9 Best Boat Tours & Cruises In Vienna (With Reviews & Prices)

The 9 Best Boat Tours & Cruises in Vienna

Vienna isn’t just about grand palaces, historic streets, and classical music—its location along the Danube and its surrounding lakes make it a fantastic city for water-based experiences. Whether you’re after a peaceful cruise along the river, a day trip to nearby mountains with a boat ride, or an evening dinner on the water, Vienna offers a variety of options. We’ve sifted through the top tours to help you decide which water adventure best suits your style. For instance, if you’re craving a full-day escape, the Vienna: Hallstatt Day Trip with Boat Ride Option combines Alpine beauty with a serene boat cruise. Or, if you prefer a romantic evening, the 3-Course Evening Dinner Cruise delivers a perfect blend of Vienna’s illuminated skyline and fine dining. Whatever your interest, Vienna’s water tours promise memorable moments and great views.

Quick Overview

Our list covers a diverse range of water experiences in Vienna, including full-day excursions to Hallstatt and Wachau, short scenic cruises along the Danube, specialty dinner cruises, and city sightseeing trips with combo options like hop-on-hop-off buses and Ferris wheels. Many tours feature local guides, onboard meals, and unique features like boat rides on lakes or river cruises with live music. Whether you’re on a budget or looking for an indulgent experience, there’s something for all. Read on to find the perfect boat tour for your visit.

1. Vienna: Hallstatt Day Trip with Boat Ride Option

This full-day trip takes you from Vienna across Austria’s stunning Salzkammergut region. The highlight is the charming lakeside village of Hallstatt—famous for its postcard-perfect setting and UNESCO World Heritage status. The tour includes a scenic drive, with optional boat rides on Lake Hallstatt or breathtaking views from the Skywalk. You’ll also visit Schloss Ort’s wedding bridge and have free time to explore the town’s tiny streets. Perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a relaxing, picturesque escape, this tour offers spectacular alpine scenery and a chance to step into a fairy tale. Reviewers love the combination of mountain views, lakeside charm, and the option to boat across the lake. This is a great choice if you want an organized, hassle-free day with plenty of photo opportunities.

Bottom Line: A comprehensive day trip that balances scenic drives, cultural sights, and optional boat rides—ideal for those wanting a taste of Austria’s mountain lakes.

2. Vienna to Bratislava Tour by Bus and Boat

For around $108, this tour combines city sightseeing with a scenic river cruise. It starts with a guided walk through Bratislava’s old town, where your guide shares insights about the city’s history and architecture. After the tour, you have plenty of free time for lunch, shopping, or just relaxing. The cruise back to Vienna is aboard the Twin City Liner, a high-speed boat offering comfortable seating and great views. If you’re interested in a day trip that mixes urban exploration with a boat ride, this is a solid choice. Some reviews mention limited shopping time, but the highlight remains the stunning river landscapes and efficient logistics.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting both guided city exploration and a quick, high-speed boat ride along the Danube.

3. Vienna: 3-Course Evening Dinner Cruise

This evening cruise offers a romantic way to see Vienna lit up at night. For about $85, you’ll enjoy a 3-hour cruise with a 3-course meal served onboard. The boat glides along the Danube, offering excellent views of Vienna’s illuminated landmarks. The menu includes delicious local dishes, and the ambiance is perfect for couples or anyone celebrating a special occasion. Many reviewers remark on the beautiful scenery and high-quality food, making it a great value for a relaxed, intimate experience. The cruise combines gastronomy and sightseeing, providing a memorable way to wind down after a day of sightseeing.

Bottom Line: A romantic, food-focused cruise that combines beautiful city views with a cozy dinner atmosphere.

4. From Vienna: Dürnstein and Wachau Cruise

This day-long cruise takes you along the Danube through the Wachau Valley, known for its vineyards, castles, and quaint towns. The MS Kaiserin Elisabeth II ship offers relaxing views of the landscape, and the tour includes a stop in Dürnstein, where you can explore the medieval town on your own. The highlight is the scenic boat ride—a peaceful way to see the region without the hustle of driving. Although some reviews mention that the lunch could be better, most appreciate the beautiful scenery and smooth ride. This tour is best suited for those who want a slow-paced, scenic water experience with optional exploration.

