Budapest Attractions
Experience the magic of the night as you glide along the Danube River, with Budapest’s sparkling skyline reflecting on the water.
A night cruise offers the perfect way to enjoy delicious Hungarian cuisine, live music, and cultural entertainment. With options ranging from elegant dinner cruises to lively music events and boat parties.
This guide breaks down Budapest’s best Danube night cruises, highlighting their unique features, menus, and entertainment to help you find the perfect cruise for your evening.
Table of Contents
What to expect on Night Cruises
Related Reads
Things to know before booking your cruise
E-tickets are emailed after booking, and no printing is needed.
Just show it on your mobile device to board. You can cancel these tickets before 24 hours for a full refund.
Guests can enter 30 minutes before departure and must arrive at the dock at least 15 minutes before the cruise starts.
These night cruises over the Danube start around 7 pm and continue until midnight.
Budapest nighttime budget cruise with drink bar
This affordable 1-hour sightseeing cruise is ideal for large groups and student groups looking for a budget-friendly way to explore Budapest. It departs from Buda Castle Dock and offers a scenic ride on the Danube.
Timings: The cruise is available at different times: 4 pm, 5.30 pm, 7 pm, and 8.30 pm. The price varies depending on the time and day of the week.
Route: Sail beneath Budapest’s iconic bridges: the Chain Bridge with its majestic lions, the Elizabeth Bridge, and the Liberty Bridge, which connects the Central Market Hall with the Gellért Spa, and take in the beauty of the riverside promenade and admire the city’s most breathtaking sights.
Audio guide: The audio guide is available in multiple languages and can be downloaded to your smartphone.
Drinks: Drinks and snacks are available for purchase at the ship’s bar. Purchase a cold beer in the summer or warm tea in the winter months.
Meeting point: The departure and arrival point is Batthyany Square on the Buda side. Get Directions
Cost of cruise
Adult (4+ years): €10 to €15
Infant (below 3 years): Free entry
Note: You will not be allowed to board if you are intoxicated upon arrival.
More drinks, more fun! Join a Danube Prosecco cruise
One-hour sightseeing cruise at night
Experience a one-hour sightseeing cruise on the Danube River that runs every night from Monday to Sunday throughout the year.
This scenic night cruise offers a short yet unforgettable way to admire Budapest’s illuminated skyline.
Timings: This cruise has different time slots to choose: 8.15 pm, 8.20 pm, 8.40 pm, 9.30 pm, 9.40 pm, 10 pm.
Route: This after-sunset Danube cruise takes you past some of Budapest’s most famous riverside landmarks, such as 18th-19th century historic bridges, churches, the Parliament Building, and Buda Castle on the hill glowing beautifully at night.
Audio Guide: An audio guide in 30 languages provides historical insights and fun facts about the famous sights along the Danube River.
Drinks: The cruise includes one complimentary drink. You have options to choose:
- BB semi-dry sparkling wine
- Hilltop Irsai Oliver (white wine)
- Hilltop Merlot (red wine)
- Bernard draft beer
- Pepsi soft drinks
- Mineral water
The Boat: Enjoy the views from an open-air terrace, which is available in good weather. On colder nights, the terrace remains closed.
Meeting point: The cruise departs from Dock 7 on Vigadó Square, just a 5-minute walk from the city center. Look for Legenda Cruises by the Danube River. The cruise starts and ends at the same location. Get Directions
Cost of cruise
Adult (15+ years): €25
Youth (10 to 14 years): €18
Child (below 10 years): Free entry
Want to party? Danube boat party is the perfect choice!
Danube night cruise with cocktail
Hop on the Danube Night Cocktail Cruise for an unforgettable evening in Budapest! This 2-hour experience (with 90 minutes of cruising) offers breathtaking views, delicious cocktails, and live Gypsy music—all while sailing past the city’s most iconic sites.
Timings: The cruise operates daily from 7 pm to 9 pm. Guests can board the boat from 6.30 pm.
Route: The cruise showcases UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Buda Castle, the Gellért Bath, Mt. Gellért with its Freedom Monument and the Citadella, and the Fisherman’s Bastion. On the opposite bank, you can marvel at iconic buildings such as the House of Parliament and St. Stephen’s Basilica.
Live music: Enjoy live Gypsy music featuring the cimbalom, a unique Hungarian instrument, on this night cruise in the Danube. The performance blends string instruments to create an unforgettable harmony and atmosphere on board.
