Budapest’s location along the Danube River makes it a natural for boat tours and cruises. The city skyline, historic bridges, and illuminated landmarks offer an ideal backdrop for floating sightseeing. Whether you’re after a lively party atmosphere, a romantic dinner, or a relaxed daytime cruise, Budapest has options to suit every traveler. We especially love the Unlimited Prosecco, Beer and Aperol Spritz Cruise — it combines unbeatable views with endless drinks, making it a perfect way to experience Budapest’s night lights.
With more than a dozen options on this list, you’ll find cruises that focus on nighttime illumination, historic sights, dining, or special themes like parties or wine tastings. For example, the Nighttime or Daytime Sightseeing Cruise offers a flexible mix of sights, while the Candlelit Dinner River Cruise combines scenic views with a gourmet meal. Whatever your style, Budapest’s water-based tours are a highlight.
Quick Overview
Our list ranks the top 16 boat tours & cruises in Budapest, covering lively daytime and evening cruises, romantic dinners, party cruises, and specialty options. You’ll find highly-rated experiences like the luxurious Candlelit Dinner Cruise (rated 4.7/5), perfect for special occasions, and the fun Danube Beat Boat Party (rated 5/5), ideal for nightlife lovers. Some tours focus on illuminated landmarks—like the Parliament and Buda Castle—while others include live entertainment or drinks onboard. Explore the full list below to see which best fits your travel style.
1. Budapest: Unlimited Prosecco, Beer and Aperol Spritz Cruise
This 75-minute cruise offers what many travelers dream of—unlimited high-quality Prosecco, beer, and Aperol Spritz while soaking in Budapest’s nighttime skyline. The boat includes panoramic windows and an open-air terrace to maximize views of the illuminated Parliament, Buda Castle, and Chain Bridge. The friendly staff keep glasses topped up, and the reviews highlight the great value and relaxed atmosphere. Guests mention how sitting on the top deck offers the best photos and views. It’s perfect if you want a lively, drinks-filled cruise with spectacular city lights as your background. The audio guide helps identify landmarks as you sip away.
Bottom Line: Ideal for lively groups who want unlimited drinks with fantastic night-time views. Expect a fun, relaxed vibe with plenty of photo ops.
2. Budapest: City Highlights Sightseeing Cruise
For about $15 per person, this 1-hour cruise covers Budapest’s most iconic landmarks. It’s a classic sightseeing tour with a welcome drink included, offering stunning views of the illuminated skyline, including the Vigadó Concert Hall and Parliament. The bar onboard allows for purchasing extra drinks, making it flexible to customize your experience. The cruise takes you past Margaret Bridge, Gellért Hill, and the Buda Castle, giving a rundown of Budapest from the water. The reviews praise the smooth operation and excellent value, with many mentioning how the night views are breathtaking.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a short, scenic overview with a drink and plenty of chances for photos.
3. Budapest: 1-Hour Evening Sightseeing Cruise with Drink
This 1-hour cruise is a great way to see Budapest’s illuminated landmarks at sunset or night. Starting from the Legenda City Cruises dock, it passes by Chain Bridge, Parliament, Buda Castle, and other top sights. The audio guide, available in multiple languages, enhances the experience as you relax with a welcome drink of your choice. Reviewers mention how beautiful the views are, especially the Parliament, which looks stunning lit up at night. The cruise offers inside and open-air decks, so you can choose your perfect viewing spot.
Bottom Line: Ideal for a short, romantic evening with drinks and memorable views.
4. Budapest: Nighttime or Daytime Sightseeing Cruise
Whether you prefer daylight or evening, this 1-hour cruise provides great flexibility. It’s affordable at $14, with options to see Budapest’s famous bridges, Parliament, and Gellért Hill. The landmarks are beautifully lit up at night, and the boat’s large windows ensure you won’t miss a thing. Reviewers highlight value for money and the great photos of Parliament, especially when lit at night. The cruise’s relaxed pace makes it suitable for families and first-time visitors.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those on a budget wanting a scenic, accessible overview of Budapest’s top sights.
5. Budapest: Historic Cruise with Welcome Drink
This historic paddle steamer cruise combines stunning views with a touch of nostalgia. For $19, you get a 1-hour ride along the Danube, featuring sights like Gellért Baths and Buda Castle. With an online audio guide that you listen to on your own phone, it feels intimate and flexible. Reviewers love the relaxing atmosphere and beautiful panoramas, especially with the welcome drink setting the tone. The open deck allows close-up views of Budapest’s skyline, and the historical ambiance adds special charm.
Bottom Line: Best suited for history lovers who want a relaxing, authentic experience with good views and a soothing vibe.
6. Budapest: Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise
At $23 per person, this 70-minute cruise is perfect for daylight exploration of Budapest. It offers multilingual audio guides and free Wi-Fi onboard. Reviewers mention how smooth and comfortable the modern cruise is, with plenty of space and clear windows, making it easy to capture great photos. The cruise covers all the major sights and is excellent for those who want a more relaxed pace while sailing past the Parliament, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge.
Bottom Line: A great choice for travelers wanting a comfortable, informative daytime cruise with good value.
7. Budapest: By Night Sightseeing Cruise with Welcome Drink
Starting from downtown Budapest, this 50-minute cruise offers spectacular night views of the Parliament, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, and more. With a welcome drink included, it’s perfect for a short, romantic escape. The QR code audio guide helps you learn about the sights as they go by. Reviewers love the scenic views and how easy it is to access from the city center. The short duration makes it suitable for a quick evening activity.
Bottom Line: Ideal for romantics or first-time visitors wanting a brief but beautiful night view.