Bottom Line: A relaxing cruise focusing on the Wachau region’s natural beauty, perfect for those who prefer scenery over sightseeing.

5. Vienna: Cruise and Schnitzel Tour

This combo offers a short 3.5-hour cruise with a delicious twist—authentic Wiener Schnitzel served onboard. It’s perfect for food lovers who want to combine a bit of sightseeing with local cuisine. The boat glides along Vienna’s waterways, giving you views of the city from the water, while the hearty schnitzel, served with parsley potatoes, satisfies your appetite. Some reviews highlight the excellent food and friendly staff, making this a good value for those wanting a relaxed, food-focused experience. It’s especially suited for travelers interested in local dishes and a shorter cruise.

Bottom Line: A tasty way to see Vienna from the water while enjoying a classic local meal.

6. Vienna: 3.5-Hour Grand Danube River Cruise

For around $51, this tour offers a leisurely 3.5-hour cruise along Vienna’s Danube and Danube Canal. The ship provides a relaxed environment with onboard Viennese delicacies. It’s perfect for those wanting a gentle introduction to Vienna’s river scenery without committing to a full-day trip. Reviewers enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff, and many find it a nice way to unwind in the afternoon. The cruise passes major landmarks and offers a different perspective on the city’s architecture.

Bottom Line: An easy, relaxing option for those short on time but eager to experience Vienna from the water.

7. Vienna: Heurigen Cruise with Viennese Songs and Buffet

This evening cruise combines live Viennese music with a buffet dinner onboard. For about $74, it’s a fun way to enjoy local tunes and cuisine as you cruise along the Danube. Reviewers mention the music and food as highlights, with many noting the authentic Viennese atmosphere. It’s suited for visitors wanting a cultural experience paired with the scenic views. The cruise offers a lively, relaxed environment perfect for an evening out.

Bottom Line: A lively, musical cruise with traditional Austrian food—great for an entertaining night on the water.

8. Vienna: Evening Cruise Along The Danube

This evening cruise offers a gentle way to see Vienna in the twilight hours, with sunset views over the Danube. For $51, you’ll enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and lovely scenery. Some reviews describe it as romantic but note that the route doesn’t feature major sights. Still, if you want a calm and scenic way to end your day, this cruise delivers on atmosphere and relaxation. It’s best suited for travelers seeking quiet reflection and beautiful evening views.

Bottom Line: Ideal for a relaxing, less sightseeing-focused cruise with a romantic sunset vibe.

9. Vienna: Hop-on Hop-off, Ferris Wheel, and River Cruise

This all-in-one combo is perfect for first-time visitors. For $102, you get a 24-hour hop-on-hop-off bus tour, a ride on the Riesenrad Ferris wheel, and a relaxing Danube river cruise. The bus tour covers major landmarks like Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, while the Ferris wheel gives you panoramic city views. The river cruise adds a peaceful water perspective. Reviewers love the convenience of combining multiple experiences—a great value for those wanting a rundown of Vienna’s highlights.

Bottom Line: A versatile option offering city, river, and skyline views—perfect for a full day of sightseeing.

How to Choose Your Water Adventure in Vienna

Picking the best boat tour depends on your interests, budget, and time available. If you want a dedicated full-day escape to Austria’s alpine lakes, the Hallstatt day trip is hard to beat. For a romantic evening, the dinner cruise offers excellent views and a cozy atmosphere. Budget travelers might prefer the Grand Danube Cruise, which provides a relaxed experience without breaking the bank.

Those interested in city sights and multiple experiences should consider the Hop-on Hop-off with Ferris Wheel and River Cruise for maximum coverage. If your focus is local culture and music, the Heurigen Cruise offers a lively, authentic experience.

Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons like summer or holidays. Also, check the specific duration, included meals, and departure times to find the perfect fit.

Final Thoughts

Vienna’s water tours cover just about every interest—from scenic day trips to romantic dinners and lively city explorations. Whether you prioritize breathtaking landscapes, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing on the water, Vienna has a water adventure for you. For nature lovers, the Hallstatt trip combines mountain views with a peaceful lake cruise. For those seeking a blend of city sights and leisure, the Hop-on Hop-off & Ferris Wheel** offers a complete overview.

Whatever your choice, these tours promise memorable moments and spectacular views—so don’t wait. Book early, pack your camera, and enjoy Vienna from the water.