Drinks: The cruise includes a welcome drink and two cocktails or three beers. For non-alcoholic options, guests can choose from soft drinks, juices, and mineral water. Additional drinks and snacks, such as nachos or strudel, are available for purchase at the ship’s bar.
The boat: The boats are air-conditioned for comfort on warmer days and have an open-air deck for panoramic views while enjoying your cocktails.
Meeting point: The cruise departs from Gróf Széchenyi Ship, near the Chain Bridge. Get Directions
Cost of cruise
Adult (7 to 64 years): €37
Student (with ID): €35
Senior (65+ years): €35
Infant (below 6 years): Free entry
This cruise offers multiple options, and you must select the cruise with cocktails.
Book This CruiseCruise with Booze: Hop on a Danube cruise with unlimited drinks of your choice!
Hungarian cruise with dinner & live music
Enjoy a Hungarian dinner with drinks while cruising the Danube River. Take in Budapest’s beautiful night views from the comfortable boat and enjoy live music by the Rajko Gypsy Band for an authentic Hungarian experience.
If you’re looking for a great evening with live music, delicious food, and stunning views, this cruise is perfect for you! Book now for an unforgettable night on the Danube!
Timings: The cruise runs from 7 pm to 9 pm, with 90 minutes of cruising as part of the 2-hour Danube experience.
Route: The cruise glides under Budapest’s iconic bridges, offering spectacular views of riverside landmarks such as Gresham Palace, the Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle Hill, the Art Nouveau Gellért Baths, and more. The journey extends from Margaret Island to Rákóczi Bridge in the south before returning to the Chain Bridge.
Live Music & Entertainment: The cruise features live salon music performed by a Gypsy Trio Band, setting the perfect mood for your evening cruise. The talented musicians from the famous Rajko Orchestra play beautiful tunes and sometimes even take special requests to make your night extra special.
Dinner: Enjoy a self-served Hungarian dinner with Alföld-style Goulash Soup, Beef Paprikash with Homemade Dumplings, and a selection of Hungarian Strudels for dessert. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free meals are available upon request at least 4 days in advance, with an additional charge of 30 Euros.
Drinks: This cruise includes a welcome drink, one drink of your choice (beer, wine, or soft drink), and bottled water. Additional drinks are available for purchase.
The boat: Cruise on Nostalgia Boats with an Open Deck, offering air-conditioning in summer and heating in winter for year-round comfort. After dinner, step onto the open deck for stunning city views. The Attila Boat holds 140 guests, while the Count Széchenyi Boat accommodates 360 guests, making it perfect for both intimate and large gatherings.
Meeting point: Look for Attila or Széchenyi boat near the Chain Bridge behind Gresham Palace. Get Directions
Cost of cruise
Adult (13 to 64 years): €69
Student (with ID): €67
Senior (65+ years): €67
Child (6 to 12 years): €50
Infant (below 6 years): Free entry
Note: For a more premium experience, you can opt for a 12-course buffet dinner at a higher cost.
Book This CruiseRecommended
Danube boat party cruise with music & drinks
This 2.5-hour party cruise on the Danube is the ultimate way to experience Budapest’s vibrant nightlife. Dance to high-energy music with a live DJ and take in the stunning night views of Budapest from the water.
Each boat has a professional photographer to capture your memories.
The cruise includes an optional afterparty at the nightclub, with a party bus transfer for a smooth night out.
Timings: The River Party takes place on Fridays and Saturdays. Doors open at 9.15 pm, and the boat leaves the pier at 9.30 pm.
Route: Sail along the Danube River between Margit Bridge and Lágymányosi Bridge, taking in beautiful views of Buda Castle, the Hungarian Parliament, and Gellért Hill. The boat docks near Elizabeth Bridge around midnight, making it the perfect way to enjoy Budapest’s illuminated night sky.
Live music: The boat party comes alive with a live DJ and a mix of dance, house, and 90s/2000s hits, creating the perfect party atmosphere on the Danube River.
Drinks: Guests can purchase drinks at the bar or opt for an unlimited drink package. Drink Package includes 3 premium drinks and 2 premium shots (excludes Grey Goose and Tubi). Unlimited Drinks Option includes beer, wine, sparkling wine, and long drinks (vodka, rum, gin, whisky + mixer) on the boat only (not valid at the afterparty).
Meeting Point: Next to the Chain Bridge, meet at Budapest, Id. Antall József rkp., 1051 Hungary. Get Directions
Cost of cruise (18+ years)
No drinks: €28
With sparkling wine: €38
With drink package: €49
With unlimited drinks: €58
Note: The minimum age to attend is 18. The price varies according to the drinking options you choose.
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