8. Budapest: Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music
This 2.5-hour experience combines gourmet dining with live entertainment. For $125, you enjoy a catered 4-course dinner on the Danube, with live music and scenic views of illuminated Budapest landmarks. The friendly staff and atmosphere make it a favorite for special occasions. Reviewers note how magical the evening feels, describing the delicious food, music, and views as unforgettable. The cruise glides under the illuminated bridges and past Buda Castle, making for a truly romantic and elegant experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for romantics willing to splurge for an unforgettable dinner with stunning vistas.
9. Budapest: Premium Sightseeing Cruise with Tokaj Frizzante
For $19, this 1-hour cruise offers a stylish experience with stunning views and a wide selection of cocktails. The online audio guide enhances the ride, with many reviewers praising the comfortable seating and beautiful decor. Passengers rave about the welcoming atmosphere and great value. Highlights include seeing the Parliament and Gellért Baths from the water, with the open deck providing excellent photo opportunities. The Tokaj Frizzante adds a local touch to the experience.
Bottom Line: An elegant option for those who want a refined, informative cruise with a touch of style.
10. Budapest: Evening Cruise including Drink Options
At $16 for 1.5 hours, this affordable evening cruise starts from the city center with views of Buda Castle, Parliament, and Fisherman’s Bastion. The open-air upper deck allows for great photo opportunities. Reviewers note the relaxed ambiance and the ability to enjoy your favorite drink while cruising. It’s a good choice if you want a low-cost, scenic evening without sacrificing views or comfort.
Bottom Line: Best for budget-conscious travelers seeking a relaxing, scenic night on the Danube.
11. Budapest: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Danube River Cruise
This multi-day combo offers bus and boat sightseeing for those who want to see Budapest from every angle. The bus tour covers major landmarks like the St. Stephen’s Basilica and Heroes’ Square, while the cruise provides stunning river views. Reviewers appreciate the flexibility and comprehensive coverage of the itinerary. It’s perfect if you prefer to explore at your own pace and combine land and water tours.
Bottom Line: Great for multi-day travelers wanting a flexible, all-in-one sightseeing experience.
12. Budapest: Evening Cruise and Dinner with Welcome Drink
This 2-hour romantic cruise features a delicious 4-course dinner and live entertainment. For $106, it’s an excellent way to combine dining and scenic views of Budapest’s lit-up skyline. Reviewers mention the delicious food, friendly staff, and memorable atmosphere. The cruise passes under illuminated bridges and along the Buda side, making it ideal for a special occasion.
Bottom Line: Perfect for couples seeking an elegant dinner cruise with live music.
13. Budapest: Prosecco Dinner Cruise with Live Music
This 2-hour cruise includes a 4-course dinner and live entertainment, with options for folklore dance or a piano performance. For prices available upon inquiry, it offers a delightful combination of good food, music, and spectacular views of Budapest. Reviewers praise the excellent food and entertainment, calling it an unforgettable experience. The cruise glides past Buda Castle, the Hungarian Parliament, and illuminated famous bridges.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a dinner cruise with live music and a lively, festive atmosphere.
14. Budapest: Sunset Cocktail Cruise
For $38, this 1-hour cruise offers a perfect sunset experience. Sip two cocktails while enjoying the glow of Budapest as the sun sets over the Danube. Reviewers mention how beautiful the sunset is, and the party playlist adds a fun vibe. It’s ideal if you want a short, scenic, and lively way to end a day. The upper deck provides excellent photo opportunities of Gellért Hill and the Buda Castle as the city lights start to twinkle.
Bottom Line: Best for romantics and partygoers who want an upbeat sunset experience.
15. Budapest: Danube Cruise with Hungarian Dinner and Live Music
This 1.5-hour cruise combines traditional Hungarian cuisine with live folk music. It’s perfect for those wanting a cultural experience combined with scenic river views. Reviewers enjoy the fabulous food and the fascinating performances, with many noting it as a highlight of their trip. The illuminated sights, including Fisherman’s Bastion and Gellért Hill, provide a magical setting.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers seeking authentic Hungarian food and lively entertainment onboard.
16. Danube Beat Boat Party Cruise Ticket
Up to 400 party animals gather on this 3-hour boat party with live DJ music and bottled water included. The largest weekly boat party in Budapest, it offers free party bus transfer to an after-party, making it a full-night adventure. Reviewers mention how amazing the party atmosphere and views of Budapest lit up at night make for a memorable experience. It’s best suited for night owls looking for a lively, energetic party on the water.
Bottom Line: For those who want a high-energy, social party with a chance to dance and enjoy Budapest by night.
How to Choose Your Perfect Budapest Boat Tour
Picking the right cruise depends on your budget, time, interests, and energy level. If you’re after a relaxed evening with great views and a drink, the Nighttime or Daytime Sightseeing Cruise offers excellent value. For a romantic dinner with live music, the Candlelit Dinner Cruise is a top pick. If partying is your goal, the Danube Beat Boat Party guarantees a lively night, while day cruisers might prefer the Daytime Sightseeing Cruise for its comfort and informative commentary.
Consider whether you want unlimited drinks (like on the Prosecco, Beer and Aperol Spritz Cruise) or a cultural experience with Hungarian cuisine (like the Danube Cruise with Hungarian Dinner). Also, check booking tips — many tours fill quickly during peak seasons, so early reservations are wise.
Final Thoughts
Budapest’s diverse water tours make it easy to tailor your experience. For a lively night out, the Unlimited Prosecco Cruise delivers drinks and views in one package. For a romantic dinner, the Candlelit Dinner Cruise combines exquisite food with skyline views. And if you’re after something more energetic, the Danube Beat Boat Party will keep you dancing.
No matter what you choose, booking early can ensure you secure a spot, especially during the busy season. With so many options, Budapest’s waterways are truly the best way to see and feel the city from a different perspective.