Boat Tours in Budapest

Known as the “Heart of Europe", Budapest is home to a myriad of fascinating monuments and landmarks, from wartime memorials to opulent castles, and Gothic churches. With so many spectacular attractions to see, many visitors simply can’t decide which sites to visit in their limited vacation time.

Boat tours in Budapest provide you with a speedy introduction to the city, passing by a number of its most exciting buildings. Whether you’re simply seeking a sightseeing experience or are looking for a more special evening to commemorate your trip, there is an excursion to suit you.

Here's all you need to know about boat tours, one of the most exciting outdoor activities in Budapest.

What are the most popular boat tours in Budapest?

Danube dinner cruise in Budapest

Treat your loved ones to an evening of dinner and dancing on this cruise.

After boarding your vessel, you'll embark on a whirlwind tour of the Danube — the second-longest river in Europe. As you glide leisurely along the calm surface of the water, you'll have the opportunity to see the city's most iconic landmarks sparkling under thousands of twinkling lights, including Széchenyi Chain Bridge, Gresham Palace and Buda Castle.

Alongside sightseeing, you'll also enjoy a six-course meal featuring some of the finest Hungarian delicacies, served alongside local alcoholic beverages, which include wine, as well as Staropramen and Borsodi beers. The menu features dishes such as Hungarian goulash — a paprika-spiced stew — as well as beetroot risotto and tapioca pudding. If you prefer soft drinks to alcoholic tipples, you'll be well catered for and those who follow a vegetarian diet will also be provided for.

As you dine, listen to the folky beat of traditional Hungarian music, performed by a group of live musicians. Once you've put down your knife and fork, you can let loose, dancing the night away surrounded by the beauty of the city.

Danube party cruise in Budapest

Those who prefer a more relaxed scene can hop aboard a party boat to enjoy pizza and beer.

Suitable only for adults, this boat tour in Budapest departs for a sightseeing experience along the Danube River. As you sail along, you'll be blessed with unbeatable views of the city's hilltop castle, as well as a host of other impressive buildings. You'll choose between a selection of mouthwatering pizzas, including one topped with Hungarian sausage, and wash it down with local brews.

Craft beer cruise in Budapest

Those who are interested in exploring Hungary's alcoholic tipples can indulge in a beer tasting experience in Budapest.

After a convenient hotel pickup, you'll transfer to your vessel and embark on your beer tasting adventure. You'll sample five different beverages, all of which have their own unique notes and flavors, and you'll learn about each one from a professional. You'll try light lagers, malty porters, fruit-infused concoctions and everything in between. Then, once you've sampled this handful of local brews, you'll select your favorite and head onto the deck with a pint in hand to soak in the city views as the wind whips through your hair.

Hop-on hop-off bus tour with boat cruise in Budapest

Discover more of the European destination by purchasing these combination tickets for a city tour in Budapest.

Hop-on hop-off bus excursions that also enable you to participate in a cruise are flexible and offer you the option to choose between 1,2 or 3-day passes. For the period you select, you'll have unlimited use of the hop-on hop-off service, which runs every 20 to 30 minutes and covers 20 stops. You can disembark at the Soviet Memorial to learn the brutal history of the Siege of Budapest.

Alternatively, discover the Lajos Batthyányi Eternal Flame, located on the site where the first prime minister of Hungary was executed for his leadership role in the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Another stop on the route is the Ronald Reagan Statue, dedicated to the U.S. president for his role in ending the Cold War, which divided the Soviet Union and the U.S. for over 40 years in the 20th century.

Those who are interested in religion can see the city's oldest Lutheran church, which was heavily bombed during WWII while those who are gripped by history can explore the Hungarian Jewish Museum. If you're seeking an afternoon of relaxation, depart your hop-on hop-off bus in Budapest to soak in the thermal waters of Széchenyi Baths.

Once you've roamed the city via double-decker, take to the water to catch a glimpse of the main attractions from a different angle, including the Hungarian Parliament and Széchenyi Chain Bridge. You'll also gain access to a guided walking tour, which will help you to make the most of your time in Budapest.

How much do boat tours in Budapest cost?

Boat tours in Budapest vary significantly in price, depending on the type of experience you wish to have.

A beer and pizza party cruise along the Danube River costs just over €30 per person, and is suitable for those aged 18 and over only.

