridge and Gellért Spa, and see the Buda Castle aglow at night. This tour is limited to 15 people to keep the experience as intimate as it is unique.
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$45.61 USD
Moonlight Cocktail Cruise on the Danube
- Savor cocktails as you view Budapest’s city lights on this 1.5-hour late-evening River Danube cruise. Settle aboard a spacious boat and enjoy two cocktails and live folk music as you glide along the starlit river. Admire the floodlit Parliament building and twinkling Castle District from the open or interior deck, and sail under the famous Chain Bridge, and other bridges. Your cruise includes two large cocktails and optional hotel transfers (additional cost).
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$53.56 USD
Szentendre Half Day Sightseeing Trip from Budapest
- Visit the charming town of Szentendre on a 4- to 5-hour guided tour. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Budapest and transported to this scenic town on the Danube Bend, just a short trip from the capital city. Wander through town, shop and peruse the myriad museums and galleries. Then pause for a coffee at a museum before concluding your sightseeing. Depending on the season, you’ll return to Budapest either by boat along the Danube or by bus.
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$53.79 USD
Budapest City Tour with Danube River Sightseeing Cruise Ticket
- Explore Budapest’s top sites on a 4-hour sightseeing tour and river cruise. First, venture out with your guide through the city streets to see Gellért Hill, Dohány Street Synagogue and the Széchenyi Baths. Then head to the water to board a 1-hour cruise along the Danube River. Enjoy a complimentary soda while you look out at the city’s iconic panorama, gliding past the Royal Castle, the Hungarian Parliament Building and more. This tour is a perfect way to see all of the capital city’s famous landmarks both by land and water.
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$44.44 USD
Szentendre Artists' Village from Budapest
- Explore the baroque Artists’ Village of Szentendre on a 4-hour tour from Budapest. Travel to this cobbled town near the Danube Bend, and enjoy a guided stroll to admire its historical lanes and architecture. On route, sample fried Hungarian ‘langos’ flat bread and learn about the town’s history. Plus, enjoy free time to shop and stroll around Szentendre’s museums. Includes air-conditioned bus transport and in summer (May to September), a return boat ride to Budapest.
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$49.12 USD
2-Hour Evening Craft Beer Tasting Cruise in Budapest
- Get an introduction to the emerging Hungarian craft brewing scene on this 2-hour cruise in Budapest. Travel up the Danube River, under all six of Budapest's main bridges, while sipping samples of the country's best artisan beers and listening to live music. All tastings included.
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$46.78 USD
Budapest City Tour with Danube Cruise
- Get to know Budapest by land and water on this 4-hour city and river cruise sightseeing tour. Enjoy a 3-hour panoramic drive around Budapest’s top sights, seeing Heroes’ Square, the City Park, and other highlights, and taking a walking tour around the Budapest Castle District. Finish with a 1-hour sightseeing cruise on the River Danube, sailing by landmarks such as the Chain Bridge and Parliament with a drink in hand. Morning and afternoon departure available.
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$92.39 USD
Budapest Supersaver: City Walking Tour and Danube River Dinner Cruise
- Maximize your time in Hungary’s captivating capital with a Budapest Super Saver — a combination of two top-selling tours at a discounted price. First, admire UNESCO-listed sites such as Heroes’ Square (Hosok tere) and Budapest City Park (Varosliget) on a 3-hour walking tour. Then, when evening falls, you’ll embark on a 2-hour cruise on the Danube River. While listening to live music, you’ll glide past iconic landmarks such as Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lanchid) while enjoying wine, Champagne and a delicious Hungarian meal.
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