Sightseeing Cruises

Budapest Danube River Sightseeing Cruise

Name: Budapest Danube River Sightseeing Cruise
Start: 2025-09-17T19:00:00
End: 2025-09-17T20:00:00
Location: Budapest

Cruise ship on the Danube River with Budapest Parliament in the background.

Cruise ship on the Danube River at sunset with Budapest skyline in the background.

Nighttime cruise on the Danube River by the illuminated Hungarian Parliament in Budapest.

Danube River cruise passing Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church in Budapest.

Duration

1 hr

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Audio guide

Enhance your experience with multilingual audio guide

4.2/5

(2,972)

Andrea

Aug 2025

Verified booking

4/5

A truly atmospheric and relaxing experience: the cruise allows one to see many of the city's major points of interest, which are even more fascinating in the evening, illuminated. The boat was clean and the staff friendly and helpful. Only advice: it pays to arrive early, because the turnout is high and you may end up at the back of the line, with the possibility of having to sit inside instead of on the outside deck. Attention must also be paid to some sneaky people trying to jump the queue. The audio guide app, which is useful for following explanations during the tour, would need some improvement. Overall, however, it is a wonderful experience that I recommend to anyone visiting Budapest.

Jason

Jul 2025

Verified booking

5/5

The spa baths were great but the river sightseeing cruise was awful. Don't know how to change the star rating! Staff on the boat were rude, there were not enough seats and it was covered. We spent the whole journey trying to see through gaps in the side of the boat, then got moved downstairs by a rude crew member and spent the rest of the journey trying to see through misted windows in sauna like conditions. Just awful. Avoid the river cruise. There are loads to choose from when you are there and much nicer looking boats. The baths were great though.

Christine

Sep 2025

Verified booking

4/5

We particularly liked the audio guide, which had to be downloaded as an app. This plays the relevant sequences according to GPS localization. Unfortunately, there was no indication at the beginning, only in the e-mail, so that 95% of the guests apparently did not use it. It was also a shame that the guests who had a welcome drink were allowed onto the boat first, although some of them arrived much later. This meant that all the seats at the top of the boat were already occupied. But in itself recommendable 😊

Enjoy a 1-hour Danube cruise with audio guide and an optional drink, perfect for seeing Budapest’s landmarks from a scenic, relaxing setting.

Cruise past the Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and Chain Bridge while learning their stories through a multilingual audio guide.

Admire panoramic views of Gellért Hill and Fisherman’s Bastion from the water, capturing Budapest’s skyline in daylight or by night.

Choose a night-time cruise for a magical view of the city’s lights or a daytime ride with a complimentary drink for a refreshing journey.

1-hour daytime or evening sightseeing cruise

Complimentary audio guide in English, German, Hungarian, Italian, French, Spanish, Slovak, Russian & Korean

1-hour night-time sightseeing cruise (as per option selected)

1 drink (as per option selected)

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

4.2
2,972 ratings
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from Spain, Italy, France and over 10 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Denis
Aug 2025
Verified booking
5/5
The Budapest Danube River nighttime cruise was an unforgettable experience. The city looked absolutely magical with all the famous landmarks beautifully illuminated, especially the Parliament building and Buda Castle. The atmosphere on board was relaxed and enjoyable, and the staff were very friendly and welcoming. Cruising under the bridges while seeing the reflections of the lights on the water was truly breathtaking. It’s a must-do activity in Budapest and a perfect way to enjoy the city’s charm at night.
Viero
Aug 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Excellent experience the one made with Legend Cruises;we waited for boarding at the pier in a structure moored on the river,sheltered from the Sun and with sofas and cold water disponibilie(outside temperature was 35C). Modern motorship,on two levels,open on the sides and sheltered.Excellent drink of choice,very useful audio guide to support the monuments and buildings touched by the navigation.Possibility to disembark at Margaret Island and be picked up on one of the subsequent cruises(we had already been to the island,saw two couples boarding again,though). On the return,another non-alcoholic drink offered. The sailing is quiet with photo opportunities,cruise lasted about 80 minutes. Young and helpful staff. Cost of 20 euros per persina absolutely adequate,also for the pre-cruise reception(other companies do not have facilities like this,you stay exposed to the Sun or the weather,if it's okay under a gazebo)
Arsenio
Aug 2025
Verified booking
5/5
I liked a lot to get the cruise at the sunset because it was possibile to take special photographs of the most important buildings in Budapest: the Parliament, Fisherman's Bastion etc. I felt a great emotion visiting the museum of the memory inside the Synagogue.
Rosario
Aug 2025
Verified booking
5/5
The boat ride was one of the highlights of my visit to Budapest. Seeing all the sights lit up was a continuous spectacle. The boat staff extraordinarily kind and friendly. The only negative note was the people who would get up from their seats and stand in front of the railing, occluding the view of those behind them. Otherwise everything was perfect.
Sava
Aug 2025
Verified booking
5/5
The cruise, the sightseeing, the Parliament is stunning. Men outside, on the dock, very rude and unpolite. Bad experience with them.

Cruise Along the Danube

Marvel at the wonderful sights of Budapest on the Danube as you enjoy this 1-hour cruise. See the hidden nature of the riverbanks from this sightseeing cruise that one can only see from the water. Bridges over the River Danube were built in many rounds. Take in the fascinating architecture of the Chain Bridge and the Margaret Bridge. Passing by Margaret Island will allow you to see locals walking and jogging on this calm and relaxing favorite getaway within the city.

Sail Past Famous Bridges

The evening sightseeing cruise will continue under two famous bridges, including the Chain Bridge with illuminated guardian lions on either street side. See the beauty of the Buda castle, the residence of Hungarian Kings, and the opulence of the Matthias Church, characterized by its neo-Gothic style. On the Buda side of the river, you can see the statue of Szent Gellért after whom the hill was named. On top of the hill, you will see the beautiful Hungarian woman, Citadella, standing proud with her arms open. Imagine these sights in the soft glow of the lights at night.

Itinerary

Main Budapest attractions covered:

Chain Bridge

Bronze Shoes Memorial

Parliament

Margaret Island

Fisherman’s Bastion

Buda Castle

Castle Garden Bazaar

Elizabeth Bridge

Gellért Hill

National Theatre

Central Market Hall

What to bring

Don’t forget your trusty earphones for an immersive audio guide experience.

Dress warmly in winter months and carry a jacket or layers during evenings, even in summer.

What's not allowed

Outside food and beverages are not permitted onboard.

Unfortunately, self-balancing wheelchairs or scooters cannot be accommodated due to safety considerations.

Accessibility

The experience is not wheelchair or stroller-accessible. Guests must walk a short flight of steps leading to the cruise.

Your guide dogs are welcome on the ship.

Additional information

Children aged 17 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.

The boarding point depends on the type of cruise you choose.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the boarding point.

Please arrive at the boarding point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Boarding point

Please check your final voucher for the boarding point details and specific instructions.