If you choose to book a combination boat cruise and hop-on hop-off tour in Budapest, you'll pay just over €30 each for a 1-day pass. Increasing the duration to 2 days costs a little under €40 each while a 3-day ticket is the best value for money, costing just over €40 per person. Children between 5 and 15 qualify for a reduction of 10% on this fare.

Another option is a beer tasting cruise in Budapest, which costs a little over €70 per person and includes pickup from your accommodation. If you wish to also be dropped back to your hotel, you'll pay just under €80 each. While these excursions are primarily aimed at adults, children can join in, however, they will, of course, not be served alcohol. Those aged 6 and over will pay the same rate as adults while those under 6 incur no additional charge. The tour price includes an audio guide available in 16 languages, as well as a walking tour and free WiFi on board.

A dinner cruise on the Danube River costs between €80 and €90 per person, however, you can upgrade this excursion in several ways. If you choose a window seat to enjoy the city views at their best, you'll pay just over €100 each, while those who wish to enjoy unlimited beverages pay approximately €110 per person. Alternatively, book both a window seat and unlimited beverages for €130 per head. Children between the ages of 4 and 10 years qualify for a small reduction of less than €5 while those under 4 can participate for free.

Which places are seen?

Danube River

The Danube River measures over 2,800 kilometers and originates in Germany. It flows through 10 European countries on its way to Romania where it meets the Black Sea. The river is the second-longest on the continent, behind the Volga, which stretches across Russia and spans more than 3,500 kilometers.

The other countries that the Danube weaves through include Austria, Slovakia, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Moldova, Ukraine and, of course, Hungary. Connecting these great nations, the Danube also meanders through several dazzling cities, including Budapest, as well as Vienna, Bratislava and Belgrade.

The river is crossed by several bridges in Budapest, including Széchenyi Chain Bridge, which was constructed in the middle of the 19th century. Many attractions line the banks of the Danube in the city, such as the Renaissance masterpiece of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, as well as Gresham Palace, built by the British in the early 20th century.

You can also see the Buda Castle from your boat tour of the river, which once served as a royal residence and houses a labyrinth of mazes under its grand halls. Another landmark visible from the river is Matthias Church, which held the crowning ceremony of King Matthias I in 1458 when the royal was just 14 years old.

How long does a boat trip last?

Boat tours in Budapest typically last between 1 and 2 hours, which gives you plenty of time to explore a wealth of monuments from the river, and get a feel for the city. However, those looking for a longer excursion can opt for a dinner cruise or alternatively, a combination experience that includes a hop-on hop-off bus pass. On the other hand, those with a limited itinerary should choose a party cruise or beer tasting experience, both of which last between 1 and 1.5 hours.

Where do boat tours leave from?

Some Budapest cruises include a complimentary accommodation pickup service. You'll simply select your hotel from a drop-down menu upon booking and, on the day of your excursion, wait in the lobby for collection by a friendly guide at a predetermined time.

The majority of boat tours in Budapest don't include this service, however. Instead, you'll be asked to meet your guide at an easy-to-reach spot in the city nearby the Danube River, such as the Belgrad Rakpart Port. Budapest is home to a myriad of public transportation options and you'll be informed of the meeting point ahead of time so that you can plan your route.

Upon arrival, your guide will be wearing or holding an item that makes them easily recognizable.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

The majority of Budapest boat trips don't specify whether they are wheelchair-friendly on their booking page, which is why you should contact the provider directly to check whether or not your preferred excursion is suitable for your group. Alternatively, those with limited mobility can choose from a wide range of more accessible city tours in Budapest.

When is the best time for a boat trip in Budapest?

The best time for a boat trip in Budapest depends on your preferences. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds, while summer provides warm weather and a vibrant atmosphere. Winter boat trips can be magical but require warm clothing.

Which other water activities can be done in Budapest?

• Stand up paddleboarding
• Kayaking
• Canoeing
• Rafting

Travel tips

• Consider wearing comfortable clothing and layering up, especially in the spring and fall. Pack warm clothing and accessories for your winter boat trip.
• Time your cruise to coincide with sunset or nighttime to enjoy stunning views of Budapest's illuminated landmarks.
• During high season, especially for popular cruises and special events, it's a good idea to book boat tours in advance to secure a spot.